COVID-19 Update: School age sites closed through 4/28

Thank you all for bearing with us through this difficult time. We care about you and your health and wellness and know how much you depend on SCDC. Information is changing daily and it is difficult to know what tomorrow may bring. We do have some information to share and hope it will clarify where we stand as of today.

Unfortunately, school district facilities remain unavailable for school age childcare, therefore we will not be charging tuition for April 1st through 28th for families currently enrolled in a program that has been closed.

As the governor’s Monday announcement of the “Stay Home, Save Lives” order limits our capacity to offer large scale care and due to our lack of available space we are unable to accommodate everyone’s needs. However, we are now able to offer limited care for children in grades K-5 for families with a qualifying need. These limited temporary openings are on a first-come, first-served basis and, per the governor’s order, families must be seeking care as first responders or health care professionals. Requests for these limited openings, and a description of your qualifying need can be emailed to office@salemchild.org. Further details, including location and pricing, will be provided.

SCDC’s Early Learning locations in Salem are still open and operational for families with a qualifying need. Currently enrolled families who are keeping their children home can opt to waive childcare at our Liberty Gardens and Fairgrounds locations from April 1st through 28th and will not be charged April tuition for that time period. Please email our office at office@salemchild.org if you are choosing to waive your child’s infant, toddler or preschool enrollment. Be aware that if you opt for this waiver care will not be available until April 29th when normal monthly tuition charges will resume, providing the “Stay home, Save Lives” order is not extended.

Financially, these are challenging times for all of us. SCDC is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Due to our non- profit status we do operate on a conservative budget at all times. We are currently operating at a loss due to the closures of our school based programs and limited access for early childhood programs per the Governor’s order. We will continue to review our financial situation as things will continue to change and do our best as we navigate our “new normal”. We kindly ask, if possible, that you consider a charitable donation to help us be here to continue to provide childcare services to your family and the community for many years to come.

Thank you for your understanding and consideration. We are a strong community and we will get through this. Support each other and stay connected. We will miss you all and wish health and stability for your family during these changing times.

Sincerely,

Salem Child Development Center

PO Box 7422 Salem, OR 97303