Wearing a Mask—Head Start Children

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1. ACHR provides each family w/ 3 re-usable cloth masks with
   break-away lanyards.
   a. Each mask has a white label to write child’s name.
   b. Family is responsible for washing masks. This can be
   done in the regular laundry with detergent and warm
   water. Or wash by hand. Suggestion: Using a large Ziploc
   bag, fill ½ way with hot water then a teaspoon of laundry
   or dish detergent, then mask. Seal it, shake it, massage it
   from the outside of the bag gently then set it in a bowl for
   10 minutes. Rinse well and dry completely before rewearing.
   c. To help children who are not used to masks, parents can
   begin having their child wear a mask when going
   somewhere such as the grocery store or even at home just
   for practice. The mask must cover the nose and mouth.

2. *Children wear mask:
   a. At door of bus and on bus.
   b. While waiting to enter building and while in the hallways
   and classroom, except while eating or blowing nose.
   c. Children put masks in individual cubby during breakfast
   and lunch, wash hands, and put mask back on.
   d. With teacher assistance, children may hang mask on
   designated hanging area on playground fence with
   clothespin during outside time. Children encouraged to
   social distance, using playground space to get fresh air.
   e. Mask goes home with child (both bus and walk-ins).
   

*Children with documented moderate to severe asthma or other
diagnosis may be exempt from mask wearing: Parent must
provide note from doctor stating he/she is exempt from mask
wearing in the program.