Health & Safety and Class Policies

While we’ve enjoyed meeting your families online during the pandemic, it’s time to focus back on who is actually in front of us, in person! Kids at Work will cease all virtual and online options as of April 30, 2021.

Kids at Work is so excited to bring back our safe, flexible drop-in programming, which we’ve been running for over 14 years. Since October 2020, we’ve been open for consistent cohorts, and we’re excited to offer the community our flexible drop-in schedule once more.

How do Kids at Work Drop-ins work?
Families can purchase a class package and reserve for any age-appropriate class with a reservation. Kids at Work maintains contact tracing for all individual indoor classes in the case of a COVID positive or close contact situation.

Since classes are capped at only 7 students, you should make a reservation via our website schedule each and every time you’d like to come, or there may not be space for your child. Reservations are CLOSED one half hour before class, so that we can plan for our arrivals.

Kids at Work does NOT accept walk-ins with no reservation at this time. Please do NOT come to class or send your child to class without a reservation!

We do not currently offer single drop-in classes. You much purchase a package of at least 8 classes for Summer 2021.

When do class packages expire?
There is no expiration date on class packages purchased for use during the Summer 2021 semester. We strongly recommend purchasing a package for use during the Summer 2021 semester only. As Kids at Work is allowed to open up more fully, we will be dropping our pricing, but adjustments to the per class pricing of your Summer 2021 package is not permitted.

Example - In the Summer of 2021 you maintain 3 classes on account priced at $64 per class. In Fall of 2021 Kids at Work is allowed to open more fully, and drop our pricing down to $50 per class. You can still use your Summer 2021 package during Fall 2021, but your package will still maintain the $64 per class price tag.

What is the cancellation policy for Kids at Work Drop-ins?
Reservations are final as of 24 hours before class. After the 24 hour mark, the value of the class is forfeited. We hope to be able to relax our cancellation policy as COVID restrictions are lifted and we can increase our capacity.

Are there any refunds on class packages?
There are no refunds, credits, or transfers on tuition once it is paid.

How does the Enrollment Agreement work?
Shortly after you register/pay for your first class and package, Kids at Work will forward you an enrollment agreement via docusign, which must be signed prior to your child’s SECOND class. The enrollment agreement contains our community commitment, cancellation policy, liability release, and other important information that keeps our community safe as we provide flexible programming during COVID.

How does Kids at Work keep track of who is at class for contact tracing of indoor classes? Kids at Work maintains complete contact information for all children and families attending indoor classes. At each and every class, Kids at Work maintains a sign in sheet where we also gather personal information of caregivers, to refer to in case we need to submit this information to NYC Test and Trace.

How many children will be in Kids at Work Summer 2021 Drop-in classes?
Classes will contain a maximum of 7 children in each class.

When is KAW physically closed?
Kids at Work is CLOSED on Monday, May 31, Monday, July 5, and Monday, September 6, 2021.

Please be sure to read our Health and Safety information for information on health/temperature checks, COVID safety, sanitization, and a myriad of other issues.

The below contains information on how registration and payment works for the Gentle Separation. Please refer to the program page for information on the program content, tuition, or days/times/dates, or give us a call to schedule a virtual parent meeting! 212-488-8800

How do the payments for the Gentle Separation program work?
SUMMER 2021 - Payment is required in full at the time of registration.

FALL 2021 - For registrants prior to June 30 2021, Kids at Work accepts a $750 deposit, which is credited towards your final tuition balance. The rest of your child’s tuition is due in August 1, 2021.

There are no refunds, credits, or transfers on tuition once it is paid.

How many weeks am I registering for?
SUMMER 2021 ONLY - Families can opt to attend all 14 weeks of the semester or as little as 11 weeks. Families specify their weeks upon paying for the program, and the weeks CANNOT be changed.

FALL 2021 - Families commit to all weeks of the program.

There are no make ups for missed days of Kids at Work Gentle Separation.

How many children will participate in the Gentle Separation?
During Summer and Fall 2021, the Kids at Work Gentle Separation will be capped at 9 children with 3 teachers. During Summer 2021 there will be a fourth teacher when 9 children are present.

