Dear Members and Visitors to the Children’s Museum of Southeastern Connecticut,

Over the past several months we have all been hearing about the H1N1 flu virus. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has predicted that the virus will continue to spread during the fall and winter. To ensure the health and well being of all children and families visiting the Museum, we are reviewing and updating all of our policies regarding sick children, adults and staff.

Please be aware that we reserve the right to request visitors leave the building if they or their children are exhibiting any flu like symptoms. Visitors paying for admission will be given a refund if they are asked to leave.

Educators will reserve the right to remove a child from a program or class if the child is exhibiting any flu like symptoms.

The CDC is also recommending that all people remain at home until they have been fever free for at least 24 hours without fever reducing medication. We ask for your cooperation and prudence.

Museum staff has been asked to remain at home if they are not feeling well. It has been Museum policy to use a substitute teacher for preschool and home-school classes, but to reschedule toddler and baby classes. We feel strongly that our youngest children need the consistency of the same adult teacher. We ask for your understanding in situations requiring rescheduling.

While the Museum has always followed best practice with regard to cleaning, we are taking extra precautions cleaning and sanitizing all loose toys and surfaces. We encourage visitors to use an alcohol based hand sanitizer upon entry and again upon departing. The Museum also has on file an informational sheet written by Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) on how to talk to kids about being sick. Please ask for a copy of this if you would like it.

Thank you for your understanding and please feel to call me if you have any further questions or if we can provide additional resources for you or your family.

Sincerely, Christy Hammond and the Board of Trustees