12. Protocol Modifications Under Waiver

COHORT SIZES

For in-person instruction under a waiver, students will be organized and proceed through the day within cohorts, defined as a stable group of no more than 14 children and no more than two supervising adults. The cohorts will stay together for all activities (e.g., recess, lunch, etc.), and avoid contact with people outside of their stable group. As of January 27, 2021, the Guidance for K-12 Schools in California from the CDPH is 16 individuals (14 students, 2 adults).

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING

Under a waiver, we are required to report the exact number of students in each cohort on campus. While our intention is to have flexibility between educational models - in-person and distance learning programs - under a waiver, families will not be able to move freely between models. If a student is enrolled in the in-person program and required to remain home for any reason, they may move into the distance-learning program during their absence. Students enrolled in distance learning will not have the ability to move into the in-person program until the Pasadena Public Health Department allows more students per cohort or requirements change.

SCHEDULE

The County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health and the City of Pasadena Public Health Department is adopting a staged approach, supported by science and public health expertise, to enable schools to re-open safely. In addition, to meet the provisions under the waiver, we may modify our in-person program schedule. We will reevaluate school hours based on public health guidance and will communicate that with families.

Kindergarten: 8 - 11 a.m. First Grade: 8:15 - 11:15 a.m. Second Grade: 8 - 11 a.m.

AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM

Because of our limitations and restrictions under the waiver, we are currently not offering an afterschool program. Once our in-person program is expanded, we will communicate options for our families.

DAY CAMPS, CHILD CARE OR DAYCARE

If your child is currently enrolled in daycare, child care services, or is part of a learning pod, your child will need to quarantine for 10 days before joining their stable cohort and cannot be simultaneously enrolled in both programs. We understand that this may be an inconvenience for parents who are working, but we are required to limit exposure to our students and faculty. We are committed to our families choosing to join us in-person and hope you can commit to Chandler exclusively under these current circumstances.

SURVEILLANCE TESTING

As mandated by the City of Pasadena, all employees are required to test, whether they are working on campus or working remotely. All Chandler employees have participated in surveillance (also known as universal or asymptomatic) testing monthly since November and will continue to do so. Starting this week, under the recommendation of the local health department and our Medical Advisory Committee, we will increase the frequency of surveillance testing for all employees who will be on campus. Testing will allow for early identification of cases and exclusion from school to prevent transmission.

The Chandler Medical Advisory Committee has reviewed the school’s plans to mitigate the risk of infection with COVID-19 as we prepare for the return of K-2 in-person education. Universal screening protocols, use of masks, physical distancing and hygiene measures will continue to be implemented. The Center for Disease Control as well as the local health authorities do not mandate surveillance testing for school students. The Committee evaluated available evidence related to the feasibility of surveillance testing, the accuracy of results, and enforceability, as applicable to young children. Based on current scientific data, the Committee continues to not recommend mandatory testing of K-2 students. Additionally, it is strongly encouraged that families adhere to distancing and isolation guidelines. The Committee will continue to follow the science related to the pandemic and update recommendations as appropriate.

Chandler works within the framework of the Pasadena Health Department (PHD) and California Department of Public Health (CDPH). On January 27, 2021, the PHD issued a Health Officer Order stating we must comply with CDPH Blueprint for a Safer Economy.