Introduction

         The transition from Daycare to Preschool and from Preschool to Kindergarten can be very challenging for children and parents alike during normal times. Of course, we are not currently living in normal times as we have seen a spike in Corona Virus cases throughout Jamaica. The pandemic has delayed the start of the new school year which was scheduled to start in September and it has curtailed many of the usual transition activities designed to ensure that children, parents and guardians feel comfortable.

Implemented Measures - Construction of Additional Classrooms , Teacher Ratio

           As such, New York City Daycare, Preschool and Kindergarten have placed each family's best interest at heart and we will ensure that there is a smooth transition for each child in a time where the typical physical activities may not be possible. We have gone ahead to implemented measures to minimize and combat the spread of the virus within our institution and this is based on guidance from the Ministry of Health and the Early Childhood Commission. The fact that it is mandatory that we practice social distancing, NYC Daycare, Preschool and Kindergarten have taken the initiative to construct additional classrooms to ensure that we are following the protocols laid out by the government and health officials. The student to teacher ratio will be 10:1 with 10 students being allowed in a class per teacher given the need for social distancing.

Conformance to All Ministry of Health Guidelines & Future Plans

School is slated to start on October 5^th, 2020 and the management team at NYC has enforced enhanced sanitation guidelines, mandatory temperature checks upon arrival and limiting parents and guardians access to the entrance of the Institution. Additionally, the fact that technology has evolved, we are presented with many opportunities to engage with children and parents throughout different mediums.

As such, we are currently in the process of;

• Introducing virtual learning to our Institution where children will be given the opportunity to learn from home on scheduled days whilst being monitored by a Guardian. The platform that we will be utilizing is Zoom. Other platforms will be used where feasible.

• Conducting a virtual tour of the Institution and classrooms seeing that physical or in-person visits are not possible at this time. This will help students and parents to gain a better insight of what to expect on the first day.

• Offering a virtual orientation video for Preschool and Kindergarten students so as to address common questions parents may have.

Our Commitment to Your Child's Safety

The team at New York City Daycare, Preschool and Kindergarten understand that these are uncertain times however, we can all work together so as to ensure the seamless transition of each child within their respective curriculum. New York City Daycare, Preschool and Kindergarten is committed to facilitating virtual opportunities for each child registered with the Institution. We are also committed to promoting collaboration between teachers and parents during this challenging period by enforcing best practices measures.