Bright Beginnings Christian Preschool

Welcome everyone!  We hope all of you had a wonderful, safe and relaxing summer.  We know the first few days of school can sometimes be a time of high anxiety for both the children and their parents, especially during these unprecedented times. Please read our “Preparedness Plan” on our website, found under the Monthly Bulletin, which explains how we plan to implement the regulations required by the CDC and the State of MN due to COVID-19.

 

The first day of school is Monday, September 14th for the MWF students and Tuesday, September 15th for the T-Th students.  Students in classroom #2, will be dropped off and picked up curbside at the main entrance doors, forming a car-line from left to right.  Students in classroom #4, will be dropped off and picked up curbside at the north entrance doors.  To get there, drive around the right side of the building until you drive past the basketball court and gaga pit.  The door is across the road from the pit. Once your car is at the beginning of the line, you will be asked at each drop off the COVID Symptom Questions of your student.

Do they have a: fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat or runny nose, new loss of taste and/or smell, in the past 14 days have they been in contact with someone who has tested positive, have they tested positive or is currently being ruled out, have they been instructed to self quarantine?  If the answer to all of  these questions is “No”, your student can be unbuckled and sent to the staff member who will take their temperature.  If they don’t have a temperature, the student will then enter the building.   

If you student is in classroom #4 in the morning and in the “Little Explorers” afternoon class, they will be dropped off at the north door in the morning and picked up at the front entrance doors in the afternoon.

 

Your child will be appointed a day to be the “Special Person” at some point.  At this time, your child will bring a snack and beverage to share with their classmates and teachers on that designated day.  The snack must be nutritious and store bought.  The beverages must be either a bottle of 100% juice (62 oz.) or half gallon of milk.   Please be aware if your child has a friend in their class with a food allergy.  If you’re not sure, please enquire with your teacher.  leftover snacks or drinks will not be able to be sent home because of Covid.

 

If you were not able to attend the Open House on September 9th, please contact your child’s teacher to receive the pertinent paper work.  Please make sure all of your forms are turned in.  If you have a returning student, please make sure their records are all updated.  This procedure is required by the State.  These forms include the Registration, Emergency Card, Permission, Immunization and Healthcare Summary.  Sign up for “Remind”.  Remind is a requirement of each family to receive important classroom/school messages via text.

 

Bright Beginnings Christian Preschool does have a website where you can access the Bright Beginnings Bulletin, Monthly Calendar, Yearly Calendar, and Forms. The web site address is www.bbc-preschool.com.  We also have a Facebook page you can “Like”, to be able to follow any of our school announcements!

  

At any time during the school year, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to speak with a staff member.  Communication will be extremely important this year as we navigate through our new way of doing Preschool.  Together we hope your student(s) will have a safe and delightful preschool experience!

 

Live Jesus in our hearts.  Forever!

Your Bright Beginnings Christian Preschool Teaching Staff

 

Bright Beginnings Christian Preschool

COVID-19 PREPAREDNESS PLAN

2020-2021 School Year

Updated 8/3/2020

Bright Beginnings Christian Preschool Minnesota License # 1018118

All critical businesses in Minnesota are required to have a COVID-19 preparedness plan that protects staff, children, families and the community we serve.

According to Executive Order 20-48, critical businesses, including providers licensed and certified to provide child care services, are required to follow guidance from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. MDH encourages providers to follow the CDC Guidance for Child Care Programs that Remain Open. Updated guidance and helpful tools can be found on mn.gov/childcare. The MDH/CDC guidance is designed to prevent, and mitigate, or respond to the transmission of COVID-19 in your program setting.

Executive Order 20-74, signed by Gov. Walz on June 5, 2020, requires all critical businesses to develop and implement a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan that outlines how we will implement MDH and CDC guidelines.

Bright Beginnings Christian  Preschool is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our students, families, and staff members. This plan was developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure we implement strategies and procedures to preserve public health.

This plan has been developed by the Preschool Directors. Guidance and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Minnesota Department of Health, and executive orders from the state of Minnesota have been incorporated into the plan as appropriate. The plan covers 11 areas.

1. Frequent Handwashing Requirements

• Reinforce handwashing routines, especially upon arrival, after having been in a public place or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Ensure children are supervised when using hand sanitizer and that it is inaccessible to them when not in use.
• CDC guidance on handwashing can be found at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/guidance-for-childcare.html#HandHygiene 

BBCP PLAN FOR HANDWASHING:

Students will sanitize their hands during health screening at check-in, with hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol. Parents or staff will administer hand sanitizer and supervise students while using it. Sanitizer will not be accessible to students without parent or teacher help.

