To view the Ministry’s COVID-19 Self-Screening Tool for Schools and Child Care
Click Here
December 1, 2022
Good Beginnings is committed to providing safe and healthy environments, and to avoid spreading communicable diseases.
To ensure the health and safety of all children, and in order to control the spread of communicable diseases or illnesses, we ask that you do a health check of your child every day and keep them home if they are feeling sick or have symptoms of illness.
If it is suspected that a child has COVID or has been exposed to COVID, families are to follow the guidance of the Provincial Screening Tool.
June 30, 2022
As you are aware, on March 21st, the province removed the requirement for wearing face masks and eye protection for child care centres and schools. Good Beginnings, however, decided to take a more measured approach. As a result, face masks have continued to be worn by all staff when inside a child care centre, school age program or office building.
At this time, we believe we are now in a place where we can safely remove the indoor masking requirement.
• Effective July 1st, Good Beginnings’ staff will no longer be required to wear a face mask inside a child care centre, school age program, Administrative & School Age office or Chıldınü Oxford office.
• Good Beginnings will support individuals who may choose to wear a mask and will continue to have PPE available.
• Staff and families are still expected to screen for ALL symptoms of ill health daily.
• This includes continuing to follow the direction of the provincial COVID-19 screening tool until otherwise directed by the province, Ministry of Education or local public health.
• In all situations, if unwell, please remain home and follow the appropriate protocols.
• Good Beginnings’ COVID-19 Policies have been updated to reflect the most recent changes and can be found on our website.
We sincerely thank everyone for their diligence and for working together to keep each other safe.
June 13, 2022
The province’s Chief Medical Officer of Health announced that most mandatory masking rules would expire on Saturday, June 11th – including on transit and in hospitals. Good Beginnings’ employees WILL continue to wear face masks when indoors.
– Good Beginnings will re-evaluate indoor masking protocols at the end of June.
March 18, 2022
On Wednesday, March 9th, the province announced changes to its provincial COVID-19 mandates that will take effect on Monday, March 21st. These changes will see the province lifting some mandatory measures while maintaining others. Good Beginnings has updated its Enhanced COVID-19 Policies and Procedures in response to these changes.
Face Masks and Eye Protection
The Provincial Government has removed the requirement for masking and eye protection. However, Good Beginnings’ employees WILL continue to wear face masks when indoors. They will NOT be required to wear eye protection.
– Good Beginnings will re-evaluate indoor masking protocols at the end of March.
Good Beginnings strongly encourages the wearing of masks while indoors for all individuals. However, we respect the decision of families to make this personal decision for themselves and their children.
COVID-19 Screening
Daily onsite validation of screening will no longer be required.
– Families and staff will no longer be required to show their proof of screening.
Good Beginnings is required to track and report absenteeism over 30% of baseline for all of its programs to Southwestern Public Health.
– Families are asked to continue to share illness related information with the Educators
All individuals MUST continue to symptom screen every day before leaving home using the provincial COVID-19 school and child care screening tool and follow the appropriate isolation requirements.
Cohorting and Social Distancing
Cohorting and social distancing (indoors and outdoors) will no longer be required.
Families Entering Child Care Centres and Before and After School Programs
Before and After School Programs
On March 21st, we are excited share that families and caregivers will be able to enter their child’s school to drop off and pick up their child(ren). However, at this time, we are respectfully asking that families/caregivers work cooperatively with us and each other to ensure when dropping off or picking up children they expedite this process and not linger on site at this time.
Families/Caregivers will enter through a pre-determined exterior school door and will be met at the child’s classroom/program door by an Educator – parents/caregivers will NOT at this time, be entering the classroom/program room.
– Families/Caregivers will be receiving a separate email with detailed information for their child’s school
Child Care Centre Programs
We are excited to share that we will be welcoming our families/caregivers back into our centres to drop off and pick up their child(ren) in the coming weeks.
– During the coming days, you will be personally contacted by your Child Care Supervisory Team to discuss the logistics and process specifically for your child(ren). We encourage you to ask any questions you may have at that time.
PROTECTIVE MEASURES REMAIN IN EFFECT
Hand Hygiene, Respiratory Etiquette, Cleaning and Disinfecting
– Enhanced cleaning protocols and hand hygiene practices will remain in effect
Absence reporting above 30% of baseline
– Good Beginnings will continue to report to Southwestern Public Health any absences over 30% of baseline at ALL Good Beginnings’ program locations
The province has continued to supply Rapid Antigen Tests to child care centres and schools to support symptomatic testing.
– Child Care families are asked to please speak with their Supervisor if they are interested in receiving test kits for their child(ren)
– School Age families are asked to please speak with their school if they are interested in receiving test kits for their child(ren)
We are committed to supporting our families and staff through these changes, and we understand that everyone’s personal and family situation is different. We will continue to provide updates as we receive them and invite you to reach out to your Supervisory Team if you have any questions.
March 2, 2022
We wanted to bring to your attention that the Provincial COVID-19 Online Screening Tool has been updated to reflect recent changes to Federal travel requirements.
As of February 28th, at 12:01 am, changes in Federal travel, children under 12 years old, travelling with fully vaccinated adults, will no longer need to wait 14 days before attending school or childcare upon their return.
January 28, 2022
We understand how critical child care is to families. We are grateful that we have been able to provide this service to families within our community during these challenging times.
As you are aware, the Ministry of Health recently made changes to the provincial case, contact and outbreak management approach, resulting in an end to routine notification of confirmed cases to families whose children attend child care and school. In addition, on the advice of the Ontario Chief Medical Officer of Health, the ministry has suspended public reporting of COVID-19 cases in child care.
Following the Ministry’s direction, Good Beginnings will:
– continue to track daily COVID-19 related absenteeism within our child care classrooms and school age programs; and
– report to Southwestern Public Health (SWPH), if absenteeism rises 30% above baseline in our child care centres/school age programs; and
– notify the families and staff of the affected child care centre/school age program and provide written direction from Southwestern Public Health’s Medical Officer of Health when a centre/program is 30% above baseline
Last Friday, we began the distribution of rapid antigen test kits (RAT) for our child care children and staff, while schools continue to support RAT kits for school age children. We realize that access to these tests has provided individuals with more options. A positive test confirms that a person has COVID-19 and that they and their household must self-isolate. However, two negative RATs taken 24-48 hours apart allow individuals who are feeling better, with their symptoms improving, to leave isolation earlier and return to care (symptoms improving for at least 24 hours or 48 hours for gastrointestinal symptoms, before returning to care).
