Summary:
- Parents will fill out a digital health screening before arriving at school. In addition, teachers will make temperatures of all students and parent helpers entering their classroom each morning.
- Drop off and Pickup will be done using outside doors from the classrooms only.
- Children and parents will be required to wear masks inside the classroom and during pick and drop off. They will not be required for outside activities when social distancing of 6 feet or more is possible.
- The capacity of the classroom depends on square footage. The range is 14-16 students per classroom.
Parent Helpers
Parent Helpers will be allowed during the 2021-2022 school year. Sign-up lists will be distributed to parents.
Health
Prior to drop off, parents will fill out a digital health screening for their child. If they answer YES to any of these questions they must notify their classroom teacher and the Education Director. If their child does have a symptom of COVID-19 they will need to keep them out of school until they have had their child tested for COVID-19 and receive a negative test result. Documentation of the negative result must be sent to their teacher and the Education Director. Parent helper volunteers will fill out a screening and have their temperature taken prior to entering the classroom. Teachers will fill out the health screening and take their own temperature prior to coming to school. If they present any of the symptoms of COVID-19 they will stay home until they receive a negative COVID-19 test result. A log will be kept of all health screening responses for students, parents and teachers.
PPE & Masks
When will masks be required for students, parents and teachers: Drop off, Pickup, and when indoors.
We will require masks for children within the classroom. Mask breaks will be provided based on the teacher's and children's needs.
Children and their families will be required to provide their own masks. The school will have masks available if a situation arises and a child or teacher needs one. We ask that families also have 2 backup masks for their child in their extra set of clothes bag.
Teachers will be provided Masks, but are also able to wear their own if they prefer.
When masks are not worn outside, they will be on student's wrist.
We will require masks for children within the classroom. Mask breaks will be provided based on the teacher's and children's needs.
Children and their families will be required to provide their own masks. The school will have masks available if a situation arises and a child or teacher needs one. We ask that families also have 2 backup masks for their child in their extra set of clothes bag.
Teachers will be provided Masks, but are also able to wear their own if they prefer.
When masks are not worn outside, they will be on student's wrist.
Social Distancing
Students and teachers will maintain social distancing whenever possible
- Students will sit every other chair when seated at their table . We will space out chairs.
- During indoor circle time, children will sit as far apart from each other as possible.
- During outdoor activities and circle time, students will be able to maintain social distancing recommendation of 3 feet.
- Furniture and fixtures will be removed from the classroom to create more space to allow more proper social distancing.
Healthy Hygiene
Students will wash hands or use hand sanitizer before and after using any items during rotating center time.
Drop off & Pickup Procedures
For Dropoff:
- We will be using the outdoor entrances only going directly into the classrooms.
- Parents to fill out google form questions daily and submit before leaving for drop off. If they answer “yes” to any of the questions, they will need to keep their student home and contact (email/phone) the education director for further guidance. This form will take parents less than 1 minute to fill out.
- Parents will be encouraged to use umbrellas in the rain/heavy snow. If inclement weather, remind parents to send students in boots/raincoats with a hood.
- We will spray paint or use colored duck tape for social distance markers on the pavement to ensure 6 feet distance.
- If the line is long when parents arrive, they are free to wait in their cars until the line is shorter.
- Parents will bring students to the door and stay 6 feet from teachers.
- Teacher to sign each student in with clipboard:
Record that they are present for the day - check mark
Their temperature was below 100.0 - check mark - In order to improve the flow of drop off and pickup, parents are asked to reach out to their child's teacher with any questions or concerns. All communication should be via phone, text and/or email. Teachers will do the same.
- A child's temperature may be re-checked by request at drop off. The parent must wait with the child before the re-check.
- Parents will wait in a socially distanced line outside.
- Teachers will dismiss students one at a time.
Supplies & Backpack
- All students will use a backpack to carry their belongings (folder, water bottle, extra masks, etc.
- Students will go to retrieve their backpack prior to/at dismissal one at a time.
