Health & Safety and Class Policies

Is Kids at Work still going to offer virtual drop-ins via zoom and on demand?
Yes. Families can continue to register using the schedule on our website and their log in!

What is the commitment for Virtual PlayGroup?
Virtual PlayGroup requires an up front 4 week commitment (deposit of $396). Fall Virtual PlayGroup begins Nov 2, 2020! Families are billed monthly via autopay using the credit card on file. Kids at Work needs 14 days notice before your next autopay in order to cancel your child's participation, due to the complexity of putting together the virtual playgroup kits for shipping.

How does autopay for Virtual PlayGroup work?
Fall 2020 Registration Deposit $396
Payment 1 due on Nov 1
Payment 2 due on Dec 1

Winter/Spring 2021 Registration Deposit $396
Payment 1 due on Feb 1
Payment 2 due on Mar 1
Payment 3 due on Apr 1
All tuition is automatically deducted via an autopay schedule, from the credit card on file. Our premium mindbody software is essentially as secure as any major financial institution. Families can view their autopay schedule at any time within their child’s account!

What is the refund/make up policy for Virtual Playgroup?
There are no refunds, transfers, or make ups for missed days due to illness, vacation, or appointments.

How does the full semester commitment for in-person programming work?
Fall 2020
Enrollment commitment is by semester, October 5 – January 30, billed monthly. Participants pay a 1-month deposit at the time of enrollment. On the first of October clients will be billed for the following month, and will continue to be billed on the first of the month until the end of the program. There are NO REFUNDS whatsoever on tuition once paid.

Winter/Spring 2021
Enrollment commitment is by semester, February 1 – May 28. Participants pay a 1-month deposit at the time of enrollment. On the first day of the semester clients will be billed for the remainder of the cost for the class. There are NO REFUNDS whatsoever on tuition once paid.

How does autopay for in-person programming work?
Registration Deposit
Payment 1 billed on Oct 1
Payment 2 billed on Nov 1
Payment 3 billed on Dec 15
All tuition is automatically deducted via an autopay schedule, from the credit card on file. Our premium mindbody software is essentially as secure as any major financial institution. Families can view their autopay schedule at any time within their child’s account!

What is the refund/make up policy for in-person classes?
There are no refunds, transfers, or make ups for missed days due to illness, vacation, or appointments. However, we can credit your account with virtual programming for missed days. Please see the "COVID-19 Safety Policies" page for more info on virtual options in case of child or caregiver illness or quarantine.

What is the registration procedure?

1. Enrollment Questionnaire: Families must speak with whomever will be bringing your child about their comfort level of joining the group. Families will then submit an enrollment questionnaire. DO NOT submit an enrollment questionnaire without speaking with your caregiver.
2. Parent Meeting: Virtual Parent meeting is scheduled with Kids at Work manager/owner. We recommend involving whomever will be bringing your child.
3. Admissions offer is made: Please note we may not be able to fit your child into a group, and this is largely logistical!
4. Pay Deposit: Parent has 5 business days to pay deposit amount, after which point another admissions offer may be made to another student. There are no refunds on the deposit once paid.
5. Onboarding Process: Full onboarding process is started including health check software downloads, enrollment contract, and orientation videos for the parent as well as any adults who intend to enter KAW. We maintain a strict orientation process for all adults entering Kids at Work. Persons who have not completed the orientation will not be permitted to enter, thereby keeping everyone safe!

What if I no longer want to participate in the class for the full semester?
If Kids at Work is still physically open, clients may not opt out of the program early. Clients will continue to be billed monthly until the end of the semester whether the client chooses to continue participating in the program or not. It is extremely important for you to consult with whomever is bringing your child to Kids at Work to make sure they are comfortable with attending the programming.

Can I sign up for in-person classes after the semester has started?
If there is still space in a class you may sign up. Please read about our one hour or two hour programming, and submit a questionnaire here!

What will class sizes be like for in-person classes?
Kids at Work will enroll a maximum of 5 children per class, accompanied by one caregiver each. Kids at Work programming is priced at a premium in order to allow us to keep class sizes small. It’s our hope that, as restrictions ease and our plan starts to work, we might be able to increase class sizes incrementally. Any changes to class size or changes to your child’s group will be made transparent for the entire group community, and will be done only with strict adherence to CDC guidelines.

When is KAW physically open, and when is it closed?
The following holidays are built into the tuition schedule. There will be no classes on these days and KAW will be closed: November 26, December 24, 25, 31, January 1, April 2. Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur will be prorated out of your tuition depending on individual group request. Groups will receive an email to submit their preference for these days.

