SIC Announces Reopening of Mary Jo Oldham Center for Child Study in August

HARRISBURG, Ill. (June 10, 2020) – Based on the state of Illinois’ plan to restore child care centers, Southeastern Illinois College is planning to reopen the Mary Jo Oldham Center for Child Study Aug. 3 to its smallest students.

Unfortunately, numbers will be severely limited to comply with state mandates. For example, only 10 children will be allowed in each room with two teachers. SIC has four rooms, so that means no more than 40 children will be accepted. One room is for toddlers ages 18 months to 2.5 years, another for 2.5 to three years, and two rooms for pre-K age.

Besides additional cleaning and sanitizing measures to an already highly sanitized location, all children over two will be required to wear a mask. The mask will be optional outside with distance. Each class will have the same teachers and students all day, and there will be no intermingling – playground time will be separate. Outdoor toys will be separated as much as possible and be disinfected more frequently. Food will be prearranged for the children – no family-style serving.

No more than one visitor will be allowed for drop-off or pickup only, they will be required to wear a mask, and they will not be allowed in the rooms. Fever is checked daily upon entering of not only the child, but also of the parent and staff.

SIC has been working closely with state agencies to ensure safety for all.

The center will be open for care Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. beginning Aug. 3. Admission preferences are full day, full time and on the Child Care Resource and Referral Agency’s preferred list. The center will begin contacting parents of pre-enrolled students this month to let them know about enrollment. New applicants should contact Caroline McSparin at (618) 252-5400 Ext 3400 or caroline.mcsparin@sic.edu.

Additionally, parents will be required to participate in a free class that includes safety training on COVID-19. For more information about the Mary Jo Oldham Center for Child Study, visit www.sic.edu/mjoccs.

Donations of financial support for the center are always welcome and can be made online or by emailing giving@sic.edu for additional information.

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