April 25, 2021
New mask rules include preschool students
Thank you for your continued involvement with your student's learning. As educators, we know that the level of commitment as a parent has increased since COVID-19. We appreciate what you are doing to keep your child healthy.
You may have recently heard of the new mask guidelines for children starting at age 2. Here i s how this will affect your child at school beginning April 26, 2021:
- The general mask mandate now applies to children ages 2 and up (instead of ages 5 and up). That means that younger children will be expected to wear masks i n public places including classrooms and outside when social distancing can not be done.
- The order also updates mask rules for child care providers and camps. Now, child care providers and camps must not allow gatherings unless:
- A good faith effort is made to ensure children age 2-4 wear a mask when participating in gatherings.
- Children age 5 and up wear a mask when participating i n gatherings.
- As a reminder, a gathering i s defined as “any occurrence, either indoor or outdoor, where two or more persons from more than one household are present i n a shared space.” Previous orders clarified mask use in different spaces because the masking requirements varied on age and environment. This gathering definition includes all of the areas that were previously referenced (e.g. homes, classrooms, transportation, hallways and outside when social distancing can not be done.)
- Staff are still required to wear masks.
- Please feel free to connect with us regarding any questions you might have regarding these new guidelines,
Thank you,
Jennifer Headley-Nordman 616.494. 2100
Jennifer Van Dyke 616.494.2652