Students will wash their hands with soap and water after using the restroom, and before and after snack. Students will also wash their hands with soap and water after blowing or picking their nose, coughing, or sneezing, or placing hands in their mouth. Staff will supervise students while they are washing their hands to ensure proper handwashing technique. CDC guidance for handwashing will be posted by each sink.

Face coverings will be worn by staff members conducting health screenings and in contact with parents. Staff within the classroom can choose whether they would like to wear a face covering, they will not be required within the classroom. Any outside visitors or non-preschool staff members will be required to wear a mask. Outside visitors and non-preschool staff member exposure will be extremely limited. Face mask for students are optional.

1. Cleaning and disinfecting Requirements

• • Protocols related to cleaning and disinfection of programs should be detailed so that staff know what is expected of them. Follow MDH and CDC guidance for frequent cleaning and disinfecting of your program:
    • https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/schools/clean.pdf
    • https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/disinfecting-building-facility.html
  • Ensure high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, stair rails, counters, tables and chairs, shared toys, program equipment and other items are regularly cleaned and disinfected.
  • Minimize the use of shared supplies (e.g. arts and crafts, office supplies) that cannot be sanitized and consider using designated bins for clean and used items.
  • Establish procedures for cleaning and disinfection after persons suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 have been in the program.

BBCP PLAN FOR CLEANING AND DISINFECTING:

All cleaning and disinfecting will be done following MDH and CDC guidelines, using approved products. For a list of products used, please contact the director.

Bright Beginnings Christian Preschool will clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, counters, tables and chairs, shared toys, program equipment, and other items. This will be done before and after each class session and throughout the day/class time.

Surfaces will be cleaned and disinfected after a surface has been used for any length of time such as crafts to minimize the spread of germs. Tables will be cleaned and disinfected both before and after snack.

We will limit the sharing of materials such as arts and crafts supplies like scissors and crayons by placing them in a “USED” bin once a child has used them and disinfecting them before they are used by another student.

We will limit the types of materials available to those that are easily cleaned and disinfected. Cloth and or stuffed items will not be used such as stuffed animals, puppets, and dress-up clothes.

If a COVID-19 case is confirmed in a student, staff member, or in a member of their household, that person will be asked to remain at home and considered to be in quarantine for no less than 14 days. A facility assessment will begin to determine what additional public health and cleaning measures should be implemented. Public high-touch surfaces where the person was will be cleaned and disinfected immediately.

Areas visited by the ill person will be closed off. Outside doors or windows and ventilating fans will be used to increase the air circulation. There will be a 24-hour waiting period before the space is cleaned and disinfected. Staff will clean and disinfect all areas such as classrooms, offices, bathrooms, and common areas. Shared electronics and high-touch surfaces will also be cleaned and disinfected.

1. Arrival and Departure

• • Whenever possible, pick-up and drop-off should occur outside and/or limit the extent to which parents enter the program and interact with each other.
  • Consider use of multiple entrances and exits when these can be used safely by the staff, volunteers and visitors.
  • Before children enter the space, screen them to ensure those with symptoms are not attending.
    • Screening process for children: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/guidance-for-childcare.html#ScreenChildren 

BBCP PLAN FOR ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE:

We will be using multiple doors for drop off and pick up.  Each classroom will have a designated door.

ARRIVAL: Parents will do curbside drop off.

A designated staff member will greet families at the curb to conduct a health screening. Staff conducting health screenings will wear personal protective gear such as a mask and gloves. Staff will remain 6 feet away from parents while conducting the health screening. During the health screening temperatures will be taken and recorded. A physical assessment will be done of the child looking for any signs of illness including flushed cheeks, rapid breathing or difficulty breathing (without recent physical activity), fatigue, or extreme fussiness. Parent/guardian will be asked to confirm that the child does not have fever, shortness of breath or cough. If a child is presenting any signs of illness or has a temperature above 100 degrees, they will be sent home and any areas the student or parent came in contact with will be cleaned and disinfected immediately.

If a child passes the health screening, a staff member will escort that student to put their things away and be brought into the classroom where the teacher will greet them.

DEPARTURE:

Staff will dismiss child to parent at curbside

1. Plans for sick children, staff, and volunteers

• • Conduct daily health checks. This includes screening for children, staff, volunteers, and household members for family child care programs to ensure those who exhibit any symptoms of illness are not present.
  • Follow exclusion guidance and ensure children, staff, and volunteers stay home when sick: http://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/schools/exguide.pdf
  • Use CDC guidance to develop a plan for what you will do if someone becomes sick with COVID-like symptoms: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/guidance-for-childcare.html#General
  • If a child, staff member, or volunteer is diagnosed with COVID-19 or if you have questions about a child, staff member, or volunteer who is exhibiting symptoms, reach out to MDH at health.schools.covid19@state.mn.us and follow their direction.
  • Using the MDH and CDC resources above, create a communication plan for how and when you will notify parents, staff, and volunteers if a child, staff member, volunteer or household member for family child care programs has been exposed, is exhibiting symptoms, or has tested positive.
    • Contact MDH if you have questions (at the email address above)
    • Ensure the parent or guardian contact information in each child’s record is up-to-date.

