TCS DURING COVID

​

The TCS Board of Directors and administrative body have created the following mitigation practices with first hand guidance from the Pima County Health Department's School Community Health program and in alignment with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. 

​

Our practices, especially masking - is influenced by Pima County’s COVID Community Risk Level, which we monitor through COVID Act Now, a framework that reflects the decreased risk of severe illness and death from COVID due to vaccines, therapeutics, and past COVID infections. This data informs TCS, to ensure a safe, in-person learning environment and will continue to be in place as long as we continue serve young children.

​

Community Trust. The school community must be willing to follow public health guidance and COVID mitigation strategies. The ultimate goal at TCS is to keep the children, families, and staff safe and healthy -- both physically and emotionally. 

​

Masking. Masking is a universal practice to reduce the spread of all infectious diseases, and therefore will always be supported by our program. Masking will be required of our ENTIRE COMMUNITY  if  1) Pima County’s COVD Community Risk Levels are HIGH or 2) There is a confirmed exposure on our campus. 

​

Isolation. Staying home when sick supports the prevention and spread of COVID-19 as well as all common preventable illnesses, if your child is sick - even though they do not have COVID - they should not be at school. If a child (or staff person) tests positive or is determined to be a close contact to someone who has tested positive we will require the following. 

​

If someone tests positive for COVID-19: (Everyone: staff, children, & families - regardless of vaccination status) 

• Stay home (isolate) for 5 days. Day of the positive test is considered day 0. 

• Individual may return to the facility on day 6 if they have been fever free for 24 hours, symptoms have improved, are able to consistently and correctly wear a mask, and must distance during meal times.

• Children who nap at TCS must be picked up at 12:00 PM and not permitted to nap at school.

• Children who are unable to wear a mask consistently and correctly when around others will be asked to continue their isolation at home for 10 full days. 

​

If someone is exposed to someone with COVID-19: (Everyone: staff, children, & families - regardless of vaccination status) 

• No quarantine. 

• Individual must test on the 6th day, post exposure or, if a person develops symptoms, they must isolate immediately and get tested. 

• Individual must wear a well-fitting mask around others for 10 days. *Cloth masks will not be permitted for use during this period.  Children who are unable to wear a mask consistently and correctly when around others will be asked to continue their isolation at home for 10 full days. 

​

*Cloth masks that are comparable to medical grade masks will be accepted. Cloth masks made with inadequate layers or unapproved fabrics will be switched out. 

​

Testing. Rapid antigen tests (either done at home or a medical facility) can be used as a screening tool. If someone presents any COVID like symptoms, they will be asked to test, in order to attend school. To ensure equitable practices, TCS will continue to source testing kits to provide no cost options to families. 

​

Vaccinations. TCS in partnership with the Arizona Department of Health Services, supports vaccinations to keep your family healthy and well. As part of our licensing, we do hold certain vaccine requirements, however we do not have any mandates regarding vaccination against COVID. We will continue to encourage our families to vaccinate since people who are up to date have lower risk of severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19 than people who are unvaccinated or who have not completed the doses recommended for them by CDC. 

​

We will also guide families case by case through their own questions, experiences and comfortable risks. Please do not hesitate to reach out at any time regarding the health and safety of you, your family and our community. 

​

As a cooperative, we all have to do our part and implement best practice at home and school so that we can play safely together at school. 

​

​

Additional Resources 

• LOCAL: To stay up to date on the latest data regarding COVID-19 in our community, including safety recommendations. COVID Act Now

• LOCAL: For information on guidance that Pima County Health Department is providing schools. Pima County Healthy School & Child Care

• STATE: For information on guidance the Arizona Health Department is providing schools. Schools (K-12) & Childcare - Guidance

• NATIONAL: Review the Center for Disease Control & Prevention COVID-19 Guidance for Operating Early Care and Education/Child Care Programs. CDC - COVID 19