Health and Safety
Providing a healthy, safe, and nurturing Montessori environment for our students is our highest priority. We pride ourselves in following our school’s comprehensive health and safety practices, and staying updated with guidance from local and state health departments to ensure the well-being of our students and staff.
Keeping Germs at Bay
Our sick policy helps keep everyone healthy and safe. If your child feels sick in the morning, we ask that you keep them at home and ensure their health is better before returning to school. If your child becomes ill at school, we will care for them and call you to come pick them up. We also ask that kids cover their mouths and noses and wash their hands when they cough or sneeze.
Sparkling Spaces for Growing Minds
We know that young children can get sick easily. Our staff cleans classrooms and common areas often. They pay extra attention to things like doorknobs, light switches, and toys because these can have lots of germs. All cleaning products are used carefully and kept in locked cabinets where our students can’t reach them.
Superhero Teachers Ready for Anything
Our teachers go through extensive background checks and interviews. We ensure that they are qualified to work with young children. We provide professional development in child abuse awareness and prevention, CPR, allergy protocol, first aid, proper supervision, and behavior management. Our teachers know how to stay calm and act fast in an emergency. They are also trained to follow our face-to-name rule, which helps us ensure each child is accounted for and safe at all times.
Commitment to Security
At our school, safety begins the moment you walk through our doors. Only families, staff, and visitors who are registered can enter. All visitors must check in at the front desk, show ID, and wear a visitor badge while they are here. We also have strict policies to ensure that only approved adults can pick up a child. Families must provide prior authorization, and we will always check ID and keep a list of who is allowed to pick up each child.
Culture of Care
We embrace a culture of care – physically, emotionally, socially, and intellectually – both in and out of the classroom. We prioritize creating a safe and inclusive environment where every person is respected and valued. One key aspect of our culture of care is our language of care. We believe the words we use make a difference and have the power to shape our relationships. We expect all members of our school community to treat one another with respect and utilize respectful language in all interactions.
Protocols for Inside the Building
- Face Coverings: Staff are required to wear face coverings. Children ages 2 and above are encouraged, but not forced, to wear them.
- Device Sanitization: Cell phones will be wiped down upon entry.
- Handwashing: Staff must wash their hands before entering a classroom.
- Shoe Sanitization: Shoes of both children and staff will be sprayed and sanitized upon entry.
Social Distancing Strategies
- Consistent Groups: The same teachers and students will remain together each day, using only their assigned classroom.
- Class Size Adjustments: Group sizes will follow CDC, state, and local guidelines.
- Restricted Access: No visitors will be allowed inside the building.
- Playground Safety: Playground times will be staggered, with disinfection before another class enters.
- Protective Measures: Staff will wear gloves when handling food, changing diapers, or coming into contact with bodily fluids.
- Hand Hygiene: Staff must wash hands after working with one child and before assisting another.
- Events & Outings: Field trips and special events will be canceled or postponed until further state guidance is provided.
Food Preparation and Meal Services
- Handwashing: Children must wash their hands before and after eating. Staff must wash hands before putting on gloves for food preparation and after assisting children.
- Social Distancing: During group meals and snacks, children will sit 6 feet apart to maintain safety.
Enhanced Entrance Protocols
- Hand Sanitizing: Stations are available for everyone entering the building.
- Staggered Drop-Off: Each classroom will have assigned drop-off times to reduce crowding.
- Pickup & Drop-Off: Parents must remain at the pickup station when dropping off or collecting their child.
- Health Screenings: Staff, children, and parents will be screened at the Health Check Station. Anyone with symptoms, including a temperature of 100.4°F or higher, will not be allowed to enter.
- Stay Home if Sick: Anyone showing signs of illness must remain home until they are symptom-free for at least 72 hours without medication.
- Isolation for Sick Children: If a child becomes ill during the day, they will be moved to a separate space, and parents must pick them up immediately.
- Travel Precautions: If you have traveled to a high-risk area, please stay home for 14 days and follow CDC guidelines.
Cleaning and Sanitizing Procedures
- Regular Cleaning: Schools follow a strict cleaning schedule, ensuring all common areas and classrooms are disinfected throughout the day.
- Safe & Effective Disinfectant: The cleaning solution is free of harmful chemicals and proven to kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria in under 4 minutes. This ensures a safe, sanitized environment for children and staff.