Advantage Early Learning Centers

BOISE Advantage Families:
Our gas issue on Friday was quickly repaired by a licensed professional and we were cleared to re open. We thank you all for your understanding during this unforseen event.
Dawn

AELC FAMILIES

Good Morning West Ada!

Due to today's inclement weather, school has been canceled and no classes will take place. We ask that families and students stay safe, rest, relax and enjoy one another's company, read a good book and get outside to play and sled if it is safe to do so. Hot chocolate is also a good option! Enjoy a safe snow day!

Superintendent Dr. Derek Bub

Advantage parents,

Due to road conditions, both our Boise and Meridian centers will be closed today. Family and staff safety is our top priority, and per our Advantage policy, we will follow the lead of both the West Ada and Boise School districts.

Stay safe out there! ⛄️❄️

Good Morning West Ada!

Due to today's inclement weather, school has been canceled and no classes will take place. We ask that families and students stay safe, rest, relax and enjoy one another's company, read a good book and get outside to play and sled if it is safe to do so. Hot chocolate is also a good option! Enjoy a safe snow day!

Superintendent Dr. Derek Bub

$1000 hiring bonus ends September 30! Apply now!

Now hiring full AND part time teachers/assistant teachers at our Boise and Meridian locations. No experience? We'll train the best candidates! Wages depend on experience.
License and CPR/First Aid required, but we'll walk you through the process! Message us here for more details!
Part time positions are great for students 16+!
Check us out at www.advantageelc.com!

Mini-Craft Fair happening at Advantage Meridian!

Full time in our ones room at the Boise site! We would love to welcome some new faces to our team!

Ever wanted to learn to teach preschool? Interested in working with children but not sure how to get started? We’re seeking long term, flexible, dedicated, outgoing, and patient individuals with a desire to teach and nurture young children. Working in child care calls for a strong team and we pride ourselves on having some of the best employees/teachers in the Treasure Valley who love caring for children in a play based environment.

We are now accepting applications for both FULL and PART time positions at our Boise location. We are seeking long term staff members that have a passion for teaching and are willing to continually learn and grow as professionals.

Must be consistently available to work M-F, and closing staff must be able to work until 6:30 pm. We love students but are unable to accommodate less than 5 days a week or varying schedules at this time, so please apply only if you meet our scheduling needs

If you're interested, send us your resume! We're looking to fill these positions quickly so we'll be scheduling interviews ASAP!

-Advantage offers dental and vision insurance for full time employees

-Full time employees receive holiday pay after 90 days

-Advantage pays for your training classes

- Advantage offers an employee child care discount

Advantage parents,

Due to hazardous road conditions and the forecast of more snow, Advantage is closed. Family and staff safety is our priority, and working with the information we have currently, we will err on the side of caution and remain closed today.

Thank you, and stay safe out there!

*See link to forecast in previous post

Boise parents:
After a shooting incident at Boise Town Square Mall, many roads near our Boise location are closed. Please give yourself time to find an alternate route to the center.

BPD: 5 people, Boise police officer injured in Boise mall shooting Police said there is no other information indicating that there are any other threats to the public at this time.

Now hiring at both our Meridian and Boise locations! We're looking to fill multiple full time and part time positions.
We’re seeking long term, flexible, dedicated, outgoing, and patient individuals with a desire to teach and nurture young children. Working in child care calls for a strong team and we pride ourselves on having some of the best employees/teachers in the Treasure Valley that love caring for children in a play based environment.
Must be consistently available to work M-F, and closing staff must be able to work until 6:30pm. We love students but are unable to accommodate less than 5 days a week or varying schedules at this time, so please apply only if you meet our scheduling needs.
Hourly wage is $9-12/hour depending on position and experience.
If you're interested, please send a resume or letter telling us why you want to work with our awesome team or stop in at either location to fill out an application. We're looking to fill these positions ASAP so we'll be scheduling interviews for next week!

-Advantage offers dental and vision insurance for full time employees.

-Full time employees receive holiday pay.

-Advantage pays for your training classes.

Advantage parents,

We need your help! Currently $222 Million in funds for Idaho's childcare providers and workers is at risk in Idaho's Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee (JFAC). These critical funds are set aside for Idaho as part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. (ARPA). JFAC is considering whether to accept these funds or not. Your voice in support of this substantial and vital recovery package is needed today. If JFAC does not approve the acceptance of this funding package, funds for childcare centers, wage enhancements for childcare workers and support for services which provide early childhood services will not come to Idaho. This industry and its workers and eventually Idaho's workforce will lose two hundred and twenty-two million dollars in immediate financial support. Ponder that number and all it means for a second.
You well know that for more than a year, our local childcare providers have been on the frontline of the battle to ensure that working families have this vital service. They have done everything possible to provide services in the most healthy and safe manner possible. Their services have allowed other essential workers to do their jobs. Childcare has been here for Idaho and Idaho's working families. Please ask your JFAC member to ensure that Idaho is here for childcare.
The funds are specifically for the childcare industry in Idaho. They must be invested over the coming three years. Let's not let them go elsewhere.

Below is a sample message you can email or leave as a phone message for your JFAC Member] Or create a message of your own.