How do I use my drop-in class packages (purchased before April 1,2020) to purchase ONLINE DROP-IN or ON DEMAND programming?
Drop-in class credits purchased before April 1, 2020 must be converted to monetary account credits. Please email us at info@kidsatworknyc.com to have one of our staff complete this transfer. Once your drop-in class credits have been converted to account credits, you can use these credits to purchase virtual Summer classes. Clients can use your account credit by visiting our mindbody point of sale/schedule site. At the Check Out/Place Order page you will see how many account credits you have available in green. Your account credits will automatically be applied to your purchase.

Please note that we are no longer using the Kids at Work “branded app” (looks like a Kids at Work logo on your device). If you experience any difficulty please feel free to email us at info@kidsatworknyc.com and we'd be happy to sign you up for whatever you want using your credit, sending you a receipt!

How do I use my drop-in class packages (purchased before April 1, 2020) to purchase IN-PERSON or VIRTUAL PLAYGROUP programming?
First, we will convert your unused class package to a monetary credit, upon submission of your enrollment questionnaire. After your deposit is paid in full, we are able to apply any credits at a rate of no more than 50% of the FALL 2020 tuition per month. Therefore, you will receive a 50% discount on tuition until your credit is used up. We truly wish that we could apply your entire credit as soon as you return. Unfortunately, we would have no working capital to physically reopen, and remain open if everyone uses their entire credit immediately.

How do I use my PlayGroup/Camp credits (purchased before April 1, 2020) to purchase IN-PERSON programming?
For those with 2019/2020 PlayGroup/Camp credits, Kids at Work will contact you for information on how these credits can be used, upon receiving your enrollment questionnaire.

How to I check my credit balance?
Once we convert your package to a monetary credit, clients can email info@kidsatworknyc.com or log in to our mindbody point of sale/schedule site. Click on “My Info” and then “Account”. Due to limitations within our website, monetary credits cannot be viewed at www.kidsatworknyc.com. You can also email Kids at Work at any time for an account summary – info@kidsatworknyc.com.

What if Kids at Work is forced to close?
In the event of a forced closure, all programming goes virtual, for the duration of the shutdown whether it’s a particular group or entire facility. Clients will continue to be billed monthly for the class while attending virtually. Clients pay 1 month in advance: There are NO REFUNDS whatsoever on tuition once paid. Contract requires commitment through Jan 30. THOUGH, if client wants to opt out of virtual programming mid-commitment that will be allowed. In this case, however, the client may lose their spot in the program. Clients may choose to leave the virtual program by providing 7 days' notice of their next bill date. Once billed there are NO REFUNDS whether the client chooses to continue participating in the program or not.

SCENARIO EXAMPLE - On November 1 we are forced to shut down and all of Sally’s programming goes virtual via zoom.  Sally’s parents have already paid for tuition through Dec 30, which is non-refundable.  BEFORE the next billing date of Dec 1, Sally’s parents find that Sally is not responding well to virtual programming, so Sally’s parents opt out of the program and cease payments after Dec 1 (i.e. they will not pay on their next billing date of Dec 1). Sally’s parents understand that there may not be a spot for Sally upon Kids at Work’s reopening. Withdrawal before the contract (semester) end date as described above is only possible if KAW is forced to physically shut down as a facility altogether.

What if I pay my in-person deposit and Kids at Work is forced to delay its re-opening?
Kids at Work is reopening to provide a need to the community, and is incurring considerable debt, liability and expense to do so. As such, there are no refunds on in person deposits. Deposits can be rolled over to A/at such as time as when KAW can physically reopen or B/ virtual playgroup programming.

What will class be like for my child if in-person classes move to virtual programming?
Class times will be reduced and/or split to age-appropriate screen time levels. Most programming will be completely interactive via ZOOM, with the exception of any art/sensory activities.  For ALL art/sensory activities students will receive complete materials a maximum of one week after the shutdown (not including any necessary shipping time) along with accompanying “how to” videos on completion of the project.  Families will be billed separately for any shipping costs incurred. Interaction and community will be supplemented via our wonderful parent communication software “story park”, which families will already be comfortable with via the in-person classes.  All staff will remain the same as much as is possible from in-person to virtual.

See below for COVID-19 Health and Safety Related Questions.

Space Modifications (before we open)
Please see the Health and Safety Video above to view the space modifications which include:

• Usage of only our front space.
• Newly constructed half wall separating play area from entry area.
• Individual lockers sanitized between classes.
• Improvements to lobby area, stairs, and second floor hallway to maintain cleanliness.
• Removal of all textiles that cannot be washed between classes, including carpeting, rugs, curtains, scarves, etc.
• Resurfacing of our hard wood floors so that we can maintain their cleanliness more effectively.

New Equipment

• Commercial Grade HEPA Air Scrubber – constantly in use.
• UV Light treatment on all objects, furniture, floors, walls, etc in space – at the end of each day.
• Hand Sanitizer and Sanitization Stations – will be stocked and maintained throughout the space. Kids at Work will source the most effective sanitizer while also considering the effect of consistent use on our participants.