 

BBCP PLANS FOR SICK CHILDREN, STAFF, AND VOLUNTEERS:

Daily health checks for students will be performed upon arrival as listed above in section 3.

Health checks will also be performed on staff members upon arrival. Staff are asked to stay home if they are showing any signs of illness. We will not allow any volunteers at this time.

Staff and families will be expected to follow the exclusion guidance listed attached in the Decision Tree document put out by MDH. This document is found at the end of this plan.

If someone becomes sick with COVID-like symptoms, they will be isolated and sent home. Cleaning procedures listed in the Cleaning and Disinfecting section will be followed. If a case of COVID is confirmed, the school will close for at least 24 hours to allow for proper cleaning and disinfecting. Students and/or staff with a confirmed case will follow the guidance listed on the Decision Tree. Any confirmed cases must be reported to the MN Department of Health, and they will determine when it is safe to return to school.

If a family member of a student or staff member has a confirmed case of COVID, the student or staff member will also be asked to quarantine for 14 days to assure they have not contracted the virus. A negative test result for the child or staff member must accompany their return.

The preschool director will oversee all communication regarding COVID and any information families or staff need to know.

1. Social distancing throughout the day

• • Limit group sizes as much as possible and create consistent groups of children and providers, staff, or volunteers who stay together throughout the day.
  • Add visual cues or barriers to direct traffic flow and distancing. For example, you may want to tape “Xs” on the floor to let children know where they should sit to promote social distancing.

BBCP PLAN FOR PHYSICAL DISTANCING THROUGHOUT THE DAY:

Physical distancing will be encouraged when appropriate.   We will not mix classes together for group activities.

Students will remain with a consistent group of students, in a consistent space, with consistent staff.

Spaces used will be cleaned and disinfected before and after each use.

1. Source control and cloth face coverings

• • Cloth face coverings are an important piece for mitigating the spread of the virus but are most effective if it can stay in place without being pulled on or touched by the person wearing it or others. Within this context, the provider, staff members, and volunteers should wear cloth face coverings during the work day as much as possible, recognizing the development needs of the children in their care.
  • Children should not wear cloth face coverings unless they can reliably wear, remove, and handle the cloth face covering throughout the day. Cloth face coverings should NOT be put on infants or children younger than 2 because of the danger of suffocation.
  • Face covering guidance is available here: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/schools/masks.html#child  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html

BBCP PLAN FOR SOURCE CONTROL AND CLOTH FACE COVERINGS:

Face coverings will be worn by staff members conducting health screenings and in contact with parents. Staff within the classroom can choose whether they would like to wear a face covering; they will not be required within the classroom. Any outside visitors or non-preschool staff members will be required to wear a mask within the classroom. Outside visitors and non-preschool staff member exposure will be extremely limited. This does not include custodial staff who will be in the room while school is not in session. Face mask for students is optional, not required.

1. Workplace ventilation

• Recognizing this may be difficult in center or school buildings, where possible work to maximize the amount of fresh air being brought in, limit air recirculation and make sure ventilation systems are being properly used and maintained. Take steps to minimize air flow blowing across people. It could mean keeping windows open where possible, removing or repositioning fans, and encouraging outdoor time.

BBCP PLAN FOR VENTILATION AND AIR FLOW:

We will work with Maple Grove Covenant staff to ensure ventilation systems are working properly.

1. Playground use

• • Stagger playground use rather than allowing big groups to play together.
  • Wash hands before and after touching play structures. If possible, consider cleaning high touch areas of the play structure between groups.
  • If you choose to bring children in your care to a public playground, be careful to ensure children wash hands after touching play structures and maintain six feet of space from other children as much as possible. https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/schools/playground.pdf

BBCP PLAN FOR MITIGATING COVID-19 IN PLAYGROUND USE:

We currently do not have access to a playground. However, large motor activities will take place outdoors when possible or in the gym otherwise.  Any equipment used during this time will be cleaned and sanitized before and after use. Students will also wash hands before and after “gym” time.

1. Meals and snacks

• • If meals are typically served family-style, plate each meal and serve it so that multiple children are not using the same serving utensils.
  • To the extent possible, serve meals in individual classrooms. If using a cafeteria, the meal should be served to one small group of children at a time, with cleaning and sanitizing occurring in between groupings.

