COVID-19

Lotus Montessori is dedicated to the safety of their children, families, and staff. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we are closely monitoring new developments and updating our environment to follow the safety measures and protocols outlined but the Contra Costa Health Services, Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Child Care Licensing Department (CCLD).

We also have the following guidelines in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19:

Drop-Off and Pick-Up

  • Parents are required to wear face masks during drop-off and pick-up

  • Parents will enter through the front entrance for screening and temperature check

  • Only one family will be allowed at the front entrance at any given time; if waiting outside, families will need to stand 6 feet apart as indicated by markings on the floor

  • Staff will screen (see below for details) each child one at a time

  • Parents are encouraged to keep their visits as brief as possible and limit to drop-off and pick-up

  • Children will wash their hands immediately after screening

  • Hand sanitizers will be out of reach to children, but available in high traffic areas like entry ways

Screening (for Staff and Children)

  1. Morning Temperature Check - any temperature above 100.4°F is considered a fever. Staff or children who exhibit a temperature of 100.4°F or above will not be allowed to remain at the facility. A non-touch thermometer will be used.

  2. Symptom Survey - staff will go over a quick questionnaire with the parents regarding symptoms the child or child's immediate family may be experiencing (i.e. fever, cough, trouble breathing in the last 72 hours) or if there has been any exposure to COVID-19

  3. Visual Inspection - staff will visually inspect the child for any signs of illness

  4. Afternoon Temperature Check - any temperature above 100.4°F is considered a fever. If child exhibits a fever, they will be isolated and parents will be immediately informed to pick-up their child.

*We will document and inform everyone if there has been any known exposure to COVID-19. If staff, child, or anyone in their immediate families has tested positive for COVID-19, they will need a letter from their doctor indicating that they are no longer infectious before they will be about to return to Lotus Montessori

Social Distancing

  • Children will remain in groups of 6 and with the same staff every day, as much as possible. Children from the same families will be prioritized to remain in the same group.

  • Weather permitting, we will keep doors open as much as possible to extend the indoor environment to an outdoor environment.

  • Furniture is spaced out to allow for 6 feet distance between children whenever possible. Markings on the floor or tables will indicate space between children.

  • Limit number of children per table during snack and work time

  • Model social distancing and positively reinforce children for following distancing guidelines

Hand Washing

  • Children will wash their hands when they arrive at school, before and after eating food, after using the restroom, and after playing outside.

  • Staff will wash their hands when they arrive at school, after breaks, before and after eating food, before and after preparing/handling food, after using the restroom or helping a child use the restroom, and after bringing the children inside from outdoor play, before and after diapering, before and after administering medication, after coming in contact with bodily fluid, and after handling garbage.

  • Faucet will be continuously running at these times so that each child do not have to touch the faucet

  • Signs about proper handwashing techniques will be posted by the sink and staff will encourage adequate handwashing by guiding, prompting, and teaching child-friendly handwashing songs

Cleaning

  • On top of our daily cleaning, staff will clean frequently touched surfaces (doorknobs, light switches, toys, countertops, etc.) throughout the day

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

  • All staff will be provided with face masks, face shields, and gloves while working.

  • Children 2 years and older are should wear a face mask while at school. Cloth face masks should be washed daily.

*Staff will encourage children to continue to wear a face mask throughout the day; however, staff cannot force the child to wear a face mask if he/she does not want to.

Food Preparation

  • The school will provide AM snack, lunch, and PM snack. All food will be prepared by staff while wearing a mask.

  • Do not bring water bottles to school; children will be provided with water in paper cups.

Napping

  • All sleeping mats will be placed at a 6 feet distance from one another.

  • Parents are required to bring a sheet and blanket for each child, which will be sent home on Fridays for cleaning.

Please keep in mind that these guidelines are subject to change based on the evolving guidelines of Contra Costa, CDC, and CCLD during the pandemic. Although we have these guidelines and practices in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19, we cannot guarantee that your child will no be exposed to COVID-19. Thank you for your cooperation and patience.