Partnership with Pathogen Alliance trained contractor from Black Squirrel Artisans which includes

• Once weekly (rotating days) electrostatic spraying of all surfaces, objects, toys, walls, floors, lobby, and hallways, as well as staff areas.
• Training for staff on how to properly sanitize objects between classes.
• Training for staff on UV light use.
• Proper maintenance and upkeep of our HEPA filter air scrubber and HVAC system.
• Overseeing all health and safety parameters and plans and PPE use on a regular basis, while maintaining up to date protocols for Kids at Work.
• Immediate assistance with sanitization should we be forced to close due to a confirmed positive case.

Sanitization Assistant
Staff member assisting with the following duties (present constantly):

• Aiding students with socially distanced entry and exit (ie not allowing a client in the lobby until someone else has cleared it, etc using radio with second floor teacher).
• In the classroom, assisting teachers with constant removal of any items used by children during free play times, sanitizing the items, and placing them back in rotation if possible.
• Spearheading cleanliness between classes, along with administrative support and teaching staff.
• Sanitization Assistant will also be responsible for sanitizing all high contact items such as light switches, doorknobs, bathroom faucets, etc, on a consistent basis before, during and after programming.

Masks and PPE

• Per the NYCDOH, all persons over the age of 5 will be required to wear an acceptable face covering including: basic cloth face masks, surgical face masks, or KN95 masks.
• Children aged 2-5 will be encouraged to wear a mask in an age appropriate manner (through stories, modeling, and play), but if your child cannot tolerate the mask that is fine.
• Bandanas and pulled up shirts are not acceptable face coverings. Kids at Work will have acceptable face coverings for $1.
• Caregivers and parents must wear acceptable face coverings at all times.
• Staff must wear face coverings at all times when interacting with children, regardless of the distance between the staff and children.
• Trained staff will wear appropriate PPE between classes and during sanitization procedures to protect themselves.

Social Distancing

• Social distancing will NOT be required, maintained or encouraged for CHILDREN in our programming. If you prefer your child to be socially distanced from other children, you may wish to check out our amazing virtual programming.
• Staff and participating adults are required to do their absolute best to maintain at least 6 feet of distance between themselves and children, as long as the child’s safety allows.
• Our 900 square foot play area will be set up in such a way to encourage children to work at least 6 feet apart. Realistically this won’t always be possible, as children are social beings and are naturally curious about one another.
• During stationary activities such as music, adults will be given small rugs or blankets to bring home with them. Kids at Work will not contain any textiles (rugs, carpeting, scarves, curtains, doll clothes, etc) within the play area, except where we are able to launder between programs.
• Staff and other adults will be encouraged to back away slowly if a child from another dyad comes close, thereby not disturbing the play of the child.

Other Health and Safety Measures

• All participants and staff will be asked to wash hands for 20 seconds in our bathroom upon entering the space.
• Kids at Work will only allow foldable strollers to be brought into the building.
• Fresh, clean socks will be provided for all staff, adults, and children, upon entry to the play area. Socks can be exchanged upon exit from the play area, after which KAW will launder them.

Staggered Entry and Exit

• Families will be given a number which corresponds with their arrival and exit time. Arrival times are staggered by 5-10 minutes.
• Sanitization Assistant will maintain distance between families at arrival using radio communication with teaching staff within studio.
• Social distancing at exit will be maintained using our hallways, which are separated by closed doors. No more than 1 dyad is allowed in each enclosed area at a time. Kids at Work has created the health and safety video above for you and your caregiver to watch, about how to enter and exit KAW safely.

Objects, Toys, and Instruments

• Each child is provided a kit of materials needed for their class. Their kits always stay at Kids at Work and are cleaned at the end of each class. Each items has the child’s name printed on it in order to help keep materials separated.
• Objects that staff and children handle are sanitized throughout class by our sanitization assistant, as well as after each class. Kids at Work always maintains multiple sanitized objects to swap out at any time.
• Sensory Play – Kids at Work will not be using large sensory containers such as our sandbox. Children will use individual sensory containers which will be removed once the child leaves the container, and replaced with a new one, for a new child. Materials in the sensory bins (sand, packing peanuts, soil, dried pasta, etc) are discarded after use.
• Adult Supervision – All adults are encouraged to support one another by alerting staff or other adults if they see a child handle or mouth an object, so that it can be removed and replaced. Programming will be a community experience, and we are all relying on one another to keep KAW safe!
• Usage of Tables and Furniture – To the extent we are able, we will redirect children to fresh, clean tables during free play, and our sanitization assistant and other staff will work to replenish items as needed. For instance, if a child spends time painting at a table and moves on, that artwork will be removed and the table sanitized. In the meantime, we will have other “stations” or tables to redirect participating children to!

