"Bring up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it" Proverbs 22:6
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Covid-19 Re-Opening Plan
Grace Lutheran Preschool will take all necessary precautions to provide a safe environment for your child during the 2020-21 school year concerning Covid-19. Our return to school will look different. Grace Lutheran families, students and staff will need to be flexible and understand that the priority of protecting the health of our students and staff may require changes in procedures, sometimes with minimal notice.
We will be following recommendations from the Floyd County Health Department and the Department of Family and Social Services Agency. Whatever the circumstances, we remain committed to providing a loving, Christian environment.
School Closures and Distance Learning
Grace Lutheran Preschool will closely monitor the status of COVID-19 as per the Floyd County Health Department and the Department of Family and Social Services. We will remain open as long as we possibly can but, in the event, we have to close school temporarily due to COVID-19 cases, we will begin online learning. Once we are able, we will resume classes in person. Our goal with online learning is to maximize instructional opportunities.
Social Distancing Strategies
Only Grace Lutheran students and staff will be allowed in the building. Parents and Volunteers will not be admitted during school hours.
Each group/class of children is called a unit. Each unit will be kept in their own room with the exception chapel, music and outdoor play.
Chapel will be modified to include social distancing among classes. Music will be held on the same day after the completion of Chapel as to minimize exposure. Units will remain socially distant from other units during outdoor play.
Seating in the classroom will be spaced out as much as possible. Children within their unit will be kept in groups of ten or less (this is called a cohort) as often as possible to include table work, snack and lunch.
Face Masks and Cloth Face Cover
The use of face coverings will be dependent on the advice from the CDC, Floyd County Health Department the Family and Social Services Agency. As of July 27, 2020 masks are required for children over the age of 2. This will be re-evaluated on September 11, 2020. Staff will be wearing masks during the school day particularly when social distancing is difficult. Individuals will be reminded not to touch the face mask and to wash hands frequently.
Screening
All children and staff will be screened upon arrival by temperature taking and visual screening.
Staff will be outside for drop off at designated doors. While your child is in the car seat, a touchless temperature will be taken and documented. Children and staff who have a fever of 100.4º or above OR exhibit other signs of illness will not be admitted. Staff will be making a visual assessment of the child while in the car seat for signs of illness. Parents must complete and turn in a Covid-19 Screening questionnaire each day as their child arrives at school. This confirms that your child is not exhibiting any signs or symptoms of Covid-19.
Parents must help be on alert for signs of illness in their children and must keep them home when they are sick. Even if a child does not have a temperature, but they appear sick (cough, runny nose, diarrhea, etc.) the Administrator has the right to deny the child’s attendance for that day or days thereafter. Also in the case of a staff member, the Administrator reserves the right to dismiss the employee.
Covid-19 Case Procedure
If Grace Lutheran Preschool learns that a staff member or student has tested positive for COVID-19, we will contact the Floyd County Health Department and follow recommended guidelines.
In the case of a Covid-19 diagnosis, Grace Lutheran Preschool will dismiss affected students and staff for 2-5 days. This initial short-term dismissal allows time for the local health officials to gain a better understanding of the COVID-19 situation impacting the school. This allows the local health officials to help the school determine appropriate next steps, including whether an extended dismissal duration is needed to stop or slow further spread of COVID-19. During this short-term closure, a deep and thorough cleaning and disinfecting will ensue.
Any positive test requires at least 10 calendar days have gone by without symptoms and having been released by a healthcare provider, in writing, and a copy provided to the school for our record.
Drop Off
Staff attending drop off will be wearing face masks as well as disposable gloves. Your child will be monitored by a staff member into the building, monitored in the hallway and to the classroom.
Drop off times will be 8:45 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. If circumstances arise for a late arrival, the child can be escorted to the main entrance by the parent. A staff member will meet you at the door to complete the health assessment.
Anyone who exhibits COVID-19 symptoms including answering yes to any of the screening questions or running a fever will leave the premises immediately and be advised to seek medical care or testing.
Limit Sharing
Grace Lutheran Preschool utilizes lockers in the hallway to store each child’s belongings. These items need to be removed daily. Lockers will be cleaned and sanitized daily.
Each child will have their own pencil box to hold any school supplies needed for table work. Toys and materials are not allowed to be brought into school. Snacks and food will not be shared. Each child will be served individually.
Grace Lutheran staff will continue to wear hair nets, aprons and gloves but will be adding face masks to the uniform while serving children snacks and lunch.
Classroom tables will be washed and disinfected after each use; multiple times per day