Summer 2021 only - while the class is capped at 9 enrollees for the 14 week semester, sometimes the group will contain fewer than 9 children, since not all children will come every week.

What is the registration process for the Gentle Separation?

• Parent meeting - There is a parent meeting or call with the director to make sure the program is right for your family’s plans and goals.
• SUMMER 2021 - Family communicates which weeks they want to register for (minimum of 11 weeks) and pays for the tuition via secure link.
• FALL 2021 - Family pays deposit of $750 which is credited towards tuition, to secure their child’s spot. The balance of tuition is due on August 1, 2021.
• Family receives enrollment agreement and welcome questionnaire, as well as information on our health check app and other important information.
• Close to your start date, you will receive an email from our lead teacher about scheduling either a home visit (whenever these are deemed safe) or a zoom visit with you and your child. This is where parents can meet their child’s lead teacher and ask any last minute questions, and your child can also meet the teacher in an intimate manner!

How do I find the location of the Outdoor Sun Sessions Music Classes?
All participants that register at least 24 hours in advance will receive a map, within their email confirmation, to the location upon reserving. Our Sun Sessions Outdoor Music classes will be in two different locations. Make sure you know which day of the week you are signed up for class.

Classes on Wednesday will be held at Washington Square Park. You can refer to the map here to see where to meet your teacher! Classes on Thursday will be held at Hudson River Park and 25th street near Chelsea Piers. You can refer to the map here to see where to meet your teacher! If you still need help, please call us at 212-488-8800.

What should I bring for Sun Sessions?
Please bring your own blanket to sit on and any fun instruments you have at home.

Can I register for the class same day/when I arrive at the park?
Advance reservations are compulsory for this program. Due to park rules, we cannot accept any transactions or registrations on site.

Is registration for class per family or per child?
Siblings under 11 months may come to Sun Sessions for FREE with a registered sibling! Siblings 11 mos and older must register separately but may use the same class package.

What if it rains?
Classes are canceled in the event of rain at the discretion of Kids at Work. Classes are never canceled due to heat. We do our best to ensure that all classes are held in the shade. There is no 'rain location.' Not sure if class will be canceled? Call 212-488-8800 and listen to the message there for rain plan info.

Will Kids at Work be conducting contact tracing for outdoor classes?
Unlike our indoor programming, we are not requiring contact tracing at our outdoor programming. If we learn about a COVID diagnosis of someone who has been to a Sun Sessions class during the previous 7 days, we will contact all families that attended that class as a courtesy. Staff will be tested and confirmed negative before coming back to any KAW programming. Since this programming is outdoors Kids at Work will not communicate with the Department of Health as we would with our indoor programming. Families that attend outdoor Kids at Work programming are compelled to communicate with their caregivers should Kids at Work let them know there may have been exposure at a Kids at Work outdoor program.

How do I use my drop-in class packages (purchased before April 1, 2020) for Summer 2021 programming?
You should contact us to begin the process of using old account credits from before the pandemic. First, we will convert your unused class package to a monetary credit. Then, we can either use the credit to purchase a new class pack OR send you a link to do so!

How to I check my credit balance?
Once we convert your package to a monetary credit upon your request please, log in to our mindbody point of sale/schedule site here. 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.

Space Modifications
The following only applies to INDOOR classes and not OUTDOOR classes.
Upon our re-opening in October 2020, we made the following changes to our space.

• Usage of only our front 1000 square foot main playspace.
• Newly constructed half wall separating play area from entry "shoe" area.
• Individual lockers sanitized between classes.
• Improvements to lobby area, stairs, and second floor hallway to maintain cleanliness.
• Removal of all carpeting and rugs in the play area during classes, with the exception of our gentle separation. In any case, a;; textiles are UV lighted between classes.
• Resurfacing of our hard wood floors so that we can maintain their cleanliness more effectively.

New Equipment
The following only applies to INDOOR classes and not OUTDOOR classes.