Partnership with DARCY AI by Edgeworx Health Check Software

• All participating children AND adults are required to register and use the DARCY AI health check app. Information on how to use the app (largely picture based) will be included in your orientation.
• Each morning before coming to KAW, you and your caregiver will receive separate alerts from the app prompting you to complete your health checks.
• After completing the health check, you’ll receive a QR code. Caregivers can take a picture of the child’s QR code (which will be located on the parent’s device most likely) to place on their own device, if needed.
• Upon entry to KAW, QR codes will be scanned. All data will be stored in the cloud in case we need to go back and check this info at a later date or report to NYC Testing and Contact Tracing Corps.
• The SAME app also provides us with state of the art, small, hand held thermometer hardware, "DARCY", which will safely and unobtrusively scan ALL people entering the space from a safe physical distance. This data will also be stored within the cloud for record keeping.
• DARCY AI is also a camera, which will be placed on the wall in the play area. The camera scans persons as they pass for temperature as well as PPE, so if someone spikes a fever during class, administration and staff will receive an alert.
• Kids at Work’s community is lucky to be a beta tester for DARCY AI, and your feedback on it will be appreciated!

What if I or my nanny don't have a smart phone?
The health check app can be downloaded on to another person's phone, and the QR code can be printed off and physically brought to class for the child and/or adult.

Can two person complete the health check on the same smart phone?
Yes! Darcy allows you to set up multiple children/adults on the same app and will deliver a separate QR code for each person, which can be scanned upon arrival.

Staff Testing & Health Checks

• ALL staff are strongly encouraged to be evaluated by a medical health professional for overall physical health prior to coming back to work on site.
• All staff are strongly encouraged to get the COVID-19 antibody test prior to coming back to work on site.
• All staff with NEGATIVE antibody tests are strongly encouraged to be COVID-19 tested every 2 weeks at no expense to the staff member. Staff members will be paid for their time getting tested.
• All staff maintain the same health check software on their devices as all participants, and will be temperature and QR code checked upon arrival, as well as throughout the day.

Symptoms
Our health check software will question all staff & participants (adults and children) before their time in the space, whether they are exhibiting any of the following symptoms:

• Fever
• Cough**
• Shortness of breath
• Chills
• Night sweats
• Sore throat
• Muscle/body aches
• Loss of taste or smell
• Headache
• Confusion
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

**Many children exhibit non-illness related dry cough and clear runny nose (such as with teething) as the winter months approach. There is currently no guidance from the DOH as far as monitoring these types of “every day” symptoms. We hope to receive more information in the coming weeks as far as staying home (or not) for these specific symptoms.

Those persons who are exhibiting symptoms must stay home. They will not be allowed to return to class until they either (1) stay home for 14 days or (2) get NEGATIVE COVID-19 test results. For more prolonged illness, virtual programming will be made available to the family. The groups containing the symptomatic person will be alerted, but their programming will NOT be canceled, since it could be any other illness. As regular cold and flu season approaches we anticipate many symptomatic persons.

“Close Contact” with a positive COVID-19 case
Close contact is defined as any individual who was within 6 feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes starting from 2 days before illness onset (or, for asymptomatic patients, 2 days prior to positive specimen collection) until the time the patient is isolated. If you have come into close contact, you will have been alerted by the affected person or the NYC COVID-19 Testing and Trace Corps. Our health check software asks if a participant has come into close contact with a person confirmed as having a COVID-19 positive test before each and every class. Anyone who answers a “yes” to this question will be asked to refrain from attending programming for 14 days.

Testing POSITIVE for COVID-19
In the case of a positive COVID-19 test on the part of a participant, KAW is required by law to alert the NY State and NYC Department of Health, who will contact the Test and Trace Corps to let close contacts know of the positive case. All participants in all groups will be alerted to the situation by KAW. Participants within the affected group, as well as their close contacts and family members, will be encouraged to get tested. KAW will close for 48 hours following alter of a positive case for a deep clean by our remediation contractor, held on retainer for this purpose. All staff will be asked to get tested at no cost to the staff member. Staff members are paid for their time in acquiring testing for themselves. We ask our participants to remember that a positive case at KAW doesn’t mean that the case originated at KAW. We ask all participants to respect the privacy of all families and caregivers. This will only work if we’re part of a respectful, caring community. We DO NOT want positive cases to be fearful of coming forward as that puts everyone at risk.

Families and caregivers who have been to KAW within 14 days prior, and who participate within the affected person's cohort will be notified by Kids at Work if their cohort has been affected. Kids at Work is not allowed to disclose the identity of the affected person.