Children’s Garden Classes

Covid-19 Safety Protocols and Participation Requirements

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the following protocols will be in place on the Brooklyn Botanic Garden premises or on property in connection with BBG services:

• Participants, staff and caregivers (over age 2) must wear a mask and remain at least 6 feet apart from other groups.
• All in-person programming takes place entirely outdoors.
• Bathrooms are available at the Flatbush Avenue entrance and all bathroom breaks are the responsibility of caregivers. 
• Hand sanitizer and extra masks are available.
• If handouts are distributed, the teacher or staff member must sanitize their hands before and after distribution, or wear sanitary gloves.
• No shared tools or equipment will be used unless properly sanitized.
• Participants should stay home if not feeling well.
• Before program begins, participants must sign an agreement that states they will wear a face covering on the grounds; maintain six feet of distance from others outside of their group; stay home if they feel sick or symptomatic; follow the safety instructions of their instructor; inform BBG staff if they develop symptoms within 14 days of the program; and only return to the program following a COVID-19 diagnosis after testing negative.
• Before attending each session on BBG premises or property in connection with BBG, participants must complete a safety screening indicating they do not have symptoms associated with COVID-19; have not been in contact with individuals with COVID-19 symptoms; have not had a positive COVID-19 test in the last 14 days; and have not traveled outside of the state in the last 14 days.
• In the event of a reported COVID-19 diagnosis, Brooklyn Botanic Garden will contact all individuals deemed to have been in contact and inform them of the need to quarantine as per New York State instructions.

Summer Safety Protocols

Basic Program Guidelines:

• All activities are facilitated entirely outdoors.
• Each parent must complete a daily health screening for their child in advance of arrival.
• Participants should maintain 6 feet of distance from each other and staff.
• As reminders, social distancing markers are placed around commonly used areas.
• All participants and staff must wear face coverings for the duration of the program, except for eating and drinking breaks.
• Sanitizing and hand-washing stations are placed throughout the garden (at entrances and activity tables and in field spaces).
• If your child is showing signs of illness, they should not attend the program.
• The on-site Children’s Garden coordinator oversees program logistics and space coordination, ensuring a safe environment across the garden.

Garden Groups:

• Summer garden groups consist of a maximum of 10 children and 1 staff member.
• Participants and their instructor will stay in one group for their full week of the program.
• Participants will only engage and interact within their own small groups.
• Each group has their own area of the garden for activities, lunch, and storing bags.
• All tools and materials are sanitized before and after use; there is no sharing of tools or materials.

Drop-Off/Pick-Up:

• For quick drop-off, please have your health screening filled out in advance.
• Groups will have two designated drop-off and pick-up gates at the Children’s Garden to prevent crowding.
• Only one adult should approach the group for drop-off and pick-up.
• Participants and their authorized adult will need to remain 6 feet away from the group until the drop-off/pick-up process is complete.

Bathrooms:

• Participants should use Flatbush Avenue entrance bathrooms before the program starts each day (just a 3-minute walk from the Children’s Garden).
• Children needing to use restrooms during the program will be supervised, and will queue outside the facilities maintaining 6 feet from one another.

Snack/Lunch Breaks:

• Children will bring lunch and snack from home; no food sharing please.
• Participants will use alcohol-based hand sanitizer before and after meals.
• All lunches and snacks will be eaten picnic-style outdoors; children will be seated at least 6 feet apart.

Staff Safety:

• All staff members complete a daily health questionnaire and have been trained in COVID-19 safety procedures.

In Event of Confirmed COVID-19 Case:

• Parents and caregivers must notify BBG if their child or a close contact has a positive COVID-19 diagnosis. (add our contact info here)
• In the event of a reported COVID-19 diagnosis, BBG will contact all individuals deemed to have been in contact and inform them of the need to quarantine per New York State instructions.
• If a participant cannot attend or we cancel due to COVID-19 related issues, parents will receive a prorated refund for canceled days.