Beginning next Tuesday, child care families and staff who require a replacement RAT kit are welcome to contact their child care centre Supervisor or Assistant Supervisor. We will continue to support families and staff with test kits as long as we have supply.
The health, safety, and well-being of children and staff remain our priority. We will continue to monitor our programs to ensure every precaution is taken and will follow SWPH’s guidance and direction. We assure you that we continue to work with Southwestern Public Health to adjust health and safety requirements as needed.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership as we continue to keep everyone safe.
January 24, 2022
We are writing to share that we may be required to make the difficult decision to temporarily close a child care classroom/school-age program during these challenging times. Unfortunately, we may not have the necessary staff available to operate a program due to staff absences.
We understand how this would impact families, and if required to temporarily close, we would reopen classrooms/programs as soon as possible. In addition, we would contact families as quickly as possible to provide as much advance notice as we can.
We encourage families to make alternate care arrangements in case of such closures.
We assure you that we will do our utmost to keep our programs open; we continue to be grateful for your support and patience during this time.
January 21, 2022
In an effort to help slow the spread of COVID-19, reduce absenteeism, and to continue to support children, families and staff within our child care community, Good Beginnings is pleased to offer rapid antigen test (RAT) kits for symptomatic non-school aged children and staff.
Please know that at this time, we have received enough supply to provide one test kit per child and staff and have no information as to whether we will receive any additional supply.
In alignment with the updated testing guidance from Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, individuals may use rapid antigen tests if they are experiencing symptoms compatible with COVID-19. The test kit provided to you contains two rapid antigen tests. This testing option is voluntary for children and staff. If a symptomatic individual chooses not to participate, they are presumed positive and should isolate immediately as per provincial guidance.
January 4, 2022
As you may be aware, yesterday, the provincial government announced that the province would be temporarily moving to a Modified Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen. This response includes significant changes, which consist of updates to Good Beginnings’ COVID-19 Policies and our website documentation. We are working diligently to respond to these changes promptly, and we thank you for your patience.
Impacted by the Provincial Announcement:
• Remote Learning
o Schools will move to remote learning beginning January 5, 2022, until at least January 17, 2022
• Changes to Ontario’s Testing, Case and Contact Management Policies, which includes:
o Who is eligible for a COVID-19 PCR test
o What to do if you have COVID-19
o What to do if you are identified as a household or non-household close contact
• Changes to COVID-19 Symptom List
o A more sensitive COVID-19 symptom list is being reinstated for daily screening. Anyone who has symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 or is a confirmed positive case must self-isolate, regardless of vaccination status.
o If an individual is experiencing at least one symptom most commonly associated with COVID-19 or two or more symptoms less commonly associated, they must self-isolate
o If an individual is experiences only one symptom less commonly associated with COVID-19, they must stay home until their symptom has been improving for 24 hours (48 hours for nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea).
o Household members, including siblings, must stay home until the household member experiencing symptom(s) is cleared from their isolation
• Updates to the Province’s Online COVID-19 Screening Tool
o To reflect updates to the COVID-19 symptom list, the Provincial Online COVID-19 Screening Tool is being updated
o The province is requesting that individuals continue to self-screen by completing the province’s online self-assessment screener
o You will notice that the online self-assessment screener/questionnaire now includes additional COVID-19 symptoms and new direction for self-isolating and PCR testing eligibility
As well, we made updates to Good Beginnings’ Time-limited COVID-19 Screening Protocols to reflect the recent provincial changes. Our screening protocols, are also posted on our website.
As provincial and local public health guidance remains fluid, we remain committed to updating and modifying our policies and procedures and will continue to communicate these changes to you as quickly as possible.
Thank you.
December 7, 2021
Thank you again for your ongoing commitment to the health and safety of our Good Beginnings’ community.
As Winter Break approaches, many families will be looking forward to visiting with family and friends over the break. We would like to remind everyone of the current federal COVID-19 guidelines and requirements as they relate to travel as provided by the Government of Canada. Individuals must follow the federal testing and quarantine requirements upon return from any international travel.
International Travel
COVID-19 Fully Vaccinated Children
Children who are fully vaccinated and travel outside of Canada may return to Child Care and Before and After School programs immediately upon their return, assuming they do not have any symptoms of COVID-19 and pass their daily provincial COVID-19 screening.
International Travel
COVID-19 Unvaccinated Children
Unvaccinated children who travel outside of Canada in the company of someone who is fully vaccinated, upon their return may NOT attend Child Care or Before and After School programs for 14 days after their arrival home.
Travel within Canada
There are currently no restrictions regarding travel within Canada. Following travel, adults and children must complete their daily COVID-19 screening and be symptom free before attending child care or before and after school programs.
For more detailed information please see the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Requirements for fully vaccinated travellers and unvaccinated children less than 12 years of age.
If you have any additional questions, please contact your Supervisor or School Age Coordinator.
November 17, 2021
Thank you for your patience and support as we continue to follow current Ministry of Education and Public Health COVID-19 requirements.
We wanted to provide you with an update regarding the Winter Break and PA day programs, as we understand that this information is very important for families and their planning.
Direction from both Southwestern Public Health and the Ministry of Education remain unchanged. They continue to advise that a program must NOT mix cohorts of children within a school and/or from other schools.
As a result of this direction, we will be unable to provide the following programs:
• Winter Break from December 20 to 31, 2021
• PA Day on January 14, 2022
• PA Day on March 4, 2022
Additional 2022 PA day programing information will be shared closer to their scheduled dates. We thank you again for your continued cooperation and support – it is so greatly appreciated.
If you have any questions, please contact your Supervisor or School Age Coordinator.
Take care, and stay healthy!
October 19, 2021
The Ministry of Education and Southwestern Public Health continues to advise that programs do not mix cohorts of children within a school or from other schools. As a result of this direction, we are unable to provide a PA Day program on November 12th.
We thank you for your patience and are grateful for your support and understanding. We will update you regarding the Winter Break program as we receive further Provincial direction.
October 1, 2021
We would like to share, that today the Province released an update to the online COVID-19 Screening Tool.
We ask that you please take a moment to review the screening tool to become familiar with the updates. The screening tool is more than a list of COVID-19 symptoms; it also includes important screening questions that must also be reviewed daily. It is imperative to review the entire tool and not just the screening questions.