- During winter months, if students are wearing snow gear for outside play, we encourage parents to send them with a large reusable shopping bag to collect their wet belongings.
Classroom Setup
- Windows will be open at all times students are in the classroom to increase air flow. Students may need an extra layer of clothing during the cooler/colder months.
- Classrooms will have reduced furniture and toys to increase overall open floor space.
- No dress up clothes or community stuffed animals will be available. Items that are difficult to disinfect will need to be removed from the classroom.
- Children will have their own materials to use and not share. These items will be kept in a pencil box or bin, and marked with their name.
Snacks & Water
- Children will be required to wash hands before and after snack & water time with soap for 20 seconds.
- Snacks will be provided by the school. Shelf stable.
- Snacks will not be shared.
- Children will bring water bottles to school with them daily.
- Teachers and parent helpers will wear gloves to distribute snack.
Outside Time
- Outside time will be split between the classrooms OR be in separate places on the property (Nun's Walk, Front lawn)
- A permanent fence has been installed along the perimeter of the front lawn area.
- During socially distanced activities outdoors, students will be able to take a "mask break"
Music & Movement
- Outside as much as possible.
- A fence has been placed for safety from the road or traffic.
- Children will sanitize hands with hand sanitizer upon entry to Music & Movement.
- Students must be socially distanced outside.
- When class is held indoors in Fellowship Hall, during singing or activities requiring heavy exertion, students must remain socially distanced.
Shutdowns & Closures
If Bethlehem Central School District closes, we will follow their lead, as we have done in past years.
Positive Case Closure
Positive Case Closure
- Parent co-chairs will notify parents via email.
- Teachers will be given a 2-3 business day grace period to provide digital materials for learning, however, a link will be provided for digital resources and instruction for that period. Teachers will have pre-prepared 10 days of lessons.
- Tuition will not be refunded for the duration of the closure.
Training
Handwashing: Both teachers and children will need to wash their hands with warm soapy water for at least 20 seconds. Handles will need to be turned off with a paper towel, and thrown in the garbage.
Healthy habits: Students & Teachers will need to practice using hand sanitizer when hand washing isn’t available, covering sneezes and coughs with tissue/elbow (and washing hands with soap afterward) avoiding touching face, maintaining distance and wearing a mask when required. We urge parents to practice this at home with their child.
Disposal of PPE: If a mask becomes wet, it should be removed and thrown into the garbage. If it is a reusable cloth mask, it will need to be placed in a paper bag so it can be laundered. Hands should be washed, and a new mask should be put on. This must be done within a 6 feet safe distance from others OR outside.
Handwashing is required when: when teacher deems appropriate, a teacher adjusts their own or a child’s mask, before and after snack, and prior to entering the classroom.
Signs will be printed and posted throughout the school.
Teachers and parents will learn the symptoms of COVID:
People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
Healthy habits: Students & Teachers will need to practice using hand sanitizer when hand washing isn’t available, covering sneezes and coughs with tissue/elbow (and washing hands with soap afterward) avoiding touching face, maintaining distance and wearing a mask when required. We urge parents to practice this at home with their child.
Disposal of PPE: If a mask becomes wet, it should be removed and thrown into the garbage. If it is a reusable cloth mask, it will need to be placed in a paper bag so it can be laundered. Hands should be washed, and a new mask should be put on. This must be done within a 6 feet safe distance from others OR outside.
Handwashing is required when: when teacher deems appropriate, a teacher adjusts their own or a child’s mask, before and after snack, and prior to entering the classroom.
Signs will be printed and posted throughout the school.
