2020/21 Programming Guidelines

Is Schlitz Audubon holding drop off programs for youth this year?

Yes! The health and safety of our program participants and everyone in the Schlitz Audubon community is our top priority, so you will see some changes, but no shortage of fun educational opportunities!

What health and safety guidelines do you have in place this school year?

We’ve been working hard over the last few months to make the necessary modifications to our programs. Our additional guidelines and practices were developed under new COVID-19 preschool licensing protocol from the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families, as well as recommendations from the American Camping Association and the North Shore Health Department.

Face masks are required

All staff and students are required to have a face mask. Students should be prepared to wear their face mask on arrival, whenever physical distancing is not possible, or when indoors. When onsite, parents and caregivers should also wear a mask. Schlitz Audubon logo masks are currently available. These brightly colored, high-quality masks are available for $10 in the Nature Store.

Each age-specific group has its own outdoor/indoor area

Each age-specific group operates independently of each other with no co-mingling between groups. They each have their own outdoor classroom area just for their group during the duration of each session. When specific activities or inclement weather require class to be indoors, each group uses a space designated only for that group. Physical distancing protocol is used indoors.

We will do a lot of hand-washing and extra care will be taken with the restrooms

Students wash their hands upon arrival, after using the restrooms, after blowing their noses/sneezing, and after specific activities. If soap and water are unavailable, hand sanitizer is used. Students have the necessary access to restrooms, however, it is managed. All restrooms and port-o-lets are cleaned and sanitized prior to the start of each session.

Are programs still fun and educational and offer lots of outside time?

You bet! Students spend more time than ever outdoors. We’ve added tents to create additional outdoor classrooms and enjoy plenty of hiking, ponding, visits with live animals, and art and science activities.

How does check-in work?

Parents drop-off and pick-up students at their age group’s designated outdoor area. The specific location of your child’s outdoor classroom will be sent to parents via email prior to the first day of programming.

When should I keep my child home?

We would like to know prior to each session if your child has recently traveled out of state. Please email Danielle at registration@schlitzaudubon.org.

Parents are expected to assess the health of their child, including taking their temperature, before attending programming.

You should keep your child at home if:

• Your child has a fever. Fever reducing medication may not be used when determining a child’s health. Students must be fever-free for 72 hours (3 days) before attending programming, per the recommendations of the CDC
• Your child is experiencing recognizable symptoms of COVID-19, including a fever, dry cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing
• Your child has been exposed to someone who has had COVID-19 (by testing or medical diagnosis) within the past 14 days
• Your child has had sustained contact (within 6 feet for 15 minutes or more) with a person showing symptoms of COVID-19 within the previous 14 days
• Your child is under a 14-day self-quarantine/self-monitoring guidance for any reason

Please notify Danielle at registration@schlitzaudubon.org if your child will not be attending programming due to illness or exposure, and a full refund for that program will be issued.

What happens if a child develops symptoms of COVID-19 while attending programming?

The naturalist teacher will:

• Remove the student from their group and relocate them to an isolated area with a member of staff. Both will be wearing face masks, unless the student is having difficulty breathing.
• Call the parent/guardian to pick the student up.
• Report the event to the Director of Education, as well as the Executive Director, who will contact the North Shore Health Department. We will follow the recommendations of the health department.
• Notify all families with students in that age group, without identifying the student by name.

What will naturalists do differently this year?

All Center staff, including naturalist teachers, are following the same health guidelines for coming to work that we have for program participants. Our naturalists are trained on the prevention and recognition of signs of COVID-19 in others, as well as new procedures taking place this year due to the virus.

There are times when various materials are needed for deeper engagement in an activity (such as ponding nets, strainers, and shovels). Staff instruct students not to share these materials. All Center teaching materials are cleaned and sanitized before being used again.

How can parents help keep programs safe this year?

Serve a healthy breakfast or lunch prior to each program, as we don’t provide snacks.

Send 1-2 filled water bottles labeled with their student’s name – staying hydrated is especially important while spending so much time outdoors. Water bottles will be refilled during programming when necessary with staff assistance.

Some naturalists may ask that you provide craft materials like crayons, scissors, and glue for your student’s use during programming. If this applies to your student, you will be notified via email.

Have your child use the bathroom at home, just prior to the start of a program, to help us better coordinate restroom visits!

What if programming is canceled?

If we receive instruction from the CDC, North Shore Health Department, or other officials that programming should be discontinued, we will offer you a pro-rated refund.

Still have questions? Contact our Registrar, Danielle Gulke, at registration@schlitzaudubon.org.