Covid Update for Families (2021 - 2022)

MASKS

As of August 2021…

  • The State of Ohio is not under a mask mandate.
  • Children will not be required to wear a mask in school. Of course, you may choose to send your child in a mask if you would prefer. If you choose to have your child wear a mask, all efforts will be made to keep your child’s mask on while they are at school.
  • At this time, the decision for teachers to wear a mask will be left up to each individual staff member. However, staff will be required to mask when working with children one-on-one and/or in small groups where there is close interaction between teacher and student. During all other class times, masks will be optional for staff. This decision will be reviewed on a regular basis and may change due to an increase in positive cases in our community. This decision may also change if mandated by the state for preschool staff to wear a facial covering




DROP OFF / PICK UP

  • We are continuing with the carpool policies implemented last year
  • We will continue to meet your child at their car for drop off each day and then again when we are loading the children.
  • When you are in an unloading area, please place your car in park, unbuckle your child and wait outside the car for the teacher to come for your child.
  • At pick up, we will walk your child to your car and you can buckle them in before exiting our parking lot.
  • At this time, we are not planning on taking temperatures before the children enter school, but a visual assessment will be done on each child.




CLASSROOM SET UP

  • All classes will have a snack during the day that is served by a teacher. Children will only touch their own snack, cup and napkin.
  • As always, your child will have gross motor time every day. Whenever possible, we will be going outside for large motor activities. If the weather keeps us inside, we will use the Gathering Hall.
  • Windows will remain open in the classrooms and Gathering Hall to increase the circulation of air.




CLEANING PROTOCOLS

  • Best Beginnings Preschool follows all CDC and CCBH recommendations
  • Disinfectant spray will be used after each class grouping on chairs, tables, and educational materials. A through, nightly cleaning will also be done by our hired cleaning personnel.
  • High touch surface areas - cleaning of high touch areas will be done throughout the day, between class groupings, and a nightly cleaning by our hired cleaning personnel.
  • Handwashing procedures for students and staff - upon entrance into classroom, prior to eating/after eating, before/after outdoor time, prior to going home, after sneezing or coughing




COVID-19 EXPOSURE

  • If a student tests positive: - the school must be notified. We are mandated by the state to notify the CDC, ODJFS (Ohio Dept. of Job and Family Services), all school families, and school staff. When notification is sent to Preschool Families and Staff, the individual name will not be shared. The class in which the student is enrolled will be required to follow all directives in coordination with the CDC. Students may receive individual activity packets during their quarantine time away from school.
  • If staff tests positive: - The school must be notified. We are mandated by the state to notify the CDC, ODJFS (Ohio Dept. of Job and Family Services), all school families, and school staff. When notification is sent to Preschool Families and Staff, the individual name will not be shared. Any class who has had *close contact with the staff member will be required to follow all directives in coordination with the CDC. Students may receive online learning and/or individual activity packets during the closure. Any other staff who has had close contact with the individual will also be required to follow directives from the CDC. *Close contact is being less than 6 feet apart for 15 minutes or longer (regardless if an individual is wearing a mask or not).
  • If an individual living in the same house as a student tests positive: - The school must be notified, and the student will be required to follow directives in coordination with the CDC.
  • If an individual living in the same house as staff tests positive: - The school must be notified, and the staff member will be required to follow directives in coordination with the CDC.
  • If a student has come in close contact with an individual who has tested positive (confirmed) or is probable for Covid-19: - The school must be notified, and the student will be required to complete isolation/quarantine procedures in coordination with the county health department. A student who has a member in the household who is pending test results should remain at home until cleared by the CDC.
  • If a staff member has come in close contact with an individual who has tested positive (confirmed) or is probable for Covid-19: - The school must be notified, and the staff member will be required to complete isolation/quarantine procedures in coordination with the county health department. A teacher who has a member in the household who is pending test results should remain at home until cleared by the CDC.
  • Students and staff experiencing ANY of these symptoms should stay home until they are symptom-free for 24 hrs. without medication. If symptoms persist or worsen, students/staff should seek medical attention to determine if a COVID test is necessary.




SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19

  • 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




VIRTUAL LEARNING – TUITION REIMBURSEMENTS (DUE TO COVID-19)

  • If a class is closed for a two-week period, online learning and/or activity packets will be sent home. No reimbursement will be given
  • If the school is required to close due to CCBH, CDC, ODJFS, or State mandate, online learning and/or activity packets will be sent home for the duration of the month. No reimbursement will be given for that month
  • If closure of the school goes beyond the current month, online learning/activity packets may be offered for a fee, but tuition will not be required during the closure. A reimbursement will be given, or tuition can be applied to future payments when school re-opens



We are happy to report that we were able to stay open last year, due both to the policies we have in place and also due to the help of all our diligent parents. If your child is sick, please keep them home for the day. They can return to school when they are feeling better and have not had a temperature for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medicine.


Thank you for your help in keeping Best Beginnings OPEN and HEALTHY!

25800 Hilliard Blvd. Westlake, OH 44145
call/text: (440) 835-4430     email: BestBeginningsPreschool@hotmail.com
© Best Beginnings Preschool, 2006-2024