Safety Protocol and COVID-19 Response
Below is LVDA’s new Safety Protocol guidelines and procedures during this time of COVID-19. These policies are based on the latest recommendations of the Governor, CDC and the Vermont Dept. of Health regarding programming for children. The health and safety of our children, staff and families is of utmost importance to us at LVDA. LVDA will make enforcement of this Safety Protocol its top priority. Please read the information carefully. Everyone entering LVDA or registering for classes must follow these guidelines and procedures to ensure the health and safety of all.
No one may enter the Dance Studio under any circumstance if they have had a fever in the past 72 hours and have had to take a fever reducer to bring down a fever. No one with a temperature above 100 will be allowed in the Studio. Temperature Checks may be taken with a Touchless Thermometer prior to your child entering the Studio. Children will be sent home if they appear ill during class and will not be allowed back to LVDA for 72 hours if they have any COVID-19 related symptoms. Credits will not be granted for missed class time.
LVDA will conduct Temperature Checks, however, a Full Health Screening must be completed at home by a parent prior to your child entering the LVDA premises. The following questions should be addressed:
Have you had a fever in the past 72 hours?
Have you been around anyone with COVID-19?
Have you had a cough, sore throat, shortness of breath or a loss of smell and/or taste?
If the answer is yes to any of these questions, we ask that you keep your child home, as it may be unsafe for your child to attend class.
All students must use Hand Sanitizer after entering the Waiting Room and getting dressed for class. Parents who remain in the Waiting Area during class time must use Hand Sanitizer, as well. If a dancer uses the bathroom before class, hand washing will be expected and sufficient.
LVDA has the right to limit the number of family members in the Waiting Room to ensure safe social distancing guidelines. Space is prioritized for students waiting to enter class, or for those exiting a class. Depending on the number of students in the Waiting Room, parents/guardians may be asked to drop off or pick up their child without entering the Waiting Room.
Masks must be worn by all with no exceptions in the Waiting Room for any unvaccinated individual. If you are vaccinated, masks are encouraged but not required, including parents, students and instructors. For those classes with young children where parents remain in the Waiting Room, masks for all, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated, may be necessary. Masks must be part of each person’s essential equipment to have access to LVDA premises. Students and instructors can remove masks in the Studio if they are overheated from physical exertion. Students will not be required to wear masks during class participation, unless they so choose or unless otherwise instructed. When removing masks, they must be placed with the student’s personal water bottle, and will be the responsibility of that student. At any time, LVDA reserves the right to require mask wearing by all entering LVDA premises if it becomes recommended by the Governor, CDC and the Vermont Dept. of Health; or if LVDA chooses to take extra precautions.
Dancers will be placed at a safe distance apart. The instructor will check and enforce this safe social distancing, however it will be the responsibility of the student to be educated and mindful of social distancing protocol. Students may be asked to use masks when placed in lines or lining up to dance from the corner of the studio.
Instructors will limit physical contact with other students to the best of their ability. When it becomes necessary for the teacher to use physical contact to correct a student’s form, the instructor will be mindful of the placement/direction of his/her face and breathing. In the event of extended time spent with corrections and close physical contact between instructor and student, the instructor will wear a mask.
Instructors will monitor the behavior and physical placement of students to help ensure that a safe distance is maintained throughout the class, outside of choreographed routines. If choreography requires closer contact, masks will be necessary.
Hand Sanitizer will be available in the Studio, however it will be the responsibility of all students to come with their own personal Hand Sanitizer. This must be part of their essential equipment to enter LVDA premises.
When in the Studio, if a child is frequently touching their face, they will be asked to step out to wash their hands, or be given hand sanitizer.
All frequently used areas will be sanitized with disinfectant cleaner and spray, disinfectant wipes, and a UV light disinfector in between each class/group of children. These areas include ballet barres, studio benches and bathrooms.
Disinfectant will be used to sanitize all surfaces daily and multiple times daily including door handles, knobs, wall mailbox, Waiting Room benches, Waiting Room clothing hooks, light switches, Dressing Room benches and mirrors.
Class groups will not be mixed until further notice.
Exposure to COVID-19 is a risk in all public settings. LVDA cannot be responsible for or guarantee that you will not be exposed while on the LVDA premises.
We ask that all LVDA families read carefully with your child, familiarize yourselves and agree to the LVDA Safety Protocol. Registration in one of our programs requires that you understand and accept these regulations. The Director & staff will ensure that all areas of Lamoille Valley Dance Academy are thoroughly disinfected and sanitized at the start, during and end of each day. Our goal is to offer our students a high quality of dance and gymnastics training, while providing a safe and secure facility at all times.
All COVID policies are subject to change based on Governors guidelines and CDC Recommendations.