Learning Ladder Home

What are the new hours of operation upon re-opening this year?
The Learning Ladder will be open Monday - Friday from 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Are part-time options available for my child?
YES!  We will be offering new part time options for all ages, beginning September 1, 2022, for the 2022-2023 school year!

Are you offering early drop-off or late-stay options?
Early drop-off is once again available! Each class has a designated drop-off time and pick-up time in order to avoid classes from crossing. 

Are there options for children under 24 months old?
Yes! We are thrilled to open our infant and toddler classrooms this year. Please understand that space is limited.

How does re-opening impact class sizes/teacher ratios?
Our classes will exist as small "pods" to limit cross-contamination and limit any unlikely exposure to one class, rather than the entire school. At this time, all ratios have returned to full capacity following the guidance from MSDE. 

Will children and/or staff be required to receive a COVID test before the start of the school year?
Learning Ladder is not requiring the children or staff to be tested for COVID; however, we are asking for 100% transparency to help keep our community safe. If you/your child is showing any symptoms, please notify us immediately and keep them home until the symptoms clear. Similarly, if any member of your family has come into contact with a person who is COVID-positive, please notify us immediately. We are asking for your partnership and cooperation with this- we cannot keep our school safe and healthy without your help!

Is there a screening process/policy for teachers and/or children upon daily entry into the building?
Yes, teachers and children are required to have daily temperature checks and must complete a brief questionnaire via the Pro-Care Connect app each morning. Children exhibiting any of the following: cough, shortness of breath, new loss of taste or small, OR at least 2 of the following: fever of 100.4 or higher, chills or shaking chills, muscle aches, sore throat, headache, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, congestion/runny nose will not be permitted to enter the school.

What does the drop-off and pick-up protocol look like?

Drop-Off:

• Drop-off will begin at 7:30 a.m.
• Teachers and parents are required to wear masks during carpool.
• Parents are to sign their child(ren) in via the Pro-Care app.
• Medical screening: Parents/guardians should bring a thermometer in the car with them each day. Each parent/guardian will take their child's temperature and confirm it with a member of the Learning Ladder team. If you do not have a thermometer, a member of our staff will give the child a temporal scan to check their temperature. This information will be kept in a daily log. The staff member will wear a mask and remain at least 6 feet away. Parents will also be asked a few standard health questions via the Pro-Care app each day. Children will not be permitted to attend school if they exhibit COVID-19-like illness.
• Once cleared, parents are responsible for getting their child(ren) out of their carseat(s).
• Once the child(ren) has exited their vehicle, parents should leave and children will be escorted to their classroom by a staff member.
• Due to COVID, parents are not permitted to enter the building.
• All children will immediately wash their hands upon entering the building.

Pick-Up:

• Pick-up times are assigned by class.
• Teachers and parents are required to wear masks during carpool.
• Parents are to sign their children out of school via the Pro-Care Connect app.
• Once your child(ren) has been brought outside, parents/guardians should exit their vehicle and collect their child(ren) from our staff members, while maintaining social distance.
• Parents are responsible for putting their child(ren) into their own carseat(s).
• Please remember: Due to COVID, parents are not permitted to enter the building at any time.

*In the case of carpools and/or ride-shares, please remain consistent and only share with children in your child's class to limit the potential for Covid exposure to multiple classrooms.

What if I need to pick up my child early or drop off my child late?
We ask that you only drop your child off late or pick your child up early if there is an emergency or for a doctor's appointment. As previously mentioned, parents/guardians are NOT permitted to enter the Learning Ladder building. If you need to adjust your drop off or pick up time, please call the main office to discuss specific procedures and please note that a staff member will meet your child and/or bring your child outside to you.

Are visitors allowed in the Learning Ladder?
Unfortunately, we are unable to accept any visitors at this time, no exceptions.

