COVID-19 - ASTEME

03/12/2020
As Spring Break approaches and more news about COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in Los Angeles is reported, we would like to share additional information and steps we are taking regarding our preparation and procedures to address the Coronavirus with our community.

The news is changing rapidly, and we are monitoring the local, national, and international situation very closely. We will continue to be vigilant in preparation and prevention here at ASTEME.

School Disinfecting/Cleaning Policies
Even before the COVID-19 outbreak, we have been cautious in helping prevent the spreading of illness by disinfecting our center on a daily basis which includes cleaning high traffic areas and toys with bleach wipes. We have implemented additional disinfecting measures throughout each day, including cleaning door handles, bathroom fixtures, computers, ipads, tables, and chairs, and other frequently touched surfaces.

Also, we have been teaching the kids about viruses and bacteria, and the best ways to protect ourselves from getting sick (washing hands, not touching face, coughing into arm, etc..) We have also been hyper-vigilant with students washing their hands before eating, and will be implementing a mandatory hand washing when first arriving at the center.

Student Illness
In the interest of protecting the other children, if your child shows ANY sign of illness (sneezing, coughing, fever, etc…), please DO NOT send them to ASTEME as they will be sent home immediately. Because of the intensity of this situation, we have modified our make-up policy to allow more flexibility. If your child is sick and unable to come, please keep them home for at least a week until they get better. We will be offering credit which can be used for future classes/camps for missed classes due to illness.

School Closure
We have contacted some of the schools that closed recently to understand the entire perspective on why these schools have chosen their course of action. Each school has its own particular circumstances that it needs to take into consideration. ASTEME will work together with the community to align as much as possible in the spirit of an informed and collaborative public health effort.

At present, there are no known cases of COVID-19 in the ASTEME community. We are relying on the guidance for schools from the California Department of Public Health and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health for our institutional response to the Coronavirus. Therefore, at this time, we intend to remain open and run all of our programs until further notice. Each family should determine whether sending your child(ren) to ASTEME is best for you, and we respect and honor whatever decision you make.

In the event of a school closure, we will be issuing credit for any days or weeks missed that can be used for any future classes/camps (scholarships excluded).

We will continue to monitor the California Department of Public Health recommendations for schools and act accordingly. We encourage families to begin making plans for longer term childcare should there be a need for a school closure.

Again, thank you for your flexibility, patience and collaboration as we navigate this unprecedented time. The wellbeing of our community remains our top priority.

We thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Allan Yu
Director of ASTEME