Teachers and parents will learn the symptoms of COVID:
People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Children Will Stay Home When:
Please keep your child home if they exhibit any of the following symptoms. These are in addition to any current symptoms in our sick policy:
● Fever (100.0°F and above)/chills
● Cough/shortness of breath
● Fatigue
● Muscle/body aches
● Headache
● New loss of taste or smell
● Sore throat
● Congestion or runny nose
● Nausea or vomiting
● Diarrhea
● Fever (100.0°F and above)/chills
● Cough/shortness of breath
● Fatigue
● Muscle/body aches
● Headache
● New loss of taste or smell
● Sore throat
● Congestion or runny nose
● Nausea or vomiting
● Diarrhea
When there is a positive COVID-19 Case within the school community:
If the school has a case of COVID-19 we will:
- The TVN school community will be notified of a positive case within TVN via email.
- Notify Albany County DOH
- Notify families of students deemed close contacts of a positive case by Albany County DOH
- School and classrooms will be properly cleaned and disinfected according to CDC Guidelines
Returning to School after Illness
According to the ACDOH COVID -19 Health Protocol, the following steps are required in order for your child to return to school:
- Evaluation by the student’s medical provider AND COVID-19 testing.
- If the COVID test is NEGATIVE:
- You must provide a Medical Provider Clearance Form stating “student cleared to return to school on (date)” AND provide proof of the negative COVID-19 test.
- IMPORTANT: If symptoms persist due to a chronic condition, please have the medical provider include that information regarding the chronic condition in the Medical Provider Clearance Form.
- If the COVID test is POSITIVE:
- The child remains out of school. Officials from the Albany County Department of Health will contact the family directly and will provide guidance and oversight to the family regarding the child’s return to school.
- If the COVID test is NEGATIVE:
- If a parent chooses for their child not to have a COVID -19 test, then the child cannot return to school until:
- It has been ten (10) days since the onset of symptoms AND three (3) days since the last fever without the use of fever-reducing medication AND has
- Documentation of a completed evaluation by their medical provider.
Testing Protocols
Teachers shall refer parents/guardians of sick students to get students tested if they show symptomatic behavior. For the sake of determining close contacts, all children will be deemed to have been in close contact due to the nature of Tri-Village Nursery School. Therefore, if a student should be tested and be found positive, or if a student shows symptoms as outlined above in screening, the teacher will inform the board, and the board will inform all parents and teachers of the situation. This will include an email to indicate that a student showed symptoms and resources for where and how children and family members can be tested. As necessary, the board will reach out to local health department resources and officials for up-to-date testing site information.
Teachers who are symptomatic are requested to get tested and will inform the board to determine an appropriate date to return to in-person teaching at the school. Due to the small nature of the school, this will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Teachers who are symptomatic are requested to get tested and will inform the board to determine an appropriate date to return to in-person teaching at the school. Due to the small nature of the school, this will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Management of Ill Persons
Process for Ill Students:
If the Child is showing symptoms of COVID-19 or Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome, the Child will be moved to an outside area near classroom if weather is appropriate OR bench outside fellowship hall. Child’s parent or guardian will be notified for immediate pickup by Teacher remaining with the student. Teachers will notify the Education Director and parent co-chairs to notify parents a sick child.
Process for Ill Teachers:
If teachers have the symptoms of COVID-19, they will need to have a COVID-19 test done in order to return to the classroom. If the test is positive, that teacher must remain out of the classroom until a negative test is provided. If the teacher starts to become ill during school, the teacher must leave the classroom and notify the Education Director.
If the Child is showing symptoms of COVID-19 or Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome, the Child will be moved to an outside area near classroom if weather is appropriate OR bench outside fellowship hall. Child’s parent or guardian will be notified for immediate pickup by Teacher remaining with the student. Teachers will notify the Education Director and parent co-chairs to notify parents a sick child.
Process for Ill Teachers:
If teachers have the symptoms of COVID-19, they will need to have a COVID-19 test done in order to return to the classroom. If the test is positive, that teacher must remain out of the classroom until a negative test is provided. If the teacher starts to become ill during school, the teacher must leave the classroom and notify the Education Director.
Contact Tracing
Contact tracing is a public health function performed by local public health departments to trace all persons who had contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19.” To aid in public health officials:
● Teachers will keep accurate attendance records of students and staff on the paper attendance sheet.
