To our Early Childhood Program Families:
It’s May- and families enrolled in our early childhood programs are doing an exceptional job parenting as you maneuver the Covid-19 pandemic! The partnership examples between home and school are numerous, and an excellent model for your children as they experience how a community comes together in a supportive way, through both good times and challenging times.
While we have learned a great deal more about technology, the many benefits as well as some drawbacks, we are certainly anxious to reconnect in person with you and your child.
As we prepare to transition our services to ‘re-opening’ following Maine’s four stages outlined by Governor Mills in last week’s press conference, we remain focused on health and safety for children, families, and staff. Protocols to ensure health and safety are in the forefront of our thinking and in the developing framework. Those details are unfolding and will be reviewed together with parents and program staff, beginning with Phase 1 during the month of May.
We will begin to welcome back childcare children to Waterville’s Educare School and Skowhegan Early Head Start during the week of May 26th. Both sites are gearing up in cleaning and in stocking educational, safety, and health & nutrition supplies. Program Directors and our Health & Nutrition Manager are working with staff on various protocols for drop off, pick up, health screenings, group size, meal service, and more as we refer to guidance from the Center for Disease Control, the Office of Child & Family Services, the Department of Education, the Office of Head Start, and other regulatory experts.
We will continue to have several staff teleworking, including most of our office staff, home visiting staff and our preschool staff across our school district partnerships. The e-learning continues for children enrolled in part-day / part-year programs through the end of the typical school year. We are actively preparing for summer Head Start services in multiple locations! This will be an exciting opportunity for our ‘outgoing’ kindergarteners and children with special needs, continuing service for several weeks over the summer. More to come on this opportunity for an exciting, fun-packed summertime nature-based education – prepare children to be outdoors for much of the time! Schedules are currently in development and each site will provide input into their summer school design.
Stay tuned as your staff contact person keeps you updated, stay positive, and stay well.
We are doing a great job together! Please join me this week in thanking every one of our Educators in recognition of Teacher Appreciation Week! Thank you!
Tracye Fortin
KVCAP Child & Family Services Director
Educare Central Maine Executive Director