How will lunch be handled each day?
Lunches must be brought from home and must be sent using entirely disposable materials (a clearly labeled brown lunch bag or large Ziplock bag). We are allowing Tupperware containers and reusable water bottles that should also be clearly labeled. All utensils will be provided by the Learning Ladder. In addition, teachers will wear gloves during all aspects of food service. Lunches will be refrigerated.

Will there be any field trips?
Because the health and safety of our community is our number one priority, there will not be any field trips offered this year. We have put together safe programming for your children that includes Ms. Sonia via Zoom and Shabbat services every Friday, also via Zoom. 

Will children spend time outside?
Absolutely! There will be a schedule to ensure that children have time on the playgroud and in other movement spaces around our building. Social distancing will be strictly enforced between classes and all equipment will be properly cleaned and disinfected in between uses. We will also offer additional outdoor activities, including sidewalk chalk, bubbles, balls, etc. when the weather permits.

What about hand washing and improved hygienic/sanitation practices?
The following prevention and mitigation strategies will be implemented in order to slow down and limit any COVID-19 exposure and spread:

• Practice recommended routine hand-washing, using CDC guidelines
• Avoid the presence of items that cannot be easily cleaned/disinfected
• Post signs with COVID-19 prevention and control practices
• Provide policies and education on COVID-19 symptoms and response
• Ensure an adequate supply of tissues, hand soap, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and cleaning products suited for the facility
• Implement and follow a schedule developed for increased routine cleaning and disinfection by teachers and additional housekeeping staff which will include sanitizing sports equipment, door handles, art supplies, games, etc. in between uses as much as possible. Classrooms will have their own supply of items that are unable to be sanitized in between uses.

Who will wear a mask?
All teachers are required to wear a cloth or disposable mask at all times. Children three and up are recommended to wear a mask. We understand that there may be some difficulty with doing so; however, we are asking that all children over three wear a mask where developmentally appropriate. As per Governor Hogan's mandated guidelines, ALL children ages five and older MUST wear masks when indoors and also when not able to socially distance.

How many masks does my child(ren) need?
Parents should provide each child with at least two masks that can stay at school and one additional mask that their child can wear during the day. Teachers will change your child(ren)'s mask when necessary and send home used masks to be washed and returned. 

What happens if a child or teacher develops symptoms during the day?
If a child or staff member develops symptoms, they will be isolated and required to go home until they have been cleared by a doctor to return. We will contact our local health department and our licensing specialist for guidance on procedures following any illnesses. A classroom may be shut down if a child or staff member from that class need to be tested for COVID, until we are notified of the test results. If the results come back negative, any classroom that has been shut down will re-open the following day. If a child or staff member tests positive for COVID-19, we will immediately notify all parents in their classroom regarding possible exposure and contact the Maryland Department of Health to report it. We will maintain confidentiality of any individuals who are exposed and/or diagnosed. 

Are vaccinations required to attend the Learning Ladder?
Yes! All children who attend our program MUST be up to date with their vaccinations, per the Maryland State Department of Education guidelines. There will be NO exceptions to this rule. This does not currently include the COVID vaccine, as that has not yet been determined by the CDC.

If the school must close at any point due to COVID-19, will a refund be issued?
Once the month begins, all money will be paid and held in the school account. If the school must close due to COVID-19 and goes into a new month, no tuition will be due until the school re-opens.

What is the refund policy on deposits, should we choose not to enroll for the Fall?
All deposit money is given in good faith to ensure a spot for that child. If you choose not to enroll for the Fall, you will be forfeiting your deposit.

What is the policy if we would like to delay sending our child(ren) - will there still be a space available if we choose to defer?
In order to absolutely ensure a spot, you would need to continue to pay tuition to keep the placement. Without paying tuition, if there is space available you would be able to hold the spot unless someone else decides to pay tuition for it.

Is the Learning Ladder currently giving tours?
We are not allowed to have non-students or non-staff members enter the building; however, we are happy to give virtual Zoom tours by appointment.