Recent updates highlight and reinforce:
• the different outcomes and protocols between fully vaccinated individuals and those who are not fully vaccinated
• that anyone who is NOT fully vaccinated must self-isolate if someone in the household has symptoms and/or is waiting for a test result
• that individuals who have symptoms are NOT to use the rapid antigen tests
Rapid Antigen Tests are:
• self-test kits that businesses and individuals are using to ensure they are healthy
• for schools and child care centres to test employees who are not fully vaccinated as per the provincially mandated Immunization Disclosure Policy
• only for individuals WITHOUT symptoms
• the importance of individuals staying home when experiencing symptoms of illness, including those not listed on the screening tool, and seeking an assessment from a health care provider
As we continue to move through these times, we are so very grateful to our families and staff for your strong commitment and all that you do to ensure the health and wellness of our community.
September 24, 2021
We would like to share with you, that following the Letter of Instruction issued by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, Good Beginnings has created and implemented its COVID-19 Immunization Disclosure Policy.
A copy of this policy is included in our Enhanced COVID-19 Policies for your review.
If you have any questions regarding the policy, please contact your Supervisor or School Age Coordinator. They will be pleased to answer any questions you may have or offer any additional information.
Thank you once again for your dedication and partnership during these ever-changing times. We will continue in our efforts to provide a safe and healthy environment for our children, families, staff and community.
September 1, 2021
We would like to bring to your attention recent updates to the Provincial Online COVID-19 Screening Tool. It has been revised with a shortened list of symptoms that are most commonly associated with COVID-19 for both children and adults. As well, you will notice that there are now considerations for immunization status, isolation periods and international travel.
For CHILDREN these symptoms now include:
Fever/Chills
Cough or Barking Cough
Shortness of Breath
Decrease or Loss of Taste or Smell
Nausea, Vomiting and/or Diarrhea
For ADULTS these symptoms now include:
Fever/Chills
Cough or Barking Cough
Shortness of Breath
Decrease or Loss of Taste or Smell
Muscle Aches/Joint Pain
Extreme Tiredness
Asymptomatic high-risk close contacts of a case are now required to isolate for 10 days, unless they are fully immunized or previously tested positive.
July 16, 2021
Today, Ontario has moved into Step Three of the Roadmap to Reopen. Although we are all very excited and hopeful that this will be the beginning of additional restrictions being lifted, we are not there yet.
It is imperative at this moment in time that we remain diligent and continue practicing the health and safety protocols that have kept us safe and healthy throughout this pandemic.
We remind all families that all current Good Beginnings’ COVID-19 Policies and Procedures remain unchanged and remain in place.
We thank you for your continued efforts and ongoing commitment to the health and safety of our entire community.
June 17, 2021
Last week, we shared the changes made to the provincial COVID-19 School and Child Care Screening Tool, specifically to address guidance for individuals who may be experiencing certain minor symptoms post a COVID-19 vaccination. In line with this new information, the Ministry of Education has updated its Operational Guidance for Child Care During COVID-19 Outbreak v. 6 – June 2021.
The Ministry of Education’s Operational Guidance document is located above. We encourage you to take a moment to review this document as it contains important information.
June 10, 2021
As always, thank you for your continued partnership, collaboration and support as we continue working together to keep each other healthy and safe.
Recently, the Ministry of Health provided new health guidance to Public Health Units within our province. In line with this new guidance, the government has made amendments to its COVID-19 School and Child Care Screening Tool – specifically to address guidance for individuals who may be experiencing certain minor symptoms post a COVID-19 vaccination.
Key changes to the COVID-19 Screening Tool related to COVID-19 post-vaccination symptoms include: Screening Process:
• If a staff member, child or visitor has received a COVID-19 vaccination in the last 48 hours and is experiencing mild headache, fatigue, muscle aches, and/or joint pain that only began after vaccination and NO other symptoms, they should respond “NO” to the questions in the screening tool and may continue to attend the child care program if they are feeling well enough to do so.
• If a staff member, child or visitor lives in a household with an individual who received a COVID-19 vaccination in the last 48 hours and the vaccinated individual is experiencing mild headache, fatigue, muscle aches, and/or joint pain that only began after vaccination, and NO other symptoms, they should respond “NO” in the screening tool and are not required to self-isolate (stay home).
Masking:
• If a staff member, child or visitor received a COVID-19 vaccination in the last 48 hours and has mild headache, fatigue, muscle aches and/or joint pain that only began after immunization, and NO other symptoms, they are to wear a properly fitted mask for their entire time in the child care setting. The mask may only be removed to consume food or drink and the individual must remain at least two metres away from others when their mask has been removed.
Isolation and Testing:
• If the mild headache, fatigue, muscle aches, and/or joint pain symptoms worsen, continue past 48 hours, or if the individual develops other symptoms, they must leave the child care setting immediately, self-isolate and seek COVID-19 testing.
April 13, 2021
Yesterday, the Ontario Government announced that due to increasing community transmission and the rise of COVID-19 cases, schools will be returning to teacher-led remote learning when students return from the April break on April 19, 2021. There was no date provided by the government for when students will return to in-school learning.
We would like to share how this announcement will impact Good Beginnings’ families and staff during this time.
CHILD CARE CENTRES
(Algonquin Child Care Centre, Community Complex Child Care Centre, Oxford Garden Child Care Centre, Parkside Child Care Centre)
• ALL Good Beginnings Child Care Centres will continue to remain open
• Absences will be billed as per usual billing guidelines
SCHOOL-AGE PROGRAMS
Effective Monday, April 19th
• Before and After School-Age Programs will be closed
• Families will not be billed and your space(s) will be held
• All fees already billed in April will be credited to your Good Beginnings’ account
• Any credits in your account will be applied to future billing, or you may contact Jennifer at jenniferd@goodbeginningsday.com to arrange for a refund cheque, if applicable
Before and After School-Age Programs will re-open when in-school learning resumes.
We would also like to bring to your attention that the government is offering Emergency Child Care for Essential Workers. At this time, we do not have any information regarding if any programs are being offered in Oxford County. We will provide information when we receive it.
We remain grateful for your continued cooperation and patience during these challenging times.
