Since it opened in 2019, TVH Kids has been ahead of the curve when it comes to child safety and education. In a world that has drastically changed in the last year due to COVID-19, the staff is more dedicated than ever to maintaining that standard. In addition to stepped-up cleaning protocols, the school is now offering a grade school support program.
New cleaning and safety procedures include both teachers and children having their temperature taken before entering the building each morning, increased handwashing, more frequent cleaning including sanitizing the playground every night and increased social distancing among the students. Brent Beam, a father of one student at TVH Kids says “I'm very confident in the safety measures taken to protect the health and well-being of the children, the parents and the staff. Before COVID-19, it was already clear how much time and effort went into creating a clean and safe learning environment at TVH Kids and the new processes with drop-off, pick-up and the on-going communication have made it even better.”
Perhaps the biggest change is the school’s commitment to families of school-age children. This year, TVH Kids is offering a Grade School Support Program (GSSP). This allows students who are learning virtually or doing a hybrid system a place to come to during the day. TVH Kids will provide the students with a quiet place to do their online classes, schoolwork, teacher support as well as provide enrichment activities.
Jeff Oatney says, “We have 2 children enrolled at TVH Kids. Our youngest is 3 years old and the other is starting first grade this year. Not only do we appreciate TVH Kids for taking our 6 year old during the summer break, but also for allowing her to continue during the school year with their support program. I think the school support program is another great benefit of working for TVH. We have a few reasons for utilizing the program. The first being class size. Having a smaller class size promotes a more intimate learning environment and with the new virtual platform, I believe having a smaller student to teacher ratio will benefit both teachers and students. In addition to a better learning environment, it will also dramatically reduce the possibility of spreading COVID-19 since the same core group of kids have been together since the beginning of summer. Not only does the TVH Kids school support program benefit employees and their kids, but it will also have an impact on the number of students who have to be in school because they have no other options.”
The school is committed to the children and remaining flexible. “We will continue to work with families to provide a safe place for their children to go to while they’re working. Overall, the kids have handled the changes extremely well and the staff has been great,” says Timberly Apple, Principal of TVH Kids. With parents, students and teachers all working together, TVH Kids will remain a safe place for those who need it in the months to come.