Ellicott Preschool
Return to In-Person Instruction Plan
2020 Return to In-Person Instruction Plan
The return plan is based on the best available public health information at the time of its creation. This plan is a working draft and will be adjusted in real-time based on newly released data and guidance from public health officials.
Introduction
In March 2020, Ellicott School District closed its schools and worksites for in-person learning and work due to the outbreak of COVID-19. In compliance with guidance from local, state and federal health experts, the district quickly implemented remote learning and working policies through the continuation of the 2019-2020 school year. As we look ahead at the 2020-2021 school year, we must plan for welcoming our students and staff in a way that will most effective balance:
Minimizing public health risks of COVID-19 to students, staff and society
Maximizing students’ ability to learn and thrive , with our focus on our students who most need academic, social, emotional and mental supports
Supporting critical economic activity
General Operating Instructions (Healthy Child Care Colorado & CDPHE)
Only staff and children can enter the classrooms
Parents drop-off and pick-up children at outside classroom doors, following physical distancing guidelines
Health check screenings for ALL staff before entering the facility
Staff showing symptoms or signs of sickness are required to stay home
ALL children need to receive a health screening at home prior to being placed on the bus or dropped off at the preschool
Parents are required to keep their child home when showing symptoms or signs of sickness, this may also include siblings
Each classroom has access to handwashing sinks with soap and paper towels
Each staff member has 2 face coverings that will be washed daily
Recommend (not required) face coverings for children over 3
Emergency contact information on file for every child
Signs posted in regards to avoiding ill people, covering mouth, minimizing non-essential activities in the community, and frequent handwashing
Preschool has enough supplies for 2-4 weeks (PPE, sanitizer/disinfectant, soap, paper towels, and other daily supplies as required)
Washer and dryer are functional
There is a designated space for isolating sick children until parents pick them up
Staff ensures ratios are maintained
All onsite tours are discontinued and non-essential visitors are not allowed in the facility
Health Department will be notified of staff, students, or families with COVID symptoms
Classrooms are free of clutter so main surfaces can be cleaned and sanitized.
Classroom Procedures (Healthy Child Care Colorado & CDPHE)
Ratios are maintained throughout the day. Maximum class sizes of 15 students are allowed as set by licensing
Emergency contact information is on file for every student
All staff wear face coverings while caring for children or interacting with parents
Different groups of children are kept separate with physical distancing maintained. Groups are not allowed to intermingle in common areas
Limit the toys in use to those that are easily cleanable, non-porous, with smooth surfaces and eliminate soft, fabric toys, dress-up clothing, sensory tables and water play
Classroom toys will be sanitized after each use, between sessions, and at the end of each day. This includes all outdoor recess toys and equipment
Students will wash their hands as they enter the classroom, before and after meals, when they change centers, when they touch their mouth or nose, and after using the bathroom
It is recommended (not required) that children over 3 wear face coverings when possible
Drinking fountains are cleaned and disinfected throughout the day, with students having the option to bring their own water bottle
Physical distance between children in the classroom and on the playground is maintained as much as possible
Ready to serve breakfast & lunch will be served to students in the classrooms
Remote Learning Option
Families can choose to have their child participate in remote learning but will need to commit to that choice for an entire checkpoint period. Classrooms may have to go to remote learning due to a COVID outbreak and will return to in person learning when the isolation period has ended. Teachers will provide families with a Google Link for students to log into daily during circle times and small group activities. The first circle time of each session will be when student attendance will be taken. Policies about absences will still be implemented.
Quarantine and Health Exclusion (EPCPHD):
Any report of a visually ill child will be immediately reported to the preschool director, and isolated in the preschool office until parents pick the child up.
Student will be sent home if:
The student has a new onset of cough or shortness of breath
Or
Fever (100.4 Fahrenheit or higher)
Chills
Muscle Pain
Sore Throat
Loss of smell or taste
Gastrointestinal symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting or nausea
Outbreaks:
Outbreaks are defined as two or more positive COVID-19 cases in non-household members with symptom onsets within a 14-day window. These outbreaks can be limited to a single group or class (cohort outbreak), staff (two or more faculty members), or schoolwide (two or more cohorts within a school meeting the outbreak definition). Every outbreak will be unique and will be handled on a case-by-case basis in conjunction with Public Health. To report a COVID-19 case or potential outbreak contact Public Health at 719-578-3220.