February 23, 2021
The government has recently made revisions to several health and safety measures in the fight against COVID-19, and as a result, additional guidance has been provided. Building upon existing health protocols, the following measures have now been put into place, specifically:
1. Updated Provincial Online COVID-19 Screening Tool for Children in School and Child Care; and New Isolation Requirements for Household Members
2. Masking Requirements
3. Asymptomatic Testing
1. Provincial Online COVID-19 Screening Tool for Children in School and Child Care and New Isolation Requirements for Household Members
The government has recently made changes to the provincial COVID-19 screening criteria and new isolation requirements for household members. These changes include:
• All children, staff and visitors with any ONE new or worsening symptom of COVID-19, as indicated by the Provincial COVID-19 Screening tool, must stay home, and
• ALL household contacts of symptomatic individuals must also stay home and quarantine
More direction and information can be found by reviewing the Provincial COVID-19 School and Child Care Screening tool and the updated Decision Tool for Parents and Caregivers at the following websites:
COVID-19 Screening for Schools and Child Cares
Decision Tool for Parents and Caregivers
All children, parents/guardians, staff and visitors are required to screen daily for symptoms of COVID-19.
In addition, Good Beginnings will continue to actively screen all individuals daily before entry into a child care centre or school age program.
2. Masking Requirements
We have previously shared that masking is now mandatory for all children in grades 1 – 12 and encouraged for younger children (aged 2 to SK), subject to reasonable exceptions. We thank all families for supporting their children in wearing their masks and following the appropriate health and safety practices for children who cannot wear masks in those rare medical cases. We would like to share a resource sheet from Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital – it contains additional resources to help support all children in the wearing of masks.
3. Asymptomatic Testing
The Ministry of Education has mandated the implementation of targeted asymptomatic testing – for students and staff attending school – and it is expected to also include children and staff from child care centres located in schools.
Currently, plans are being developed to determine criteria, timelines, and consent protocols for this testing.
More information will be provided to families as it becomes available, including relevant consent form information.
Thank you for your continued partnership as we work together to keep our children, staff and community members healthy and safe.
February 12, 2021
Yesterday, the Ministry of Education announced that March Break was postponed until the week of April 12th- April 16th.
In light of this announcement, we also received information regarding Southwestern Public Health’s requirements for offering full day programs. Their guidance remains the same as it did during the Winter Break.
Southwestern Public Health continues to advise that a program must NOT mix cohorts of children within a school and/or from other schools. This guidance remains consistent and supports the recommendations of the Ministry of Education’s Operational Guidance Document and School Board Policies.
As a result of this direction, we will be UNABLE to offer programs on:
• March 5th (PA Day)
• April 5th (Easter Monday)
• April 12th – 16th (March Break)
We understand that this cautious approach is necessary for the health and safety of all of us; we thank you for your continued efforts, as we all work together, to keep our community safe.
Take care, and stay healthy!
January 28, 2021
Today, the Minister of Education, Stephen Lecce, announced that students will be returning to in-class learning on Monday, February 1st. This will also include Before and After School programs resuming operations.
Before and After School Programs
– On Monday, February 1st, Good Beginnings Before and After School programs will resume operations
– The billing of fees will also resume at this time
Emergency Child Care
– For those families currently accessing ‘emergency child care’, please be advised that ‘emergency child care’ programs will end on January 29th.
Ontario Governments’ Health and Safety Requirements
– All children in grades one (1) and above will be required to wear non-medical masks or face coverings while inside a child care centre or school age program, including hallways.
– All children in grades one (1) and above, while outdoors, will be required to wear a non-medical mask or face covering when a distance of 2 metres cannot be maintained.
– Parents and guardians are reminded to complete the daily health screening for their children for symptoms of illness every day before leaving home and should not attend child care or school age programs if they do not pass their daily screening. The online screening tool can be found at: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/
– Families are also reminded to follow Southwestern Public Health’s Decision Tool for Parents if their child fails their daily screening. The decision tool can be found at: https://www.swpublichealth.ca/en/resourcesGeneral/COVID-19-Resources/Decision-Tool-for-Parents.pdf
– Additionally, all individuals upon arrival to a Good Beginnings’ child care centre or school age program will be ‘actively’ screened, which includes temperature checks for children, before entry. We thank families for remaining with their children during the entire screening process and for their continued patience and cooperation.
As we receive additional information and details from the Thames Valley District School Board, London District Catholic School Board and Ministry of Education, we will provide updates to you.
We ask that you please take a moment to review our revised Enhanced Health and Safety COVID-19 Policies and Procedures document on our website – COVID-19 Updates at Good Beginnings Enhanced COVID-19 Policies and Procedures
Thank you for your continued commitment to helping keep our children, families, staff and community healthy and safe.
January 25, 2021
Today, we received information that the Ministry of Education has expanded the list of those individuals eligible for Emergency Child Care for school-aged children.
Effective Wednesday, January 27, 2021, amendments to Ontario Regulation 82/20 under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020 have expanded eligibility to offer support to a broader range of individuals providing critical services. This expansion includes:
• Individuals working in fuel distribution and oil refineries;
• Education staff who are required to report to work in person while their children continue with remote learning;
• Grocery store and pharmacy workers;
• Truck drivers;
• Farmers and those who support food or agricultural product supply chains;
• Individuals involved in waste collection, storage, processing, recycling; and
• Individuals working in the manufacturing and distribution of disinfectants and sanitizers.
A complete listing can be found on the Ministry’s website.
January 24, 2021
We have received information that the YMCA will be operating an ‘Emergency Child Care’ site within Woodstock, effective Monday January 25, 2021. This will be located at Southside School – 360 Albert Street. The hours of operation will be 7:00 am- 6:00 pm.
‘Emergency Child Care’ (ECC) program is for eligible workers with school-aged children. The Ministry of Education has implemented the ECC program for those who meet the eligibility criteria. The list of eligible workers can be found at https://www.ontario.ca/page/covid-19-provincewide-shutdown#section-9
Chelsea Doughty is the Director for this site and may be contacted at chelsea.doughty@swo.ymca.ca or 519-854-9026. Families are asked to contact Chelsea directly to apply for a spot.
We will continue to share information as we receive it.
January 21, 2021
Yesterday, the Ontario Government announced, that students in our region will not be returning to in-classroom learning on Monday, January 25th.
Good Beginnings’ School-Age Programs will remain closed until in-classroom learning resumes. We do not have any information as to when schools will re-open, but we will provide updates as soon as we receive them.