● Teachers will keep records of any visitors (e.g. prospective families or parent volunteers) that includes dates and times.
● Teachers and the board will assist local health departments in tracing all contacts of an infected individual at school in accordance with the protocol, training, and tools provided through the New York State Contact Tracing Program and this section may be updated to reflect changes in that program.
● Privacy and confidentiality laws must be respected. If a teacher or board member is not sure if answering a question breaks such NYS or federal laws, she/he will refrain from answering and report the question to the board to be passed onto legal council when necessary. While Tri-Village Nursery School is not legally bound to follow Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), teachers will follow such guidelines and are prohibited from disclosing medical records. For such questions teachers should direct Contact Tracers to the family. Teachers do have the responsibility to inform the parent of suspected medical issues that the child exhibits within the classroom.
● Teachers will keep accurate attendance records of students and staff on the paper attendance sheet.
● Teachers will keep records of any visitors (e.g. prospective families or parent volunteers) that includes dates and times.
● Teachers and the board will assist local health departments in tracing all contacts of an infected individual at school in accordance with the protocol, training, and tools provided through the New York State Contact Tracing Program and this section may be updated to reflect changes in that program.
● Privacy and confidentiality laws must be respected. If a teacher or board member is not sure if answering a question breaks such NYS or federal laws, she/he will refrain from answering and report the question to the board to be passed onto legal council when necessary. While Tri-Village Nursery School is not legally bound to follow Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), teachers will follow such guidelines and are prohibited from disclosing medical records. For such questions teachers should direct Contact Tracers to the family. Teachers do have the responsibility to inform the parent of suspected medical issues that the child exhibits within the classroom.
Cleaning & Disinfecting
Teachers will disinfect with a paper towel and appropriate cleaner** high touch surfaces such as door knobs, toilet handles, light switches, phones, desks and sink handles before class starts and end of the class session.
Teachers will wipe down tables before, after snack, and end of the class session.
Cleaning done by the church will be recorded into a log that will include date, time, and scope of cleaning. The school will provide all necessary cleaning and disinfecting supplies. Sanitizers and surface cleaners used are included in the approved list put forth by the CDC. All surface cleaners and disinfectants will be kept out of the children’s reach.
**Depending on sourced materials, this may be a bleach mixture created daily OR disinfecting wipes OR other cleaner approved by the CDC.
Toys will be handled the following ways:
Cleaning & Disinfecting after a confirmed case of COVID 19:
The church (our landlord) will be responsible for cleaning and disinfecting hallways, outdoor knobs and fixtures, fixtures and knobs within the hallways, bathrooms, and floors within the classrooms. Toys used will be disinfecting upon return by TVN. TVN will also disinfect tables and chairs.
Teachers will wipe down tables before, after snack, and end of the class session.
Cleaning done by the church will be recorded into a log that will include date, time, and scope of cleaning. The school will provide all necessary cleaning and disinfecting supplies. Sanitizers and surface cleaners used are included in the approved list put forth by the CDC. All surface cleaners and disinfectants will be kept out of the children’s reach.
**Depending on sourced materials, this may be a bleach mixture created daily OR disinfecting wipes OR other cleaner approved by the CDC.
Toys will be handled the following ways:
- We will no longer require parents to take turns cleaning toys.
- Items such as books will be brought to the “sanitizing station/box” and isolated for 36 hours before next use.
- Toys will be grouped by Day. They will be isolated at a minimum 72 hours.
- They will be cleaned and disinfecting periodically and if there is a case of COVID-19 in the classroom.
Cleaning & Disinfecting after a confirmed case of COVID 19:
The church (our landlord) will be responsible for cleaning and disinfecting hallways, outdoor knobs and fixtures, fixtures and knobs within the hallways, bathrooms, and floors within the classrooms. Toys used will be disinfecting upon return by TVN. TVN will also disinfect tables and chairs.