OTTAWA – The city will be starting its Before and After School programs at various locations on Thursday, Sept. 3 to coincide with the reopening of schools. Registration opens online on Monday, Aug. 24 at 9 p.m.

The program guide will be online Friday, Aug. 21, providing information on hours and program locations.

Prior to the program beginning, parents will receive a Before and After School Parent Handbook with additional information on expectations and protocols.

“The COVID-19 modified activities will include creative physical-distancing games, sports, and arts and crafts,” city staff released in a statement Aug. 13. “Quiet homework time will also be provided.”

Following provincial guidelines and advice from Ottawa Public Health, enhanced COVID-19 prevention measures and protocols will also be in place to safeguard children and staff. These measures include:

• Additional COVID-specific training for all staff
• Health screening of children and staff
• Physical distancing
• Frequent cleaning and disinfecting

“Mask requirements will follow the same provincial protocols implemented in the schools,” staff said. “Students in Grade 4 and up will be required to wear masks indoors. While it is not formally required, the city encourages students from Kindergarten to Grade 3 to wear masks indoors.”

Mitigation measures and protocols are also in place should a student begin to show COVID-19 symptoms, which will include direct notification to the parent or guardian and the need for immediate pick-up.

The City of Ottawa is an accredited HIGH FIVE® organization that focuses on providing young people opportunities to play, participate, master skills and make friends.

For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca or call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401).