Subject Line: Childcare is vital to Idaho's Recovery
Dear {insert JFAC Member Name}
My name is {your name}, I am a resident of {city or legislative district}. As a member of Idaho's JFAC, I am asking you to support the $222M in childcare support funding designated for Idaho as part of the American Rescue Act Plan.
{tell your story here - why this funding is important to you}
These funds are critical to Idaho. Childcare was on the front lines during the crisis. Please ensure they continue to receive the support they need to serve Idaho's children and working families.
Sincerely,
{name and email or telephone number}
Treasure Valley JFAC Members:
Rep. Rick Youngblood Co-Chair, Nampa [email protected]

Sen. Jeff Agenbroad, Nampa [email protected]

Sen. C. Scott Grow, Eagle [email protected]

Rep. Scott Syme, Caldwell [email protected]

Rep. Matthew Bundy, Mountain Home [email protected]

Sen. Janie Ward-Engelking, Boise [email protected]

Rep. Brooke Green, Boise [email protected]

Rep. Colin Nash, Boise
[email protected]

Join me in taking action today, and please share this post!

Sarah Gerlach, Executive Director
Advantage Early Learning Centers
[email protected]

Monday, February 15th update: We are open as normal today! Please drive safe and give yourself plenty of time when traveling.

Looks like we're gonna see MORE snow!

For weather related closures, we do as the local school districts do. Because there is no school tomorrow in observance of President's Day, we'll base our decision on road reports, ISP reports, and the most current weather alerts and advisories. We will always err on the side of safety for our families and staff, so please have a plan in case of weather related closure tomorrow. We'll have a decision by 6 am.

Meanwhile, we'll be crossing our fingers and hoping for very little snow! Stay warm and cozy! ❄️

Now hiring at both our Meridian and Boise locations! We're looking to fill multiple full time and part time positions.
We’re seeking long term, flexible, dedicated, outgoing, and patient individuals with a desire to teach and nurture young children. Working in child care calls for a strong team and we pride ourselves on having some of the best employees/teachers in the Treasure Valley that love caring for children in a play based environment.
Must be consistently available to work M-F, and closing staff must be able to work until 6:30pm. We love students but are unable to accommodate less than 5 days a week or varying schedules at this time, so please apply only if you meet our scheduling needs.
Hourly wage is $9-12/hour depending on position and experience.
If you're interested, please send a resume or letter telling us why you want to work with our awesome team or stop in at either location to fill out an application. We're looking to fill these positions ASAP so we'll be scheduling interviews for next week!

-Advantage offers dental and vision insurance for full time employees.

-Full time employees receive holiday pay

-Advantage pays for your training classes

Drop off your letters to Santa at Meridian City Hall by December 17, and you'll get a reply by Christmas!

Santa's Mailbox is now in position outside Meridian City Hall along Broadway Avenue. Children who place a letter to Santa inside with a legible return address will receive a reply in the mail from Santa. (Please make sure our elves can clearly read your child's name and return address!) Letters must be received by December 17th in order to receive a reply! Presented by Meridian Parks and Recreation

Meridian School Age Families:

Please call today (208-391-2200) or talk to an office staff member at afternoon pick up to confirm what your child's schedule/school year needs will be.

Parents, if you haven’t noticed yet we have placed social distancing markers in the lobby area; please observe social distancing while dropping/picking your children up. If there is not room in the lobby to safely social distance please remain outside until space becomes available. We encourage everyone to wear masks for the short period of time you are near/in the facility.

Thank you!

Advantage families,

As COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Ada County we need to be prepared for what will happen upon exposure to the virus. If someone who's been in the center including staff, parent, or child, is diagnosed with COVID-19 we will be forced to close from 2-5 days for cleaning and sanitizing per CDHD and Health and Welfare requirements. All potentially exposed staff and families will be notified and we will follow any guidance we receive from CDHD and Health and Welfare at that time. Guidance is limited and somewhat vague as of now, but we do know we're required to contact CDHD upon notification of exposure. They will advise on a case by case basis.
Please remember to inform us if you or another household member has been exposed and continue to monitor health for symptoms.

Stay safe & healthy!

Reminder:
We will be closed Friday, July 3rd in honor of Independence Day. Please have a safe and wonderful long weekend.

Advantage Families,

We hope everyone is doing well and staying healthy. We are missing all of our families. Now that phase 2 has started we’ve seen some families return and couldn’t be more excited. Please remember to call the center roughly 1 week prior to returning so we can staff accordingly.
One final reminder that we are closed next Monday, May 25th for Memorial Day.

Advantage Families,

Next week is scheduled to be Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4th-8th). However, with limited staff and children at this time we have decided to postpone teacher appreciation week. Advantage will celebrate teacher appreciation later this year, tentatively planned for a week in July or August. We will be make sure to give all our families plenty of notice prior to celebrating our awesome teachers! Thank you for your continued support for our teachers and students during this unprecedented time.

Good Afternoon Families,

After the Governor's press conference today announcing the Stage 1 opening, we understand some of our families may be returning to work. If that is the case we kindly ask that you call ahead of time if you will need child care. Since the stay at home order began we have implemented new policies and procedures. We will continue to follow these until further notice, and ask that all families will follow them as well. If you have any other questions please feel free to contact the office.

