Regulations, Conversations, and Webinars, Oh My!
Wow, what a world! Since the beginning of June I’ve been researching, watching webinars, emailing/talking with other directors as well as our state inspector (and Parent Board) almost daily about how to reopen our school as safely as possible in September.
One of the big differences of our parent co-op is that we are NOT running the school for profit. The people who are making the decisions about opening the school are the people who will be sending their own children! Both Mrs G and I sent our own children here as well. Every decision we make is based on the question, “Would I send MY children here?”
First of all, everyone should be familiar with these documents/regulations from the state that all childcare facilities must follow:
https://www.nj.gov/dcf/news/Final.CC.Health.and.Safety.Standards.pdf
https://www.nj.gov/dcf/news/EO149.FAQ_6.18.20.pdf
All childcare centers must do health screenings for children (temperature taken, health observed, parents answering health questions) before they enter the building, and take them immediately inside to have them wash their hands. You can see all of the regulations in the above documents.
Our unique change in RHCNS is that we will have only six children in each class to start the school year. The state allows 10 children per group. (As state regulations and circumstances change, we may make changes.)
We will also have two separate sessions. Our Pre-K’s (attending kindergarten the following year) will come on M,W and F. Our younger ones (three year olds) will come on T and Th. Both sessions will still be from 9:30 to 12:30.
We’ve decided to make some physical changes in the classroom as well. We’ll be removing the carpets and some of the larger furniture including the big tables and will instead use small individual tables for each child. This will allow children to have their own personal space to eat and enjoy sensory play, much of which would have to be eliminated with shared tables. They will also prevent the teachers from having to frequently remind children not to touch each other, share snacks, etc. We feel that it will be a much more positive experience for the children as we won’t have to “nag” them! They will each have their OWN table, own art supplies, etc.
All children’s belongings will be separated and not touching.
As per state guidelines, toys will not be shared and will be disinfected after each use. (Please look at at above links to see cleaning guidelines, etc.)
The biggest adjustment for us as a parent co-op is that no one will be allowed in the building except for regular staff and the children, emergency personnel and the state inspector (all must undergo health screenings as well.) Parents will not be allowed to help in the classroom until the state changes its ruling. Parents will need to send snacks in for their own child each day, as outside food is not allowed to be shared.
The staff will wear cloth masks at all times. The state mandates that “when feasible, children shall wear face coverings within the facility.” (Children will not be forced, nor can they be punished for not wearing a mask.)
On the positive side, we plan on being outside a LOT! We’ll make use of the grassy areas, the fields, and the wooded area behind the school.
There are many things now that we can’t do, but there are still things that we CAN do! We can run down hills, create art with nature, play games, and even read stories in the woods! We can play in the rain and the snow!
We can paint at the easel, and they can play with THEIR VERY OWN PLAY DOUGH! How exciting is THAT?! They’ll have their very own paint brushes, crayons and scissors!
It will be very different from how things were before. However it will be VERY clean, with EVERYTHING that was touched being disinfected at the end of every day.
Last week I “attended” The Play First Summit, a virtual gathering of 75,000 Early Childhood Educators from 110 countries! It was inspiring, amazing, and motivating! The presenters were some of the top Early Childhood experts from around the world (six continents) who advocate for play and childhood. Psychology, neuroscience, research, racial sensitivity, poverty, trauma, and of course, helping children through the pandemic were just a few of the topics addressed. I couldn’t possibly watch it four hours a day, so I’ll be accessing the videos and documents in the days to come. One of the favorite expressions that emerged from the week: “We are the Guardians of Childhood.”
Krista (our president) and I were discussing what we want school to look like this year. We want it to be an oasis for children. A place to come to just be a kid. To run, laugh, and play. Yes, it will be different. There will be masks, and lots and LOTS of hand washing!
Our school is a family, a loving place passed down from over 60 years of other families. Our traditions may need to be tweaked or in some cases changed totally, but the heart of the school will remain. We have been and always WILL be “Guardians of Childhood.” That is of course, if I have anything to say about it!!!!
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We will be having a “Zoom” meeting for returning and interested parents this Wednesday evening, July 29 at 7:00 PM. This will be a FAQ session re: reopening and Covid regulations. If you’re interested in attending, please email us by Wednesday morning. We would like you to read our policies and submit any questions you may have to info@rhcns.org. You will be sent the Zoom link Wednesday morning.