Capucine | COVID-19

In order to respect social distancing and reduce congestion, we will continue to meet families outside at the school entrance. Parents do not enter schools. We also require families to follow AHS screening protocols and confirm that their children have no symptoms upon their arrival. Hand sanitizer will be available at the entrance to the school as well as at the entrance to the rooms. The choice to wear a mask is optional for children/families. Educators will wear masks in common areas of the school.
It is essential to take your child’s temperature before bringing them to school. For reference, normal temperatures are:
- Mouth: 35.5-37.5°C (95.9-99.5°F)
- Underarm: 36.5-37.5°C (97.7-99.5°F)
- Ear (not recommended for children under 2 years): 35.8-38.0°C (96.4-100.4°F)
- Forehead: 36.6-38.0°C (97.9-100.4°F).

According to government regulations, we ensure that toys and surfaces are cleaned to the required standards before and after each class. We also incorporate hand washing into every transition of the day with friends. When possible, we eat, sing and play outside. Our class sizes are limited to 15 children.

We will limit the sharing of craft supplies and ensure a continuous cleaning of books/toys/puzzles to limit the spread of germs. We have increased personal space for children during our groups activities (circle / story time) by assigning a yoga mat to each child which can be easily cleaned between use.

In stage 3, masks are not required in classrooms. Our educators will have masks for when they are in close proximity with children or in public spaces in and around the schools. We leave the choice to wear a mask up to children and educators. All parents must wear a mask once they enter the school building. All persons entering the classroom who do not belong to the cohort must wear a mask at all times.

We no longer require parents to bring these documents signed and dated, into schools. Families must go through this document at home prior to coming and must also check the child’s temperature. This most recent document is only available in english – we have printed copies and placed them at the entrances of schools as well as emailed them to all parents.

If a child develops symptoms while at the facility, the child will be isolated in a separate room and the parent will be notified to come and pick up the child immediately. If a separate room is not available (i.e. at ENM), the child will be kept at least 2 meters away from other children. The lead educator will follow any additional protocols as detailed in the government’s “Guidance for Preschools” document.
We will keep records of childrens’ known pre-existing conditions. If a child develops symptoms that could be caused by either COVID-19 or by a known pre-existing condition (e.g. allergies), the child should be tested for COVID-19 to confirm that it is not the source of their symptoms before entering or returning to the program.

If a child / educator develops symptoms that could be caused by either COVID-19 or by a known pre-existing condition (e.g. allergies), they should be tested for COVID-19 to confirm that it is not the source of their symptoms before entering or returning to the program.
If two or more children are identified as having symptoms consistent with COVID-19, the preschool program should follow outbreak notification procedures as per routine zone protocols. Any program connected to a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19 will be required to close for a minimum of 72 hours to allow contact tracing, and then adhere to recommendations from Alberta Health Services.

No. Also, a child that has tested negative for COVID-19 does not need to be retested unless new or different symptoms develop. Should a child test positive, AHS will contact us immediately.

A child that has tested negative for COVID-19 does not need to be retested unless new or different symptoms develop.
A child that does not have a documented, pre-existing condition can not attend class until the symptoms on the COVID-19 list have disappeared.

The decision to close the school will be taken by AHS.
If two or more children are identified as having symptoms consistent with COVID-19, the preschool program should follow outbreak notification procedures as per routine zone protocols.
Any program connected to a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19 will be required to close for a minimum of 72 hours to allow contact tracing, and then adhere to recommendations from Alberta Health Services .

During both of the pandemic-related school closures, the Capucine immediately began a very detailed and thorough online program. This included two Zoom “Circle-times’ each day, multiple “Francisation” one-on-one daily classes and a comprehensive weekly document with activities, crafts, games, yoga, stories and songs to do at home. We are ready to continue with this programming if schools close again.

If the Capucine must close for a short period of time due to a suspected case of COVID-19 in our class or at the school (either 72 h or 14 days) no refund will be given.
If AHS or the Minister of Education closes schools and programs indefinitely, as was the case in March 2020, we will evaluate the situation and respond accordingly.