• Two Commercial Grade HEPA Air Scrubbers – constantly in use.
• UV Light treatment on all surfaces that cannot be effectively be microsprayed after each class.
• Hand Sanitizer and Sanitization Stations – 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.
• Hudson mist-sprayer for our child-safe prokure sanitization solution.
• DARCY AI temperature camera and health checks. (See information below, paper health checks possible.)

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

• 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 full professional remediation should we be forced to close due to a confirmed positive case.

Sanitization Assistant
The following only applies to INDOOR classes and not OUTDOOR classes.
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 2 WHO ARE REASONABLY ABLE TO TOLERATE A MASK will be required to wear a KN95 mask.
• Children aged 2-5 will be encouraged to wear a mask in an age appropriate manner, but if your child cannot tolerate the mask that is fine.
• Bandanas and pulled up shirts are not acceptable face coverings.
• Caregivers and parents must wear KN95 masks provided by Kids at Work at all times. Cost of masks included in tuition costs. This only applies to INDOOR classes and not OUTDOOR Sun Sessions classes. Kids at Work will not be providing KN95 masks for Sun Sessions. KN95 masks or double masking with one surgical and one cloth mask are highly recommended.
  
• Staff must wear KN95 masks at all times when interacting with children, regardless of the distance between the staff and children.
• Adult individuals who cannot wear a KN95 mask may substitute “double masking” with a surgical mask AND a cloth mask, or 2 cloth masks. Two surgical masks is not suitable.
• 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.
• 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 1000 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.
• The following only applies to INDOOR classes and not OUTDOOR classes. During stationary activities such as music, adults will be given small mats to sit on 6 feet apart. 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 or UV light between programs.

Other Health and Safety Measures
The following only applies to INDOOR classes and not OUTDOOR classes.

• 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. Bare feet are NOT permitted for adults.

Staggered Entry and Exit
The following only applies to INDOOR classes and not OUTDOOR classes.

• Families are strongly encouraged to arrive at class 15 minutes before the start time.
• Families will be admitted to our arrival area 2 at a time, in order to maintain some social distancing while disembarking from strollers. There are a max of 7 children in each class.
• Families may need to wait to enter the building lobby or space. KAW Staff will be in the lobby maintaining the line and order of arrival.
• Families that arrive very close to the beginning of class may not have enough time to enter in a timely manner, and may be late for class.
• Adults will be given their KN95 mask upon arrival in the lobby.
• Upon entering for class each time, the caregiver present must fill out their name and phone number on a sign in sheet. These sign in sheets will be kept for contact tracing purposes. You will need to fill out the sign in sheet for every single class you attend. (See below in "Symptoms, Close Contacts, & Positive COVID-19 Tests" for more information about how sign in sheets will be used for contact tracing purposes.)

Objects, Toys, and Instruments
The following only applies to INDOOR classes and not OUTDOOR classes.

• INDOOR Music, Soccer, Dance - Each child will be provided with a kit of materials that is color coded. The kits are used throughout the programming and are deeply cleaned and sanitized between each class. The kits are color coded so that if the adult wishes to keep their child’s materials separate they can identify their child’s materials for that day. Keeping materials separate is the responsibility of the accompanying adult and is totally voluntary. Exception – Our gentle separation students utilize communal instruments that are deep cleaned and sanitized between classes.
• Objects that staff and children handle are sanitized throughout class (“ad hoc” cleaning) by our sanitization assistant and teacher, 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 be suspending the use of sand and/or other sensory materials that cannot be fully sanitized in between classes. We will be using a large communal sandbox for our Gentle Separation which is not used in any other programming. We may use sensory materials such as flour in our cooking and Gentle Separation programming which would be fully discarded and individual bins sanitized between classes.
• 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!

Cleaning Practices Before and After Every Class
The following only applies to INDOOR classes and not OUTDOOR classes.