CHILD CARE CENTRES
(Algonquin Child Care Centre, Community Complex Child Care Centre, Oxford Garden Child Care Centre, Parkside Child Care Centre)
• ALL Good Beginnings Child Care Centres will continue to remain open
• Absences will be billed as per usual billing guidelines
SCHOOL-AGE PROGRAMS
• Before and After School-Age Programs remain closed
• Families will not be billed and your space(s) will be held
The Ministry of Education will continue to implement a targeted ‘Emergency Child Care’ program for those families who meet the eligibility criteria. As soon as we have any information regarding available programs in our area, we will inform families.
We continue to value the cooperation and commitment of all families during these times. We appreciate your patience when waiting with your children during our in-depth enhanced screening process; your commitment to everyone’s safety when wearing your masks and keeping your social distance from other families, and we are deeply appreciative of the kindness and respect you have shown to our staff and to each other. We are grateful to all of our children, their families and our staff during these very exceptional times.
We will continue to share information as we receive it.
January 8, 2021
Yesterday, in the Ontario Government’s announcement, they shared information regarding an ‘Emergency Child Care’ (ECC) program for eligible families with school-aged children. The Ministry of Education will be implementing a targeted ECC program for those who meet the eligibility criteria. The list of eligible workers can be found at https://www.ontario.ca/page/covid-19-provincewide-shutdown#section-9
We have confirmed that within Oxford County, the YMCA will be operating ‘Emergency Child Care’ at Annandale School in Tillsonburg.
Hours of operation will be 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., starting Monday, January 11, 2021.
For more information or to register for ECC, please contact Becky Esseltine directly.
Becky can be reached by email at becky.esseltine@swo.ymca.ca or by telephone at 226-926-4431.
Please take care, and stay healthy!
January 7, 2021
Today, the Ontario Government announced that due to increasing community transmission and the rise of COVID-19 cases, it is extending teacher-led online learning for students. Elementary school students in Southern Ontario are scheduled to return to in-school learning on Monday, January 25, 2021.
We would like to share how this announcement will impact Good Beginnings’ families and staff during this time.
CHILD CARE CENTRES (Algonquin Child Care Centre, Community Complex Child Care Centre, Oxford Garden Child Care Centre, Parkside Child Care Centre)
January 11th – January 25th
• ALL Good Beginnings Child Care Centres will continue to remain open
• Absences will be billed as per usual billing guidelines
SCHOOL-AGE PROGRAMS
January 11th – January 24th
• Before and After School-Age Programs will be closed
• Families will not be billed and your space(s) will be held
Monday, January 25th
• Before and After School-Age Programs will resume
We understand that this is a challenging time, and many children, families and staff are experiencing increased feelings of anxiety and isolation. Southwestern Public Health has Mental Health and Wellbeing information, tools and resources available on their website. We invite you to review them in hopes that you may find them of value.
We would also like to bring to your attention that the government is offering financial support for families during this temporary remote learning period through the Support for Learners program.
Good Beginnings’ priority continues to be the health and safety of our children, families, staff and community partners. We believe that it is essential that together, we continue to follow all public health guidelines and safety measures, as we continue working to keep each other safe.
We remain grateful for your continued cooperation and patience during these challenging times.
December 15, 2020
Today we received direction from Southwestern Public Health regarding Winter Care and PA Days.
Southwestern Public Health advised that a program must NOT mix cohorts of children within a school and/or from other schools. This guidance remains consistent with the Ministry of Education’s Operational Guidance Document, as well as with past and the current direction we have received from Southwestern Public Health.
As a result of this direction, we will be unable to provide the School Age Winter Camp or PA Day programs.
We thank you for your patience as we waited for this direction to arrive. We will continue to keep you informed of any updates/directions as we receive them.
Take care, and stay healthy!
December 10, 2020
We wanted to provide you with an update regarding the Winter Break program, as we understand that this information is very important for families and their planning.
Unfortunately, we have not yet received direction from the Ministry of Education or Southwestern Public Health regarding the opportunity to offer programming during the Winter Break.
We would also like to bring to your attention that if approval to run a program is given, but the direction includes restrictions to the mixing of cohorts – restricted to only those children that already attend the before and after school program at that site, then logistically, we would be unable to offer a Winter Break program as we only have permission to offer programing at one school.
With that in mind, we encourage families to make alternate care arrangements during the Winter Break.
We assure you that as soon as we receive any information, we will share it with you; we continue to be grateful for your support and patience during this time.
November 26, 2020
As we have previously shared, we have received updates to the Operational Guidance Document from the Ministry of Education and new direction and guidance from Southwestern Public Health. As such, we have made updates to our Enhanced Health and Safety COVID-19 Policies.
We wanted to ensure you had the opportunity to review the updates. The Enhanced Health and Safety COVID-19 Policies are posted as are the Ministry’s Screening Tool for Schools and Child Cares and Southwestern Public Health’s Decision Tool for Parents/Caregivers.
Overview of Revisions
“Updated clarifications to the description of masking and eye protection requirements to distinguish between the requirements for staff/providers, parents or other adults, children in grade 4 and above, and younger children (grade 3 and under) (see section: Use of Masks and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE))
“Revised use of masks to include reasonable exceptions. (see section: “Reasonable Exceptions to the Wearing of Masks and Face Shields/Goggles)
“Updated guidance on the record keeping including attendance records for staff (see section: Screening for Possible Symptoms of COVID-19 and Attendance Records)
“Updated guidance on cleaning where an individual is suspected of having COVID-19 (see section: Protocols when a Child or Staff Shows Symptoms of Illness or Becomes Ill)
“Revised guidance on reporting serious occurrences (see section: Serious Occurrence Reporting)
“Revised definition of an outbreak in a child care centre/school age program (see section: Outbreak Management)
“Addition of Communication and Confidentiality (see section Communication and Confidentiality)
“Revised guidance to remove the requirement to clean and disinfect outdoor play structures between each group and instead focus on proper hand hygiene (see section: Outdoor Play)
“Provision of Special Needs Resources (SNR) Services (see section: “Provision of Special Needs Resources (SNR) Services)
We will continue to provide updates as we receive them.
October 30, 2020
As we get closer to the winter season, we wanted to share important information regarding the School Age Winter Break program.
Good Beginnings’ Enhanced Health and Safety COVID-19 Policies have been updated to reflect these most recent changes.
Given our current COVID-19 reality, the considerations are those of safety for children, families and staff. Current COVID-19 safety protocols restrict the mixing of cohort groups. The Winter Break program; however, would have school age children and Educators from multiple cohort groups mixing together.
At this time, neither the Ministry of Health nor Southwestern Public Health have provided any decisions as to whether these programs will be allowed to operate.
