2023-2024 FAMILY HANDBOOK

COVID-19 RESPONSE

Circle Time, October 2021

We are watching 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. If entire classes need to move online due to quarantine, there are Zoom meetings with staff during regular scheduled preschool hours. 

VENTILATION: Thanks to our beautiful outdoor pavilion 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 are used to maintain a comfortable temperature and increase air circulation.

FAMILY SUPPORT: Masks, hand sanitizer, disposable water bottles, labeling materials, vaccination and testing information are available at the preschool entrance. Transportation to/from vaccination and testing sites are available. 

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. 

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 for extra precaution.

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. 

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 RESPONSE • QUARANTINE – 3 SCENARIOS 

We are following the latest CDC guidance. All teachers have been fully vaccinated for Covid-19.  The local health department are contacted if someone who is infected with Covid-19 has been in the facility. While maintaining confidentiality, families are notified of any possible Covid-19 exposure. We have free at home tests and take home supplies available for pick up/delivery.


SCENARIO #1: Exposed to COVID-19 and up to date on Covid-19 vaccinations. 

  • NOTIFY KRISTIN OF DATE OF EXPOSURE – newcreationpreschool@gmail.com
  • MAY ATTEND PRESCHOOL WITH NEGATIVE TEST RESULT
    • MUST MASK THROUGH DAY 10 EXCEPT WHEN EATING/DRINKING
  • WATCH FOR SYMPTOMS – STAY HOME IF ANY SYMPTOMS PRESENT
  • TEST AGAIN ON DAY 5 AND 10 – STAY HOME IF POSITIVE

During this time, supplies can be picked up or delivered from preschool. Kristin will provide links to online instruction.


SCENARIO #2: Exposed to COVID-19 and not up to date on Covid-19 vaccinations. 

  • NOTIFY KRISTIN OF DATE OF EXPOSURE – newcreationpreschool@gmail.com
  • STAY HOME FROM PRESCHOOL FOR AT LEAST 5 DAYS
  • TEST ON DAY 5 
  • MAY RETURN TO PRESCHOOL ON DAY 6 WITH NEGATIVE TEST RESULT AND NO SYMPTOMS
    • MUST MASK THROUGH DAY 10 EXCEPT WHEN EATING/DRINKING
  • TEST ON DAY 10 – STAY HOME IF POSITIVE

During this time, supplies can be picked up or delivered from preschool. Kristin will provide links to online instruction. 


SCENARIO #3: Tested positive for COVID-19 (regardless of Covid-19 vaccination status). 

  • NOTIFY KRISTIN OF DATE OF POSITIVE TEST RESULT – newcreationpreschool@gmail.com
  • STAY HOME FOR AT LEAST 5 DAYS
  • IF THERE WERE NO SYMPTOMS, CAN RETURN TO PRESCHOOL ON DAY 6 
    • MUST MASK THROUGH DAY 10 UNLESS EATING/DRINKING
  • IF THERE WERE SYMPTOMS, CAN RETURN TO PRESCHOOL ON DAY 6 IF FEVER-FREE FOR AT LEAST 24 HOURS (without any medication) 
    • MUST MASK THROUGH DAY 10 UNLESS EATING/DRINKING

During this time, supplies can be picked up or delivered from preschool. Kristin will provide links to online instruction. 

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