• The entry way, elevator, and stairwell are cleaned at the beginning and end of every day. They are also cleaned before and after each class, and after use between each family as they enter. Touch points in lobby and elevator are sanitized between each dyad’s arrival as much as possible and as long as it does not disrupt a class in progress.
• All walls, floors, and other hard surfaces inside Kids at Work are cleaned between each class with soapy water and sprayed with Prokure, which is a child safe sanitizing agent.
• Any fabric or sensory items that cannot be washed with soapy water and sprayed during classes are sanitized with the handheld UV light.
• Any play objects or other items used during class are cleaned with soapy water and Prokure.
• All mats, furniture, chairs, tables, large motor objects, etc are wiped with soapy water and sprayed with Prokure between classes.

Partnership with DARCY AI by Edgeworx Health Check Software
The following only applies to INDOOR classes and not OUTDOOR classes.
***If you don’t have access to the app at any point (for instance, for your first class) you can fill out a paper health questionnaire.

• 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.
• After completing the health check, you’ll receive a QR code. Caregivers can take a picture/screenshot 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 is stored locally on the camera hardware, 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.

What if I or my nanny don't have a smart phone?
The following only applies to INDOOR classes and not OUTDOOR classes.
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. We also have a paper version that can be completed upon arrival.

Can two people complete the health check on the same smart phone?
The following only applies to INDOOR classes and not OUTDOOR classes.
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 COVID-19 tested every 2 weeks at no expense to the staff member. Staff members are paid for their time getting tested.
• All staff maintain the same health check software on their devices as all participants, and are temperature and QR code checked upon arrival.
• As of Summer 2021, most of our staff will be fully vaccinated.

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 or chills
• Cough**
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose**
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

*Clients without the software on any given day can fill out a paper form with the same questions.

**Many children exhibit non-illness related dry cough and clear runny nose (such as with teething). We ask that all families maintain open communication about the history of such symptoms in their child. For instance, if your child has allergies OR has already been cleared by a pediatrician that it is not illness-related, please let us know ahead of time.

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 since the onset of symptoms or (2) get NEGATIVE COVID-19 test results. In any case, they must also stay home for at least 24 hours after symptoms have gone away WITHOUT the use of medication. EXCEPTION - for younger toddlers where testing is not recommended by the child's pediatrician, KAW will accept a doctor's note to that effect. For more prolonged illness or quarantine, virtual programming will be made available to the family. The following only applies to OUTDOOR classes. If you or your child are experiencing any symptoms, please refrain from attending class until 48 hour after your symptoms have subsided. If you need to cancel your reservation due to symptoms, please email us at info@kidsatworknyc.com or call us at 212-488-8800. Please consult your pediatrician about whether testing is necessary.

If a child exhibits symptoms during class and is sent home, the families within that class will be notified and kept up to date on the status of the affected child.

“Close Contact” with a positive COVID-19 case
The following only applies to INDOOR classes and not OUTDOOR classes.
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. Participants are required to let Kids at Work know if you are a close contact. This includes caregivers, staff, parents, and children. 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 quarantine per the NYCDOH and refrain from attending KAW programming for 10 days starting from the date of exposure OR starting from the date of isolation of the COVID positive individual.

What if someone in my child’s class has been defined as a “close contact”.
The following only applies to INDOOR classes and not OUTDOOR classes.
Out of an abundance of caution, whenever we are notified that a participant (staff, child, or adult) is a close contact of someone else UNRELATED to Kids at Work, we do let the group know and we encourage all families to get tested. We keep the group abreast of the “close contact’s” testing results with permission of the affected person. We do not shut down any classes or do special cleaning, beyond the usual measures, or remediation in this case.

Testing POSITIVE for COVID-19
The following only applies to INDOOR classes and not OUTDOOR classes.
Families should be made aware that Kids at Work’s policies may be more stringent than other businesses, because we frequently work with unmasked children.

How will Kids at Work know who is or isn't affected by a positive case or close contact situation?
The following only applies to INDOOR classes and not OUTDOOR classes.
Upon entering for class each time, the caregiver present must fill out their name and phone number on a sign in sheet. These sign in sheets will be kept for contact tracing purposes. In the event that there is a positive case or close contact situation at Kids at Work, we will use the names and phone numbers on the sign in sheet to contact affected people about the situation. This information will also be provided to the Test and Tracing Corp. if needed.