With that in mind, we would suggest that families make alternate care arrangements for their children during the Winter Break.
In the event we are permitted to offer “limited” care, we would like to be prepared and to understand individual family needs during this time. As such, we ask families that would be interested in registering their children for the Winter Break program, if it were to operate, to contact Assistant School Age Supervisor Julie Laginskie. Families will be placed on a ‘waitlist’ and notified if programs can be offered.
Dates of Winter Care will be December 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 28th, 29th, 30th.
Please contact Julie if you would like to be placed on the waitlist. Julie can be reached at: julie@goodbeginningsday.com or 519-290-0233 ext.230.
We ask that you please respond to Julie by Wednesday, November 11, 2020.
We again, thank you for your continued cooperation and we will continue to share information as we receive it.
October 7, 2020
Recently, the Ministry of Health updated their COVID-19 symptom list and language for school and child care screening. As a result, changes have been made to the Provincial online COVID-19 Screening Tool for Children in School and Child Care. COVID-19 School and Child Care Screening Tool
Both the Ministry of Education and Southwestern Public Health have recommended that parents/guardians and child care centres use the revised provincial COVID-19 Screening Tool for their daily COVID-19 health self-assessment. The revised tool provides direction based on the results of the assessment.
The screening tool can be used by a student, parents/guardians on behalf of a student/child, employee or essential visitor. The person who is completing the screening selects the appropriate screening option and will be automatically directed to the suitable screening page. The following link will take you directly to the Ministry’s COVID-19 School and Child Care Screening tool. COVID-19 School and Child Care Screening Tool
The most notable changes to the screening tool are specifically related to the screening of students and children. For students and children, the screening tool will now have two sets of questions about symptoms that may yield different next steps depending on which symptoms are selected:
• The first set of questions asks about symptoms such as fever or persistent cough. Students and children with any of these symptoms will still be advised to stay home until they are able to consult with a medical provider and receive an alternative diagnosis or a negative COVID-19 test
• The second set of questions asks about other symptoms that are commonly associated with other illnesses, such as a runny nose or headache:
o Students and children with only one of these symptoms will be advised to stay home for at least 24 hours, after which they can return to school/child care if their symptoms are improving.
o Students and children with two or more of these symptoms will be advised to stay home until they are able to consult with a medical provider and receive an alternative diagnosis or a negative COVID-19 test.
In addition, the symptom list – for students and children only – no longer includes abdominal pain or conjunctivitis (pink eye).
This newly revised COVID-19 Screening Tool is to be used as a guide and is not meant to diagnose a medical condition. Please consult a health care provider or Southwestern Public Health for advice or if you have medical questions.
We will continue to review and update our Enhanced Policies to reflect the most current information from public health and will keep you informed of these changes.
September 10, 2020
As we move into fall, return to larger numbers at our child care centres and re-open our school age programs, we are pleased to share that we have revised our COVID-19 Health Screening Policies and Protocols. This new screening policy will help us to provide a more efficient drop off for families and their children.
Recent recommendations by the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education supported moving to a revised COVID-19 self-screening model. We have been working on revisions these last couple of weeks and are pleased to share that we have received approval from Southwestern Public Health to move forward with them.
Beginning Monday, September 14, 2020, all Good Beginnings’ families and staff will be completing a Daily COVID-19 Health Self-Assessment prior to arriving to a child care centre and/or school age program.
This daily self-screening health assessment will be complemented by a reminder from our onsite screening/greeting Educators who will confirm with you that you have:
– Completed your daily COVID-19 self-screening prior to your arrival at the child care centre and/or school age program
– Answered ‘NO’ to all of the questions COVID-19 health screening questions
– Acknowledged that all children and/or persons in your child’s household are in good health
We will continue to keep you updated.
September 1, 2020
Recently, we forwarded to all families, the revised Ministry of Education ‘Operational Guidance During COVID-19 Outbreak Child Care Re-Opening’ document. Within this document were new guidelines that came into effect on September 1st. Today, all staff working within our child care centres were wearing medical masks and eye protection as per the new guidelines. The same requirements will also be in effect for Educators within our Before and After School Program when it begins.
Good Beginnings’ Enhanced Health and Safety COVID-19 Policies have been updated to reflect these most recent changes. Both documents contain detailed information and are on our website.
Also, for those families whose children will soon be attending Good Beginnings’ Before and/or After School programs, School Age Supervisors and Assistant School Age Supervisors are currently in conversations with Principals of all schools; discussing back to school protocols and details. As soon as we have more information, we will share it with families.
August 27, 2020
Today, we received information that the London District Catholic School Board has also revised their Return to School Plan. The first day of school will be Monday, September 14th, and it will include a staggered entry for all children. These changes will impact the start of Good Beginnings’ Before and After School programs.
As a result of the new date of September 14th and the staggered entry to school, families will need to make alternate child care arrangements during the weeks of September 8th and September 14th. Families will be notified by their schools in the coming days. Information is also available on the London District Catholic School Board website.
We are continuing to have conversations with the London District Catholic School Board regarding more details of the Return to School Plan. In the coming days, you will be receiving more information from our staff. Please contact your School Age Supervisor, if you have any questions.
We are looking forward to welcoming children back to our Before and After School Age programs.
August 26, 2020
Yesterday, the Thames Valley District School Board announced that they had revised their Return to School Plan. The first day of school will now be Monday, September 14th, and it will include a staggered entry for all children.
Families will be notified of their child’s ‘return to school’ details by their schools in the coming days.
We wanted to share this information with you now to ensure that you were aware of these recent changes, as these changes also impact the start of Good Beginnings’ Before and After School programs. Good Beginnings’ Before and After School programs will now also begin the week of September 14th.
Families are reminded that alternate child care will be necessary during the week of September 7 – 11, as well as, during the week of September 14 – 18, due to the staggered entry of children. Children will not be returning to school for the entire week.
We are continuing to have conversations with the Thames Valley District School Board regarding more details of the Return to School Plan. We will be working together to coordinate plans to ensure a welcoming return to school for all children.
In the coming days, you will be receiving more information from our staff, as well as your schools. You are welcome to contact your School Age Supervisor if you have any questions.
We look forward to welcoming your children back to our School Age programs.
Friday, August 14, 2020
Yesterday, we received further details and updated documentation from the Ministry of Education. Specifically, we received the revised ‘Operational Guidance During COVID-19 Outbreak – Child Care Re-Opening (version 3)’ and the ‘Before and After School Programs- Kindergarten – Grade 6 Policies and Guidelines for School Boards for the 2020-2021 School Year’ documents.