BBCP PLAN FOR MITIGATING COVID-19 DURING MEALS AND SNACK TIMES:

Snack tables will be cleaned and sanitized before and after use. Students will wash their hands with soap and water before and after snack time. Staff will wash hands and wear gloves while preparing and serving snack. Students will be spaced out as much as possible.  The special person of the day will provide snack for the class that is store bought, unopened and in a disposable bag.  Leftovers will not be sent home.

1. Field trips and events

• • Do not plan large group activities, such as field trips and family events. Consider changing field trips and events to a virtual format where appropriate.
  • If you have an in-house field trip, screen the presenter. It would be best if in-house field trips are held outside in small group settings. Remember that social distance needs to be maintained, groups should not be mixed, and whenever possible, cleaning and sanitizing should occur between groups.

BBCP PLAN FOR MITIGATING COVID-19 DURING FIELD TRIPS AND EVENTS:

We will not participate in large group activities such as family events, whole school gatherings, parties or celebrations that involve outside assistance. We have canceled all out of school field trips for the 2020-2021 school year.

1. Communications and training

• • The plan must be available to the Commissioner and offered to families. Be sure to communicate to families, using plain language, the expectations for parents and children in implementing this plan (e.g. outdoor pick-up/drop-off protocols).
• The plan must be posted in a prominent place and readily accessible to all of your employees, adult caregivers, substitutes, and volunteers who need to review it. Provide training to ensure everyone is following your plan. Keep these individuals updated on any changes to the plan.
  • Staff with concerns about their employer’s COVID-19 Preparedness Plan or questions about their rights should contact MNOSHA Compliance at osha.compliance@state.mn.us, 651-284-5050 or 877-470-6742.

BBCP PLAN FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND TRAINING:

This plan is available to all Bright Beginnings Christian Families. More specific details will be communicated separately to families about the school year protocols.

This plan will be received in an email and posted in our classrooms.

Staff will receive initial training on this document and continued training as any changes are made.

Staff with concerns about the plan can contact MNOSHA at osha.compliance@state.mn.us, 651-284-5050 or 877-470-6742.

 

 

 

 

MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

DECISION TREE FOR PEOPLE WITH COVID-19 SYMPTOMS IN YOUTH, STUDENT, AND CHILD CARE PROGRAMS 

For people (e.g., children, care providers, or staff) who have symptoms consistent with COVID-19, send home or deny entry and reference the exclusion criteria in this document to determine when they may return.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include: new onset cough or shortness of breath by themselves OR at least 2 of the following: (100.4 or higher), chills, muscle pain, or sore throat, loss of sense of smell or taste, and gastrointestinal symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting, or nausea.

If a person has a new symptom (for example, new loss of smell only) with no other diagnosis to explain it, they should stay home and talk to their health care provider about testing for COVID-19, even if it is the only symptom they are experiencing. 

 

FOR PEOPLE WHO RECEIVED A LABORATORY TEST FOR COVID-19 

What to do if you’re waiting for COVID-19 test results (PDF) (www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/waiting.pdf)

Positive test result: Stay home at least 10 days since symptoms first appeared AND until no fever for at least 3 days without medication AND improvement of other symptoms.

Siblings and household members also stay home for 14 days.

Negative test result but symptoms with no other diagnosis: Stay home at least 10 days since symptoms first appeared AND until no fever for at least 3 days without medication AND improvement of other symptoms.

Siblings and household members also stay home for 14 days.

FOR PEOPLE WITH A COVID-19 DIAGNOSIS WITHOUT A LAB TEST OR PEOPLE WITH SYMPTOMS CONSISTENT WITH COVID-19 WITHOUT A MEDICAL EVALUATION (e.g. MONITORING SYMPTOMS AT HOME)

Stay home at least 10 days since symptoms first appeared AND until no fever for at least 3 days without medication AND improvement of other symptoms.

Siblings and household members also stay home for 14 days.

 

FOR PEOPLE WITH OTHER DIAGNOSES (e.g., NOROVIRUS, STREP THROAT) THAT EXPLAIN THE SYMPTOMS, OR WHEN A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER SAYS SYMPTOMS ARE CONNECTED TO A PRE-EXISTING CONDITION

Stay home until symptoms have improved.  Follow specific return guidance from the health care provider or follow the Infectious Diseases in Childcare Settings and Schools Manual (www.hennepin.us/daycaremanual).

If symptoms related to a pre-existing condition change or worsen, talk to a health care provider to determine next steps.

Siblings and household members do not need to stay home.

 

DECISION TREE from Minnesota Department of Health/health.mn.gov/651-201-5414/1-877-676-5414/625 Robert Street North PO Box 64975, St. Paul, MN 55164-0975                      06/02/2020