COVID-19 Response - Discovery Child Development Center

Discovery is currently offering both in-person and virtual preschool options to allow families to choose the learning format that they are most comfortable with for their child. We have worked hard to ensure that both options stay true to our core beliefs and values, while recognizing the additional challenges COVID has brought us. Below you will find the steps that we have taken at our school to prioritize the health and safety of children, staff, and families.
Our reopening plan was based on the latest guidance from scientists, health departments, doctors and nurses, research. We also formed a health and safety committee consisting of Discovery parents, teachers, administrators and health professionals.

Daily Health Screening
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• All families  will complete a health check before a child enters school.
• The screening includes questions about any possible exposure to the virus, or symptoms. 
• Families will scan a QR code once they complete the screening and check-in.
• Parents and caregivers will wear masks during drop-off and pick-up times.
• ​For the health and safety of the community, only children and staff will be able to enter the building each morning
• ​Staff members will walk students into class.

Class Size Reduction 

• All classes currently have 12 or fewer students, with the young preschool capped at 7 for the fall.
• We keep students in stable cohorts, and avoid mixing students with other classes as much as possible

Classroom Safety Practices

• Teachers will wear masks in the building at all times with the exception of snack time. 
• Hand washing times will be scheduled throughout the day and alcohol based sanitizer will also be applied.
• There is increased emphasis on proper handwashing procedures and personal hygiene.
• Staff will disinfect high touch surfaces such as door handles, light switches, faucets, toilet seats and handles routinely.
• Preschool and up students will arrive with a mask each day.
• Students who are able to wear masks will be expected to wear them at school as much as possible.
• Soft toys that are not easily cleaned will be removed from classrooms.

Healthy Air

• We schedule regular HVAC service and replacement of air filters.
• We have reconfigured our HVAC system to pull in additional outside air
• Humidity monitors are located in each classroom.
• Air ventilation upgrades including the purchase of Coway 400 Air Purifiers for every classroom. These provide additional air changes every hour helping to eliminate pollutants from the air
• Classes will spend additional time outdoors.

Community Compact - The health and safety committee created a community compact to outline the expectations for all members of our Discovery community to adhere to in order to create the safest possible environment at our school. The compact states:

The best way for us to maintain a safe and healthy environment at Discovery is to work together as a community  As a valued member of the Discovery community, I promise to support my child, the teachers and staff, and families and caregivers by practicing and adhering to the health and safety rules and policies outlined below so we can remain a safe, connected, and vibrant community where children can learn, grow and thrive together. I pledge the following as a parent or caregiver, faculty, staff, or community member:

• I pledge the following
  • ​To complete the daily health screening in Brightwheel
  • To keep my child home and inform the school if I know my child is sick with Covid-19, Covid-like symptoms
  • To inform the school immediately if I suspect or learn that my child or household member has been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or is in quarantine for positive exposure.
  • To follow the guidelines that the school and health department provide for isolation or quarantine and all protocols for returning to school.
  • To actively communicate with staff, teachers, and parents in the Discovery community regarding any concerns or developments within my respective household.
  • To have our student(s) wear a face covering and wear face coverings as a family, particularly when social distancing is not possible or difficult.
  • Understanding the role that social distancing plays in limiting the spread of the virus and therefore adhere to city and state guidelines regarding gatherings while being mindful that it is still safest to limit exposure to individuals not living within one’s household
  • To support proper handwashing and respiratory etiquette (e.g. catch your cough)
  • If I travel with my family, I will take the appropriate precautions while away from home to ensure the safety of my family and the school community upon return, including keeping my child home from school if there is any possibility of exposure.
  • Picking-up  students as quickly as practical should they become ill at school, and, in all cases, no more than an hour after being contacted by the school
  • I understand that while present in the school each day my child will be in contact with children, families, and employees who are also at risk of community exposure. I understand that no list of restrictions, guidelines or practices will remove 100 percent of the risk of exposure to COVID-19. The virus can be transferred by persons who are asymptomatic and before some people show signs of infection. I will make every effort to help maintain the safety of the facility and everyone within by complying with all Discovery health policies and all state, county and local orders pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic and limiting its spread.

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