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Coronavirus (COVID-19)

COVID-19 News and Updates

With the rise of COVID cases within the community, we would like to reassure you of our commitment to providing a safe environment for you and your family. Our Centres will remain open unless advised differently by SA Health and new enrolment enquiries are still being welcomed.

Currently the following protocols are in place to ensure we are protecting our community from the spread of COVID within our centres:

  • Anyone who is unwell (staff/children/families), who are household / close contacts from other exposures or people symptomatic are not able to attend Alive Catholic Early Learning Centres
  • All staff, contractors and volunteers (including parent volunteers) must have been vaccinated in accordance with the Emergency Management Direction to be on site
  • Masks must be worn by all visitors including families upon arrival and pick up of their child/children, with staff required to wear a mask within the centres when not directly engaged in learning activities.
  • Ventilation within the centres is being maximised by continued use of air conditioning (set to fresh air intake where available) and fans, with doors and windows open
  • Outdoor learning opportunities are being maximised as appropriate
  • Physical distancing is encouraged
  • Staff gatherings and contact between the different learning spaces is being minimised
  • Non-essential visitors are limited (this does not include allied health workers who will continue to provide support) including the cancelling of all group tours
  • Additional cleaning measures are in place including disinfecting all high traffic areas at least twice per day as well as resources.

In the event of a positive case attending Alive, we will work closely with SA Health and follow any and all advice provided to ensure the safety of our community. This will include timely updates to ensure we are open and transparent with families as your child / children are our first priority.

As always, if your child / children are unwell, required to isolate, or will not be attending their regular day at early learning, please ensure that you contact your Centre Administrator, to advise of the absence. This ensures that we have the correct staff to child ratio within the Centre.

Please refer to the following resources for the latest information:

Talking to your child about COVID

Are you finding it difficult to talk to your child about COVID? It's natural for children to be curious and ask questions and it's important we ask how they're feeling and clarify any misunderstandings.

This online booklet, developed by SA Health for young children, explains what COVID is and how we can stop it from spreading. 

As the situation with COVID-19 is changing rapidly, is Alive going to stay open?

Yes, we will remain open unless a confirmed case has attended a centre and we are required by SA Health to close.

How is Alive working to keep my child safe while they are at early learning?

At Alive we already have various measures implemented for infection control, including routine cleans of bathrooms, toys and various surfaces.  We also support children with how to blow their nose, dispose of the tissue, sneeze into their elbow and wash their hands. Children wash their hands at regular intervals throughout the day and as needed.

Our existing food safety and preparation includes regular handwashing, proper washing, handling and cooking of food and different chopping boards for different foods to prevent contamination.

Additionally, we have implemented the following practices in response to COVID-19:

  • We ask that all children and their families wash their hands as they enter and exit the Centre each day
  • Additional cleaning of floors, light switches, door handles and other surfaces occurs more frequently

As educators, we are constantly monitoring the wellbeing of children and observing any emotional and developmental changes that are taking place.

What should I do if my child is unwell?

If your child is ill or displays flu like symptoms, please seek medical advice and do not send your child to Alive.  If you receive confirmation that your child or a member of your family has COVID-19 please notify your centre as soon as this is known. The child will need to be picked up immediately if he/she is currently at the centre. 

Parents who are unsure about sending their child to Alive for possible COVID-19 related reasons, should contact the SA COVID-19 Information Line 1800 253 787 for advice.

What happens if my child or another child seems to display COVID like symptoms while at early learning?

If a child becomes unwell at early learning, our usual routine of care, separating that child from their peers and calling a parent/caregiver to collect them will be followed.

What happens if there is a confirmed case of COVID at Alive and/or the co-located school?

We will communicate with families and follow the advice from SA Health. It is likely the centre and/or school would close for at least 24 hours while it is cleaned. Anyone who has been in close proximity to the confirmed case would be deemed a close contact and required to isolate and be tested. More information about close contacts and isolation can be found here.

Families will be advised when children are able to return. 

Will we be charged fees if the centre closes due to COVID-19?

If we are required to close the centre, families will not be charged fees. 

Further questions? If you have any further questions or concerns please discuss with your Head of Early Learning.