Meridian Street United Methodist Church
Children's Day In
COVID return to school plan
We are committed to providing a safe, clean and positive environment for all adults and children, especially during this public health crisis. The following health and safety guidelines represent best practices in accordance with CDC guidelines and Marion County Health Department regulations, while keeping in line with guidance from local schools and our own church leadership during this re-opening phase.
Need for fluidity:
It is anticipated that these guidelines and protocols, as well as our calendar and daily schedule, will continue to evolve based on the recommendations of public health authorities and must be done in compliance with any federal, state and local laws.
Annual tuition:
Due to increased costs related to COVID-19 including PPE, sanitation and increased staff hours, tuition will continue to be based on 10 equal payments. The first payment is due by August 15, at which time all unpaid spots will be released to those on the wait list. No refunds will be issued for any payments made unless, for some reason, we cannot open.
Shut downs:
If, for any reason, school is shut down again prior to Memorial Day weekend, a decision about tuition payments and staff salaries will be announced in a timely manner by the church.
COVID exposure:
In the event of a direct COVID positive confirmation or exposure, protocols determined by the public health authorities will be followed
(see attached)
.
Illness policy:
All aspects of the current illness policy will be strictly enforced and the "24 hour rule" is temporarily increased to 72 hours until further notice. This is in accordance with the most recent MCPHD public health order guidelines (see attached).
Contact Tracing:
Following church policy, all CDI families are expected to fully cooperate with the contact tracing guidelines. This includes providing current phone numbers and email addresses for anyone entering the building.
TIME FRAME moving forward
In order to fully and successfully implement these new policies and procedures and to give us time to make additional changes (if needed), we will be bringing CDI staff back starting on September 1, for training.
Student return:
Starting on September 8, we will bring students back with shortened days. The first week of school will follow a shortened schedule with drop off starting at 9 a.m. and pick up no later than noon with no nap and no lunch (with only a snack served).
Continuing schedule:
In our first email (to be sent on Friday, September 11), it will be announced if we need another week of the shortened schedule or if we feel comfortable as a staff moving to full days.
Orientation:
Parent orientation meetings will be held via a group Zoom. Preschool families will meet on Wednesday, September 2, and nursery school families will meet on Thursday, September 3 (more details to follow). The in person family open house will only be for new families and will be staggered at the following days/times:
9/2 10-11 a.m. A-F 9/2 1-2 p.m. G-L 9/3 10-11 a.m. M-Q 9/3 1-2 p.m. R-Z
Protective Equipment
Masks (adults):
Clear face shields and/or masks are required for all adults while inside the building at all times (except while eating) especially at drop off and pick up. One mask and one shield will be provided to each staff member. If additional or different masks are desired it's the individual's responsibility.
Masks (children):
Some type of face mask/buff/shield is required for all children 2 years old and over at all times while inside (except while eating or sleeping). Masks will not be provided and it's recommended that several be sent to school daily.
Hand washing:
Each classroom has a sink for hand washing. Hand sanitizing stations have been installed outside of each classroom and at various locations around the building.
Hand washing and/or sanitizing as you walk into the building/classroom is our normal procedure and will continue to be required by all.
Procedures
Stay in the hallways:
Parents are asked not to enter any classroom space. Hand off of children at the hallway door is expected.
The only exception is the baby/lambs room where parents can enter the cubby/sign-in space to hand children over the gate. (No shoes allowed past the gate in the baby room)
Sign in sheets
:
A strict sign in/out policy will be enforced for the safety of the children as well as any potential contact tracing needs.
One way hallways:
Hallways will be one way in order to limit congestion as best we can. The exception is the duckling/bumblebee hallway. Please social distance in that hallway and be patient as we get everyone settled at both drop off and pick up times.
Socially distant drop off:
Drop off time will begin at 9 a.m. each day - socially distant lines will form through the Welcome Center and out onto the sidewalk, if needed. You will be slowly released towards the classrooms to avoid any gathering at the doorways. If gathering occurs, we will look into assigning times for drop off.
Socially distant pick up:
You must arrive by 2 p.m. (11:30 a.m. the first week) to get in line to start picking up your children. Only one adult should enter the building.
Please do not roll in at 2:25/2:30 p.m. or you will be charged the late fee and/or asked to make other arrangements moving forward.
Class sizes:
Classes will be limited to no more than 12
children to allow for adequate socially distant play and lunch space (and nap when appropriate).
Nap time:
Nursery classes will nap as scheduled. Placement of children will be 6 feet apart and all facing the same direction when possible (toe to head). Personal blankets, sleep mats etc. must be taken home and laundered daily.
Lunch/Snack time:
Teachers will wear gloves when serving snacks or helping to prepare lunch time.
Personal labeled water bottles are to be sent for all children daily.
CLEANING
Disinfectant spray (Lysol type) and wipes (Clorox type) as well as a liquid disinfectant spray (bleach water type) and cloth towels have been secured and are readily available from our vendors. At this time the use of essential oils or other natural cleaners is not approved for cleaning purposes and will not be provided for classroom use.
Common area cleaning: Staff will be responsible for wiping down high touch spots in common areas before/after their group uses the space. Once a day the outdoor playgrounds will be sprayed down by the custodial staff.
Temporarily Closed
Outside sandbox & classroom sensory tables
Water fountains (use to refill water bottles only)
Playdoh (unless it's one time use only)
Welcome Center/after school muscle room - closed at this time
Re-evaluation
We will constantly be re-evaluating our procedures and policies as well as the health, safety and well being of both our staff and students. If changes need to be implemented, announcements will be made as quickly as possible.