Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Childcare & School Age Care During COVID-19 Crisis

Q: Will EmBe remain open if Governor Kristi Noem issues a shelter in place order for Minnehaha and Lincoln Counties?
A:  Yes. EmBe Childcare and School Age Care programs are considered a part of essential services critical to maintaining the Infrastructure Workforce. Only the South Dakota Department of Health/Department of Social Services can close our building.

Q: Will parents be notified if there is a positive case of COVID-19 of a staff member or child at EmBe?
A: Maybe or maybe not. We take all direction from the SD Department of Health on who needs to be notified depending on the circumstance and level of exposure or contact.

Q: Are we going to notify parents/guardians who tests positive for COVID-19 at EmBe?
A: No. Names and/or positions or classroom will not be shared due to confidentiality. We take all direction from the SD Department of Health on who needs to be notified depending on the circumstance.

Q: If my child or anyone in the household exhibits the following symptoms of: fever, cough, sore throat, trouble breathing, headache or diarrhea (see CDC.gov) may we bring our child(ren) for care at EmBe?
A: No. We are only as safe as all of our parents and guardians allow us to be. We ask that you notify your primary care physician for direction and keep your child’s site manager updated so we may consult with the SD Department of Health for any action required.

Q: Are teachers able to help my child with homework in the School Age Care program?
A: Yes!  Teachers will be in the room to help with questions that children may have and to make sure that their devices get connected to the internet. Keep in mind, EmBe teachers are not elementary teachers, so they will do the best they can, but it will be your child’s responsibility to make sure their work is completed. Please send a list so that your child knows what needs to be completed each day.

Q: Do children get to use their electronics every day?
A: Electronics are allowed for homework at specified times in addition to Zoom meetings with teachers. Electronics are allowed for schoolwork only.

Q: Are toys allowed from home?
A: No. To reduce the spread of germs, no toys are allowed from home at any time. All EmBe toys, puzzles, books and games are sanitized between use by children.

Q: Is EmBe still planning on a summer program?
A: Yes! EmBe is planning on starting our summer program on May 25, 2020. All enrolled families will be contacted to confirm their registration status. The program and curriculum may change due to availability of activities and the weekly price may be adjusted to reflect those changes. All summer activities outside of EmBe or school facilities will be approved by the SD Department of Social Services and/or the SD Department of Health.