Both of the Rady JCC Early Learning Centres, the Kaufman Child Care Centre and David and Ruth Asper Early Learning Centre, have been approved by Manitoba Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) to provide continual care for front line workers during the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic .
“We are providing care to those families of essential care workers following ELCC guidelines of maximum of 16 children per room,” said Rob Berkowits, Rady JCC’s Executive Director. “We continue to receive lists of families that meet these criteria until we reach full capacity.”
This decision by ELCC came shortly after the Province of Manitoba made the announcement asking all daycare centres close by end-of-day Friday, March 20, in anticipation of COVID-19 infection rates rising.
“As of Tuesday, March 24, both our centres enacted updated policies to ensure the best ongoing protection against the virus,” said Eleonora Caporalini, Director of Child Care Services. “These include new drop-off and pick-up procedures, what to do if a child appears ill, and strict rules for all meals, drinks, and snacks at both locations.”
The two Rady JCC Early Learning Centres are the only parts of the Rady JCC that currently remain in operation. As of 3:00 p.m. Monday, March 16, 2020, the Rady JCC closed its fitness facility for the foreseeable future. All classes and programs have also been cancelled or postponed.
“The families that we have received from ELCC have been very grateful to be part of the Rady JCC family,” said Berkowits. “We join the rest of our community in thanking these front line workers for all they continue to do during a time of such uncertainty.”
Hours of operation for both child care facilities are Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.