As we plan for our return to full capacity at our child care centres and the start of our Before and After School programs, we continue to have conversations with the Thames Valley District School Board, London District Catholic School Board and Southwestern Public Health. These critical discussions will assist in the building of coordinated and collaborative plans. We want our families and staff to feel confident knowing that protocols and policies are in place to ensure the health and safety of our children, families, Educators and community.
We will continue to update our policies and procedures as we receive new information and direction from the government and local public health. Our most recent updates will be shared with all families and staff shortly.
Supervisory staff are in the process of contacting families to discuss their individual child care needs. Please contact your Child Care Supervisor or School Age Supervisor to discuss your child care requirements or if you have any questions.
Thank you for your continued cooperation. We will continue to share information as we receive it.
Friday, July 31, 2020
During yesterday’s COVID-19 update, Premier Doug Ford announced that effective September 1, 2020 all child care and early years programs across the province, will be permitted to operate at full capacity.
Details of the reopening of child care centres to align with the reopening of schools can be found at: https://news.ontario.ca/edu/en/2020/07/ontario-continues-to-gradually-and-safely-reopen-child-care-for-working-parents.html
As we continue to plan for our return to full capacity, we continue to gather information from the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education and Southwestern Public Health.
The Operational Guidance During COVID-19 Outbreak: Child Care Reopening document, the Before and After School Kindergarten to Grade 6 Policies and Guideline and further guidance from Southwestern Public Health will be available for us to review in the coming days. We will provide updates to families and staff once we have received and reviewed this information.
Supervisory staff will be contacting families in the coming weeks to discuss individual child care needs.
Thank you for your continued cooperation as we work to provide you with timely information as it is received.
Take care and stay healthy!
Friday, July 24, 2020
I would like to share with you that yesterday we received the ‘Updated Operational Guidance During COVID-19 Outbreak’ document from the Ministry of Education.
Within this updated document are seven(7) minor changes made to the the previous guidance document.
We are currently in the process of updating our Good Beginnings’ ‘Enhance Health & Safety COVID-19 Policies, Procedures and Protocols. Once completed, we will forward the updated document to you for review.
Thank you for your continued cooperation.
Friday, July 15, 2020
The Ontario government announced that nearly all businesses and public spaces will reopen in Stage 3 of the province’s reopening framework with the proper health protocols in place.
Ontario’s “Framework for Reopening our Province” is still ongoing, and details can be found at Reopening Ontario.
Stage 1 – began on May 19, 2020
Stage 2 – began on June 12, 2020 – gave the go ahead for Child Care Centres & Summer Day Camps to prepare to reopen.
Stage 3 – will begin on July 27th
The return of children to our Child Care Centres
In following the guidance of the Local Medical Officer of Health, Good Beginnings has slowly and safely re-opened our classrooms on a gradual basis at each of our 4 Child Care Centres. Classrooms that have reopened have been limited to 1 “cohort”, which is a group of maximum 10 individuals per room, including Educators.
We are happy to share that all licensed child care operators will have the opportunity to increase from the current cohort size of 10, to a cohort size of 15 children, plus Educators.
More specific details will be available once Good Beginnings has received and reviewed the updated “Operational Guidance During COVID-19 Outbreak” document from the Ministry of Education.
Minister Lecce announced these changes Monday at 1pm, and we wanted to inform you as soon as possible. The Ministry has updated the operational guidelines and they are in final approvals and will be released shortly. We continue to put the health and safety of our children and families at the forefront and we are basing our decisions on advice from Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Southwestern Public Health, and the County of Oxford.
Friday, June 26, 2020
The Ontario Government announced that the current State of Emergency would continue until July 15, 2020. The affected businesses, as well as, the details of the extension can be found at June 24th Provincial Update. Although this update no longer affects child care as we are in the process of reopening, we thought it may be informative for you.
Ontario’s “Framework for Reopening our Province” is still ongoing, and details can be found at Reopening Ontario.
Stage 1 – began on May 19, 2020
Stage 2 – began on June 12, 2020 – Stage 2 gave the go ahead for Child Care Centres & Summer Day Camps to reopen.
At this time, we are planning for a tentative reopening date for both our Child Care Centres and our School Age Summer Care programs of Monday, July 13, 2020. Please be aware that this is a tentative date, and may be delayed, dependent upon review and approvals of our updated protocols.
We have been working diligently to prepare Enhanced Health and Safety Policies & Protocols to ensure a safe and smooth return for our families and our employees. These protocols have been thoughtfully prepared using the documents provided to us through the Ministry of Education, as well as guidance through the Local Medical Officer of Health.
The Return of Children to Our Child Care Centres
In following the guidance of the Local Medical Officer of Health, Good Beginnings will slowly and safely be opening our classrooms on a gradual basis at each of our 4 Child Care Centres. Each classroom will be limited to 1 “cohort”, which is a group of maximum 10 individuals per room, including Educators. We feel that this will provide the children and the employees with time to become comfortable with the new policies and procedures, and to ensure a smooth transition. Round 1 will open with minimal classrooms at each centre, and additional rooms will be added with each Round. Round 1: July 13thRound 2: July 27thRound 3: August 10th
Tuesday, June 9, 2020
The announcement today allowed for the reopening of Child Care Centres and School Age Summer Care programs effective June 12, 2020.
Please note that Good Beginnings will NOT BE OPENING on FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2020.
We have been working diligently behind the scenes to prepare for our eventual reopening. We are now awaiting to receive updated legislative requirements from; Local Officer of Health, Ministry of Education, County of Oxford, and the Southwest Public Health Unit.
All of these agencies are key in providing us the exact protocols and safety requirements for a successful reopening.
Our priority at this time is to ensure proper policies are in place, and that there is adequate time to extensively train all of our employees. This will provide both employees and parents/guardians with the confidence that they are returning to a safe and comfortable environment.
In regards to School Age Summer Care, we will be under the same protocols, so once all is confirmed, we will be able to announce the status of those programs. This again will ensure that all staff and locations are fully prepared and safe to welcome our children back to our programs.
Please stay tuned for further communications regarding the next steps, and reopening dates.
Wednesday, May 20, 2020
Yesterday afternoon, the Ontario Government announced that schools would remain closed for the duration of this school year. Although we feel for the children that will not be able to reunite with their friends, we appreciate that the safety of all children has been made a priority.
