July News

Click here to view July events.
July 3: Center CLOSED in observance of Independence Day
June 8: Board Meeting
July 10: First Friday is CANCELLED this month
July 22: Blossom Graduation

Message from Growing Tree -we need your voice

We are now in Phase 2 of COVID-19 re-opening. Unfortunately, Phase 2 did not allow childcare centers any additional slots so we are still operating under the same 10 children per classroom mandate. The Governors office has advised us that they are beginning to work with the Oregon Health Authority OHA on the next phase of ECC guidance. Their goal is to release final updated statewide guidance for ECC by Friday, August 14, 2020.

Here is an excerpt from the Governors letter:

  "This next phase of guidance will not be a return to “business as usual” pre-COVID-19. The virus remains in our communities. To date, physical distance remains one of the most effective strategies for COVID-19 prevention. However, that is not entirely possible in child care, particularly for younger children. As a result, ECC rules and guidance have centered on keeping groups smaller and more stable than normal, frequent cleaning, and exclusion of symptomatic adults and children. 

At the same time, we have heard from many of you about your concerns with the challenges of implementing these safety practices without support in the long term, particularly the feasibility of operating with smaller group sizes. We know it has an effect on the bottom line of your business. We have also heard from you about the difficulties of turning families away, as quality child care is an essential support for families to thrive and for children to learn and grow. Therefore, the next phase of ECC guidance will take into account all of these factors, including looking at the possibility of flexibility to increase group size requirements in consultation with OHA.

Growing Tree would like to encourage  parents to write letters expressing your concerns with regards to accessing the childcare that you have committed to emotionally, socially, and financially over the past years, how it is affecting your work/home balance, any trials you are facing by not having the opportunity to return, and your child's well being. Thank you in advance.

Please direct your letters to:
Bend Chamber Megan Norris: megan@centraloregonchildcare.com
Governors Office Annette Liebe : Annette.LIEBE@oregon.gov
Early Learning Division Miriam Calderon : miriam.calderon@state.or.us 
Oregon Representative Jack Zika:  Rep.JackZika@oregonlegislature.gov
Neighbor Impact Child Care Resource & Referral CCR Karen Prow: karenp@neighborimpact.org

Poll Response

Health Screenings

Blossom Graduation:

Tuition increase

Tuition increase is tentative for  September 1, 2020. You will receive a letter regarding rates in August. 

REMIND

Growing Tree uses REMIND texts  to notify you regarding emergencies or changes in school hours.

 Did you know you can find the dates and locations for all of the Growing Tree special events under the SCHEDULE tab on our website? 

Volunteer Hours

The following are volunteer opportunities:

• Dig out drains
  
• Clean out drains on playground
  
• Trash clean up around the Center
• Volunteer hours are not pro-rated in the event you withdraw from the Center prior to December 31st.
  

Board Meeting:

Donate Button:

We have added a donate button to our website and Facebook page. Feel free to pass it along or use it yourself.

Family Resources:

Amazon Smile