Thank you!

We miss our families! We hope you are all safe and well and we are so excited to be back together sooner rather than later! How are our AELC families surviving quarantine?

Parents,

From tomorrow on, we ask that all drop offs and pick ups happen at the front door. We ask that parents no longer enter the building past the front area. A staff member will assist your child with handwashing/sanitizing and es**rt them back to their classroom. At pick up, a staff member will bring your child to you. Thanks, and stay healthy!

Advantage parents,

No child care center changes were announced in the Governor's address today. We're continuing our extra precautions including wellness checks, asking for any updates like travel or potential exposure, more frequent cleaning and sanitizing, and social distancing to the best of our ability.

As a reminder, our illness policy is up to our discretion for now and we may require exclusion or Dr's clearance for illness symptoms. Please let us know if anyone in the household is ill.

The Idaho Board of Education has closed public schools until April 20, and Meridian and Boise parks are closed until further notice.

We'll continue to keep you posted with any relevant changes or info! Thanks!

Advantage parents,

We hope to have more of an update tomorrow after Gov Little's press conference but for now there are not many changes to what we sent out last week.

We do want to clarify if anyone in the household is in self-quarantine, children must also be out until the 14 days have passed.

West Ada schools are now out until April 6, and Boise hasn't updated to our knowledge.

Keep practicing that social distancing and handwashing!

Thanks, and watch for updates tomorrow!

Been to Blaine County, Idaho in the past 2 weeks? You need the shelter in place for the next 2 weeks.

Health officials ask recent visitors to Blaine county to shelter in place BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) – Central District Health is asking anyone who traveled to Blaine County in the past two weeks to shelter in place amid the coronavirus outbreak. The request comes after three Ada County residents and one Valley County resident tested positive for COVID-19 after traveling a...

What I'm telling my kids about Covid-19 Kate Bolduan writes that, as parents, we could all use a little help explaining things to our children in this unprecedented moment during the coronavirus pandemic.

While waiting on specific guidance re: COVID-19 from Central District Health and the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, we’ve made the following temporary policy and procedure updates effective March 16, 2020:

Only parents, enrolled children, and scheduled staff may enter the building and must be in good health. Parents, staff, and children must wash hands or apply hand sanitizer upon arrival. We will need parents to assist their child with hand washing before leaving them in our care.

Tours are suspended until further notice and vendors will be asked to leave deliveries at the door.

Staff will do child wellness checks and get updates from parents re: travel, potential exposure to COVID-19, and observed symptoms of COVID-19 or other illness in child or family members. Anyone with one or more of the following criteria will be denied entry:

-A temperature of 100.4°F or above;
-Signs or symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as a cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, and low-grade fever;
-In the previous 14 days has had contact with someone with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19; is under investigation for COVID-19; or is ill with a respiratory illness; or
-In the previous 14 days has traveled internationally to countries with widespread, sustained community transmission.
-If child or household member has a fever the child will be excluded for at least 48 hrs after they or the household member is fever free without the use of medication.

For updated information on affected countries, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/travelers/index.html

We’re following all updated CDHD recommended cleaning and hygiene practices and using stronger sanitizing solution as suggested during any community illness outbreak. Family style meals will be put on pause and each child will be served food and drinks by staff.
Please bring a water bottle as drinking fountains will be turned off for now.
This is a quickly changing situation and we will continue to closely monitor and communicate any new information and requirements. We know how important our role is in helping the community through this and we’re committed to doing everything we can to continue providing quality care. We’re happy to try to answer any questions you may have and welcome your feedback.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a virus (more specifically, a coronavirus) identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China.

With both Boise and West Ada school closed for at least the next 2 weeks, we'll do our best to provide care for as many children as we can. In the event of staff illness we may not be able to provide care for children normally scheduled.

Everyone has the same goal: to stay healthy and avoid spreading the virus. We're committed to doing all we can to avoid changes to normal operations and schedules, but please talk with employers and family members and have a back up plan.

*Update* West Ada schools are also closed through Spring break

Advantage parents and staff,

As you may know, Boise and Meridian schools are closing for a period of 2 weeks due to the rapidly spreading COVID-19 virus.

This is stressful for both families and providers and we're sensitive to your concerns and needs. We're remaining open and will follow guidance from Central District Health Department and the Department of Health and Welfare as the situation unfolds.

If we have staff absences due to illness or quarantine we may need to make temporary operational changes which will be communicated to you via phone call, text, facebook, or email. Please make sure we have current contact info on file.

We'll continue to update our page as we get new information and will provide info on temporary changes to illness and other policies tomorrow.

This is new territory for all of us and we understand our role in helping the community get through this. Please feel free to share any comments or questions.

Thank you!

We said goodbye (again) to Mrs Darby today! We were so grateful to have her back even for awhile! So many do not know her husband is in the Navy and deployed! She came home from Virginia during her pregnancy. Baby boy is due soon. We appreciate Darby in more ways than we can express! Love you lady. Can not wait to meet sweet baby boy!