In yesterday’s address, Ontario’s “Framework for Reopening our Province” was discussed. This is a 3 Stage process and the details of this Framework can be found at https://www.ontario.ca/page/reopening-ontario-after-covid-19.
Stage 1 – began on May 19, 2020
Stage 2 – date undetermined
As mentioned in the above website, anything “Beyond Stage 1” will be:
“Based on the best practices and lessons learned from Stage 1, the next stages of reopening Ontario will focus on opening more businesses, public spaces and services and enabling more parents to return to work. Public health measures, workplace safety guidance, protections for vulnerable people and working remotely are expected to continue throughout each stage.”
It was mentioned that included in Stage 2 would be the possible opening of Summer Day Camps and Child Care.
Due to the terms mentioned in the Framework, there is no specific date for Stage 2 to begin, as it is dependent upon many factors including the authorization from our local Medical Officer of Health, as well as the COVID-19 case statistics.
We will not be able to provide exact dates or details at this time as to when we would be able to open any of our Child Care centres or Summer Camp programs. When they are able to open, it would be under “strict health measures”. We will keep you informed as soon as we have specific details on how and when we will proceed.
April 27, 2020
During yesterday’s COVID-19 update by the Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford, it was mentioned that schools will remain closed until May 31, 2020, and the closures will be reassessed at that time. We will provide you with updates as we receive them officially from the Ministry of Education and the provincial government. This affects our School Age programs and our school based child care centres; Algonquin and Parkside.
More details can be found at https://news.ontario.ca/edu/en/2020/04/school-closures-extended-to-keep-students-staff-and-families-safe.
The current State of Emergency will continue until, and be reassessed on May 12, 2020 for consideration of a possible extension at that time. The closure of our Community Complex and Oxford Gardens child care centres fall under this category.
Please note that May 12, 2020 will NOT be the day that our child care centres re open. It will be the day that the State of Emergency is reassessed and considered for extension.
When we are able to reopen, there will be a special dokmail that goes out to parents/guardians and staff well in advance.
Thank you for your patience.
April 15, 2020
Yesterday, the Ontario government announced that it would be extending the current State of Emergency to May 12, 2020.
More details can be found at https://www.news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/04/ontario-extends-declaration-of-emergency-to-continue-the-fight-against-covid-19.html
The Ontario Government announced that the State of Emergency would be extended to and reassessed on May 12, 2020 for consideration of a possible extension at that time. The closure of our Community Complex and Oxford Gardens child care centres fall under this category.
Please note that May 12, 2020 will NOT be the day that our child care centres re open. It will be the day that the State of Emergency is reassessed and considered for extension.
During yesterday’s COVID-19 update by the Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford, it was mentioned that schools would NOT be reopening on May 4, 2020, however no further details have been provided at this time. We will provide you with updates as we receive them officially from the Ministry of Education and the provincial government. This affects our School Age programs and our school based child care centres; Algonquin and Parkside.
When we are able to reopen, there will be a special dokmail that goes out to parents/guardians and staff well in advance.
Thank you for your patience as we work to provide you with timely information as it is received.
April 11, 2020
I have received notification today from the province of Ontario, as well as the Ministry of Education to inform us that there has been an extension to the current State of Emergency.
More details can be found at https://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/04/ontario-takes-further-action-to-stop-the-spread-of-covid-19.html?utm_source=ondemand&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=p.
Attached you will also find a memo from the Ministry of Education, which addresses licensed child care centres as well as the school age programs and school based child care centres.
The Ontario Government announced that the State of Emergency would be extended and reassessed on April 23, 2020 for consideration of a possible extension at that time. The closure of our Community Complex and Oxford Gardens child care centres fall under this category.
Please note that April 23, 2020 will NOT be the day that our child care centres re open. It will be the day that the State of Emergency is reassessed and considered for extension.
At this time, the date for reassessment of the School Age programs and our school based child care centres; Algonquin and Parkside, remains at May 1, 2020.
When we are able to reopen, there will be a special dokmail that goes out to parents/guardians and staff well in advance.
Thank you for your patience as we work to provide you with timely information as it is received.
Take care and stay healthy!
April 1, 2020
Dear Parents/Guardians:
We hope that you and your loved ones are safe and healthy during this time. Please know you are in our thoughts daily as we all proceed through these unique and trying times together.
Our goal is to keep in touch with you on a regular basis, providing the most current and relevant information as it is received.
As many of you may have heard, the Ontario Government announced that the State of Emergency would continue for an additional 14 days until April 13, 2020, and would be reassessed for a possible extension at that time. The closure of our Community Complex and Oxford Gardens child care centres fall under this category.
It is our understanding that the 14 day extension is a limitation of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act for the first extension of a declared State of Emergency. If the State of Emergency is to be extended after this second time, it appears that there is a longer time option. If you would like further information regarding the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, go to https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90e09#BK12. Sections 7.0.8, items 1-4 explain the options to the government during the initial and following declarations.
An announcement was also made that schools would remain closed, and they have set a potential starting date as May 4, 2020. This closure includes our School Age programs, as well as our school based child care centres; Algonquin and Parkside.
We understand this may create a lot of questions surrounding the potential reopening dates for all of our programs, however please be assured that we are monitoring the events closely and will keep you informed as information arises.
Please know that our staff are missing your children, and think of them daily. We look forward to the time when we can welcome all of our families and staff back to our programs.
March 13, 2020
Following yesterday’s announcement that Ontario schools have been ordered to remain closed from March 14 through to April 5, 2020, both the London District Catholic and the Thames Valley District School Board have now announced that any child care centres operating within schools will also be closed.
Based on this announcement and that the health, safety and well-being of children, families, and employees is Good Beginnings’ highest priority, a decision has been made to close all of Good Beginnings’ child care centres and programs during this 3 week time period.
This includes:
• Algonquin Child Care Centre
• Community Complex Child Care Centre
• Oxford Gardens Child Care Centre
• Parkside Child Care Centre
• All School Age programs, including Before & After School Care, PD Days, and March Break
All fees billed for any of the above programs for this time period will be reversed to your child care account and held as a credit towards future months’ payments. If you require a refund immediately, please email Elisha Robinson, Senior Finance Assistant to make arrangements.She can be reached at elisha@goodbeginningsday.com.
We encourage parents/guardians and staff to monitor news outlets and social media for further updates and information. Please monitor your email for any dokmails over the next 3 weeks that may update you on changes.