From staff reports
Child Development Centers has begun the process of reopening its Department of Human Services-licensed centers in Venango and Crawford counties.
After careful consideration and discussion with its internal health services team, the non-profit childcare agency has decided to partially re-open its Cranberry, Hasson Heights, Oil City, Franklin School-Age, Franklin Infant-Toddler and Willow sites on Monday, according to a press release.
Gov. Tom Wolf announced last week that COVID-19-related restrictions would be loosened in 24 counties across the state on Friday, including Venango and Crawford counties, allowing childcare centers to reopen.
Any adult who enters a CDC building must wear a mask and pass a screening at the entryway that includes a thermal temperature scan, a series of questions relating to potential exposure to COVID-19 or symptoms of the virus and the use of hand sanitizer (provided by CDC).
Children won’t be required to wear masks, but it will be encouraged.
Also among the new safety precautions will be restrictions on class sizes and limiting access to the centers to only essential staff members.
The organization is prepared to accommodate toddlers, preschool and school-age children upon re-opening, but will not initially accept children under the age of 12 months due to their increased risk for acquiring serious illnesses.
“They have put together a plan we are confident we can execute effectively. We understand the great demand for childcare right now and have decided together that this is an appropriate time to start opening our doors to the community, but it has to be done with an abundance of caution and safety,” Irwin said.
All Pre-K Counts and Head Start classes will remain closed through the end of the current school year. Families enrolled in those preschool programs will be able to continue connecting with teachers via online learning opportunities.
