Covid-19 policies & procedures:
it's quite unfortunate that we're still not 'out of the woods' with this pandemic as of yet.
please continue taking all necessary precautions in order to continue spreading illness. we're kindly asking everyone to follow some reasonable rules in order to limit the spread of disease within our: homes, schools, and communities at large.
we appreciate your continued patience with these inconvenient measures.
for additional information about covid-19, please visit: the centers for disease control and prevention - cdc's website , the world health organization - who's website , the illinois department of public health - idph website , and/or the chicago department of public health - cdph website concerning all things coronavirus, and for the latest regulatory guidance.
testing-type questions? (molecular, antigen, and antibody testing similarities and differences) are explained here. currently, caterpillar care schools are only accepting negative rapid antigen and pcr test results.
booster shots (for pfizer/biontech & moderna 2-step vaccinated individuals) are now recommended, and will be available to everyone soon. more information can be found on this topic here.
rest assured that all employees/educators at caterpillar care ® schools are fully vaccinated. currently our schools hold an 100% vaccination rate with everyone employed, for your peace of mind and safety.
caterpillar care ® is now a proud partner with on/go (letsongo.com), admiral healthcare (admiralhealthcare.com), & northshore clinical labs (northshoreclinical.com) for regular weekly covid-19 testing. we are working diligently to keep our schools and community safe, with increased and on-site testing services, complimentary to all: staff, families, and children. ask our center directors for more information.
our schools are cleaned five days a week (monday - friday) through a professional cleaning service. carefully curated anti-viral and anti-bacterial cleaning products are used to ensure the safety and well-being of all.
our lovely staff supplement these daily center cleanings by disinfecting toys and high-traffic areas throughout the day including but not limited to: (door handles, doorbells, light switches, restroom faucetry, crib rails, hard surfaces, eating preparation areas, etc…).
anyone entering our schools will be required to wear a face mask/covering.
approved visitors must wear a face mask prior to entering our schools, and will be instructed to adjust such protection, in the event their mask/s are being worn improperly. please ensure masks are securely positioned around face/head (sitting atop the bridge of your nose).
digital health screenings questionnaires are mandatory, and must be passed satisfactorily.
our lovely staff and children ages two and up are required to wear a face mask/covering throughout the entire day (excluding meal times & nap times).
anyone entering our schools must remove their shoes at the door, or wear shoe coverings (shoe coverings provided upon request).
anyone entering our schools must have their temperature taken and recorded upon arrival.
currently we are not allowing strollers, buggies, or wagons inside of our schools, however our schools are ada compliant and will accommodate wheel chairs and mobility scooters.
all staff and children wash their hands with anti-viral soap upon arrival and are in the habit of regularly doing so throughout the day.
hand sanitizer is readily available at all of our schools.
we practice social distancing if and when possible.
we have limited capacities in each of our school classrooms, and our center capacities overall.
we actively follow covid-19 guidance from the following sources: centers for disease control (cdc), city of chicago department of public health (cdph), illinois department of public health (idph), department of children and family services (dcfs), & world health organization (who).
we’ve instituted new policies for families & staff traveling domestically and abroad. quarantining for 10 - 14 days will be required for all families & staff traveling within covid “hotspot” states and any/all countries outside of the united states of america (for those not fully vaccinated). for those fully vaccinated, and without symptoms, a negative covid-19 test result (antigen or pcr) will be required from every member of the household prior to their child/children being able to return to school.
we are required to send children home with a fever of 100.4 or higher and they cannot return until they’re 48 hours symptom-free.
our schools are equipped with upgraded air filtration systems.
hand sanitizer is available throughout all of our school locations.
our staff wear nitrile medical-grade gloves (latex free & powder free) for: serving food, diaper changes, and center cleanings.
we encourage staggered drop-offs and departures with our families in care.
if you have any questions or concerns, please email kristina.gomez@caterpillarcare.com and one of our covid-19 response team members will assist you.
we sincerely appreciate your continued partnership and support during these unique and challenging times.
stay healthy and safe,
the caterpillar care ®covid-19 response team:
sharif nassr, founder & chairman
diana lazu, head of school
kristina gomez, executive assistant & regional director
rafael mero, director of facilities
marjorie foster, school nurse
dr. fahhad farukhi, covid-19 testing
