Dear Early Learning Families,
We are writing to advise you that after engaging in extensive research and discussions with thought leaders and following the advice of COVID-19 experts, The Mead School Early Learning Center will be closed for the remainder of this week, and most likely next week as well.
When we announced our closure for deep cleaning on Friday, March 13, 2020, we had every intention of re-opening today. Over the course of this weekend and well into this afternoon, we vigilantly monitored the progression of COVID-19. We also had lengthy conversations with the Department of Health, Members of Stamford's Early Childhood Director's Group and School Readiness Council and CT Association of Independent Schools' leadership to make our final determination.
Having weighed the risks, and being very cognizant of the impact this has on our working families and the school in general, we have made the very difficult decision to close the Early Learning Center. We are following the best available information, which is very clear: social distancing and precautionary quarantine seem to be the most effective ways to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus. These measures have mandated the closure of most businesses and services in the Tri-State area.
We will continue to carefully monitor the coronavirus pandemic to reassess when the ELC will be able to reopen. Most estimates suggest that we are only at the beginning of the cycle, and as more information becomes available, we will let you know. For now, you should probably assume a two-week closure.
In keeping with the concept of social distancing, we highly recommend that you limit social interactions such as having playdates, going to parks and congregating in other social gathering spaces. It is in this vein that we have asked all staff to refrain from babysitting for anyone at this point in time.
We know that some of you may have questions about Tuition Refund Insurance or other accommodations that might be made. We have reached out to Dewar, our TRI provider, along with our consortium of independent schools and local childcare providers to get answers to questions that we have as well. As soon as we have more clarity, we will let you know.
You may have belongings that you'd like to pick up from school. Administrators will be on campus tomorrow between 8am-1pm. Please use the ELC entrance. If this timing cannot work for you, please let Robyn know, and we'll do our best to accommodate you.
Finally, in order to track our community's health, should someone in your household be diagnosed with COVID-19, please let Robyn know. We will not share any personal information, but we will want to generally update the community so they can pay close attention to symptoms as they present, should this action be warranted.
Thank you to so many of you who have reached out to appreciate our efforts. It is an unimaginable situation, and we are grateful to be in partnership with you and your family.
Our sincere wishes for a healthy journey,
Robyn and Stephanie
Robyn Santagata Stephanie Whitney
Director of Early Learning Head of School