COVID-19

We understand we operate a valuable service in our community and we take that responsibility very seriously. That is why the health and safety of our children and staff is of the utmost importance to us. We will make regular updates as new information becomes available.

Our Health and Safety Practices

We are closely following guidance from the CDC, as well as state and local officials and health authorities, as we take extreme care to maintain our safe, healthy school environment for children, families, and staff. We have enhanced our already rigorous health protocols, such as:

• Protective Masks: We have provided protective face coverings for all staff members to wear when working at school with children.
  
  
• Taking Temperatures: We’re now screening all staff members and children upon arrival at school to check for raised temperatures or evident symptoms.
  
  
• Limited Classroom Access: To curb the spread of germs and control group size, we are having parents and family members remain outside our classrooms.
  
  
• Wellness Checks: Regular wellness checks are being conducted throughout the day. The parents of unwell children are notified immediately, to help stop the spread of illness.
  
  
• Safe (and Still Healthy) Dining: Our students will maintain distance and no food sharing will be allowed.
  
  
• Enhanced Health Practices: We’ve strengthened our existing cleanliness  and hygiene practices (including more frequent, longer hand washing; cleaning and sanitizing surfaces and items in classrooms). 

Attendance

In general, we are requiring that children and staff stay home from school for 14 days following the last potential exposure, if any member of the household has (or may have) a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19. In addition:

• We observe the children’s health throughout the day and respond appropriately as needed if we detect any potential signs of illness.
  
  
• If your child does become ill at school, we will call you immediately so they can be picked up as soon as possible. Should that occur, please be sure to pick up your child promptly for their well-being, and to help us limit the spread of illness.

Overall, the best way to ensure our students have limited exposure to germs is by keeping children at home when they are ill and/or contagious. We ask that you please watch your child closely and contact your physician if your child appears to be feeling under the weather.

Please remember your child must be kept home if they display any signs of illness until they are free of symptoms for 24 hours or have a physician’s approval for them to reenter a school setting.

Travel

We’re following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance for child care providers (CDC Childcare and K-12 Guidance) and their Travel Advisory (https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices).

The Travel Advisory lists areas of the world that are heavily affected (Level 3), which will require those who have traveled to these locations and members of their household to refrain from entering the building for 14 days upon return. This applies to our children, families, and staff members. The list is being regularly updated.