Staying up to date with CDC and KDHE information, we also watch local numbers (cases, hospital, deaths) and rates of community spread and vaccination. Our plans will adapt as these numbers change. As a private non-profit preschool, we may require mandates more extreme than local, state and federal entities. While we are committed to enforcing as many mitigation practices as possible, they can not eliminate the risk of Covid-19 transmission during onsite programming.
AT HOME OPTION: There are almost 100 videos on our YouTube channel available for viewing at families’ convenience. Take home materials are provided for families when a child misses preschool.
VENTILATION: Thanks to our beautiful outdoor pavilion (installed in 2021) with child size benches/tables, we are able to move much of our learning outdoors. Windows line the classroom and can be opened on both sides to ensure cross ventilation. Even with open windows, the HVAC heat and cooling system (installed in 2020) are used to maintain a comfortable temperature and increase air circulation.
FAMILY SUPPORT: Masks, hand sanitizer, disposable water bottles, at home tests, labeling materials, vaccination and testing information are available at the preschool entrance. Transportation to/from vaccination and testing sites are available.
MASKS: While it is undoubtedly easier to communicate and connect with children when we aren’t wearing masks, we’ve had great ease and success in wearing masks. We will regularly seek input from families in terms of comfort levels in easing mask practices when Covid numbers are low. Children and adults are always welcome to wear masks even if they are not required.
PHYSICAL DISTANCING: Furniture/equipment is arranged and activities can be planned to encourage natural physical distancing. Snacks are eaten at designated “snack spots” and distributed by teaching staff. We have movable plexiglass dividers from early pandemic days that add an extra layer of distance.
HAND HYGIENE: In addition to our indoor bathroom, we have an outdoor hand washing station available at all times. Hand washing is monitored in situations of bathroom use, snack time, secretions (nose blowing, etc) and surfaces sanitized between children’s use. Hand sanitizer is also available for supervised children and families’ use.
COVID-19 SYMPTOMS: symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19 and are encouraged to mask up and get tested. Our community is fortunate to have free and quick testing available as well as vaccination for all ages. New Creation Preschool can arrange transportation if needed.
Cough
Fever or chills
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
FatigueMuscle or body aches
Headache
New loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Congestion or runny nose
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
COVID-19 ISOLATION AND MASK GUIDELINES
Regardless of vaccination status, children and teachers should stay home from preschool for at least 5 days when they have COVID-19.
IF YOUR CHILD TESTS POSITIVE FOR COVID-19, THEY MUST STAY HOME FOR AT LEAST 5 DAYS:
If your child has no symptoms
- Day 0 is the day they were tested
- They may end isolation after day 5*
If your child has symptoms
- Day 0 of isolation is the day of symptom onset, regardless of when they tested positive
- They may end isolation after day 5 if they are fever-free for 24 hours without medication*
MASKING GUIDELINES
*Regardless of vaccination status, children and teachers who have tested positive for Covid-19 should wear a mask at preschool days 6-10 until they have 2 negative tests 48 hours apart and are fever-free for 24 hours without medication.
If symptoms persist and if antigen test results are positive, they may still be infectious. They should continue wearing a mask and wait at least 48 hours before taking another test. Continue taking antigen tests at least 48 hours apart until they have two sequential negative results. This may mean they need to continue wearing a mask and testing beyond day 10.
updated August 2023
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