COVID-19 Policies & Procedures

The following COVID-19 protocols are in effect at RisingOaks Early Learning:

Masks are recommended.

Masks are recommended as per the Ontario Ministry of Health, though not required at all RisingOaks Early Learning locations and programs. Some staff, parents and/or school-age children may choose to continue to wear a mask. Please be kind and respect each person's choice. Masks will continue to be available at the centre entrance for anyone who would like one.
 
Please be advised that RisingOaks Early Learning reserves the right to re-instate mask requirements at a later date should circumstances change.
 
 
Screening
COVID-19 screening is still required daily using the provincial school/child care screening tool at https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/. This screener was last updated on December 22, 2022.
 
While you are not required to submit evidence of screening, we thank you in advance for completing a screening - especially if your child or a household member has symptoms of COVID-19.
 
 
Symptom Management
Children and staff who attend RisingOaks Early Learning should remain home if they are ill.
 
Use the provincial school/child care screener for guidance on isolation requirements and impacts to household members. In general:
  • If you have a single secondary symptom (i.e., sore throat or difficulty swallowing, runny or stuffy/congested nose, headache, extreme tiredness, muscle aches or joint pain, nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea,) isolate until symptoms are improving for 24 hours (48 hours if gastro-intestinal symptoms). Siblings and other household members are not required to isolate.
  • If you have 1 primary (i.e., fever, cough, loss of smell/taste, shortness of breath) or 2 secondary symptoms, isolate until symptoms are improving for 24 hours (48 hours if gastro-intestinal symptoms) and wear a mask for 10 days when in public. Siblings and other household members are not required to isolate as long as they are symptom free, though are required to wear a mask for 10 days.
  • See provincial screen for more details.
Testing
We have received multiple shipments of free rapid antigen test kits from the Ministry of Education. Tests are available for families, staff and placement students. There is no limit on the # of test kits per family.
  • You are strongly encouraged, though not required, to take a test if you have symptoms of COVID-19.
  • If you have symptoms that require an isolation period, a negative result on a PCR test or 2 rapid antigen tests may allow you to complete your isolation earlier. 
  • Testing is a key mitigation factor to reduce transmission to other children and staff within our program. Remember though, you may test negative for several days on a rapid antigen test before you test positive as the viral load builds. As a result, it is recommended to test more than once.
  • If you are positive on a rapid antigen test you are infectious - isolate to help reduce the spread.
 
Vaccination

Per the guidance of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, RisingOaks promotes vaccination as a key public health measure to protect each other, the children we serve and the community at large.

For anyone seeking to receive a first, second or booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, please visit www.regionofwaterloo.ca/GetaVaccine