What if someone in my household who HAS been to KAW tests positive for COVID-19?
The following only applies to INDOOR classes and not OUTDOOR classes.
You are compelled to contact Kids at Work in the case of a positive test result on the part of ANYONE who has entered KAW within 10 days of the positive result or onset of symptoms (whichever comes first). Kids at Work is required by law to contact the NYC Test and Trace Corps and to supply contact information of infected individual(s). The infected individual will be required to remain at home for 14 days from the onset of symptoms or the positive result, whichever is sooner. Individuals still displaying symptoms of COVID-19 will not be permitted to come back to class until 72 hours after symptoms have disappeared without the use of medication.

What if the positive case is NOT in my child’s class?
The following only applies to INDOOR classes and not OUTDOOR classes.
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 and microsprayer application 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.

What if there is a positive case within my child’s class?
The following only applies to INDOOR classes and not OUTDOOR classes.
Individuals who came into contact from 3-7 days before the positive test result OR onset of symptoms on the part of the infected person (whichever is sooner) Families will be notified immediately by Kids at Work by email and phone. Kids at Work will contact caregivers directly IF we cannot reach families within 24 hours of trying to make contact. Families, staff and caregivers who have been to KAW at the same time as the infected person, within 3-7 days prior to the positive result OR onset of symptoms (whichever comes first) will be REQUIRED to show proof of negative test results to Kids at Work before they can return to the space. The test must be performed at least 5 days from exposure. No quarantining is necessary. How this affects whether programming continues to run largely depends on how widespread the contact is. Cancellation of programming is on a case by case basis. Kids at Work never cancels programming without providing either credits or refunds to its participants. Individuals who came into contact from 2 days before the positive test result OR onset of symptoms on the part of the infected person (whichever is sooner) These individuals are considered "close contacts" by the CDC and will be contacted by the NYC Test and Trace Corps for further guidance. Kids at Work will share contact information for all individuals with the NYC Test and Trace Corps as required by law. Families will be notified immediately by Kids at Work by email and phone. Kids at Work will contact caregivers directly IF we cannot reach families within 24 hours of trying to make contact. Families, staff and caregivers who have been to KAW at the same time as the infected person, within 2 days prior to the positive result OR onset of symptoms (whichever comes first) will be REQUIRED to show proof of negative test results to Kids at Work before they can return to the space. The test must be performed at least 5 days from exposure. These persons will also be required to quarantine for 10 days from the exposure, per NYCDOH.

Which classes is Kids at Work conducting contact tracing? We are only conducting contact tracing for INDOOR classes. Kids at Work does not conduct contact tracing measures for OUTDOOR classes.

How does Kids at Work keep track of who is at class for contact tracing?
Kids at Work maintains complete contact information for all children and families attending INDOOR classes.

At each and every indoor class, Kids at Work maintains a sign in sheet where we also gather personal information of caregivers, to refer to in case we need to submit this information to NYC Test and Trace.

Upon entering for indoor classes each time, the caregiver present must fill out their name and phone number on a sign in sheet. These sign in sheets will be kept for contact tracing purposes. You will need to fill out the sign in sheet for every single class you attend.

When will Kids at Work use the collected contact information for contact tracing purposes?
We will provide the collected contact information from the INDOOR class sign in sheets to the NY Test and Trace Corps. if Kids at Work has been informed that someone who has entered Kids at Work has tested positive for COVID-19.

This contact information will not be used for any other purposes and will not be shared with anyone except the NY Test and Trace Corps.

Will Kids at Work be conducting contact tracing for outdoor classes?
Unlike our indoor programming, we are not requiring contact tracing at our outdoor programming. If we learn about a COVID diagnosis of someone who has been to a Sun Sessions class during the previous 7 days, we will contact all families that attended that class as a courtesy. Staff will be tested and confirmed negative before coming back to any KAW programming. Since this programming is outdoors Kids at Work will not communicate with the Department of Health as we would with our indoor programming. Families that attend outdoor Kids at Work programming are compelled to communicate with their caregivers should Kids at Work let them know there may have been exposure at a Kids at Work outdoor program.