Published May 15, 2020
The Dodge City Community College (DC3) Child Development Center (CDC) officially reopened to the public on Monday, May 4. However, precautionary measures have been implemented for the foreseeable future regarding drop-off and pick-up procedures.
Drop-off and pick-up times, which will be assigned according to work schedules, will be staggered to maintain social distancing, and parents will be asked to stay in their vehicles during the process. And each drop off and pick up will take place outside of the parent’s vehicle where a health screening process will take place. This screening will include a temperature check, a visual check of the child, and health screening questions for the parent.
For drop offs, after the health screening has been successfully completed, a CDC staff person will walk the child into the building. Any child with a fever of 100.4 (or above), or any child who has signs of other illness, will not be admitted to the facility. For pick ups, a staff member will walk the child to the parent’s vehicle at his or her designated pick-up time. If parents need to adjust their designated times, they will need to call the CDC prior to arrival.
“In general, any child showing symptoms of COVID-19 throughout the day will be isolated, while parents are being contacted, and then sent home,” Theresa Ochs, DC3 CDC Director, said. “At that point, the CDC will encourage the family to contact their primary care physician for further advice and evaluation, such as when the child can return to childcare. Before returning, however, a medical release will be required.”
Ochs said the CDC is also putting additional safety measures in place, such as making mask wearing mandatory for all children and staff members inside of the facility. And the CDC is also prohibiting the introduction of all outside items, such as toys, which include show-and-tell items, backpacks, and outside shoes.
“We require socks or nonskid socks for use inside of the building,” Ochs said. “We also will provide all bedding, such as nap sheets and blankets, and the laundering of these items will be done in-house.”
“During these uncertain times, it is wonderful to be back and to see the excitement of children playing with their friends,” Ochs said.
The CDC had temporarily closed its doors on April 4, due to the governor’s statewide Stay-at-Home order. However, it is now back open at its regular hours 7:15 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. #ConqsCare #WeAreDC3 #ThisIsHowWeConquer
By Lance Ziesch