Adapted Sanitation Protocols FAQ's

What cleaning, sanitation and disinfecting protocols are in place?

This list is by no means complete because we are adapting new measures as we see research but currently: 

• There is no substitute for proper hand washing which is continually done all day. From the moment a staff member or child enters our school we hand wash. 
• We are cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting throughout the day. All day, every day. 
• We have new misters and foggers which are used throughout the day and at night as needed using products that are as natural and organic as possible. But there is no substitute for cleaning toys and equipment with warm water and soap and disinfecting with bleach solution. We have several other “fast germ kill” products too. 
• Anytime toys are touched or mouthed (infants and toddlers in particular) the toys or learning materials are washed and disinfected. 
• We are disinfecting playground equipment after each use with soap and water and appropriate bleach solutions. 
• We are requesting all children and teachers leave their outdoor shoes outside the classroom and have indoor shoes that stay at school. While the research on germs on shoes relating to COVID is not compelling, we encourage you to make the extra effort. 
• Water fountains are closed and we require your child (and the teachers) to bring in water in labeled throw-away containers to avoid cross-contamination. 

What other protocols are in place?

• Drop off and pick up are handled from outside the building. Parents are staying in cars. Children are temperature checked and parents are asked COVID screening questions. 
• Children and teachers are having temperature checks a total of three times a day and as needed.
• We now require a minimum of 48 hours before a child (or staff) with a fever of over 100.4 may return to school. Please remember that if a child has a fever at the 4pm temp check, the child actually is not back until the morning of the third day. 
• Sanitation practices including continual cleaning throughout the day.
• Disinfecting misters have been purchased and are used nightly and as needed throughout the day with a rapid germ kill product safe for our schools. 
• Soft toys and cloth books and materials have been stored away. 
• Nap laundry (crib sheets, cot sheets) is being done at the schools to eliminate cross-contamination.
• Cohort groups of children- we are not combining children at drop off or pick up, nap, etc. 
• We are maintaining the best practice recommendation of 6 feet social distancing- as you can imagine, it’s a big challenge!
• We are spending as much time as possible outdoors, again maintaining as much social distancing as possible.
• Our sprinkler play days are shorter- just enough to cool off and per recommendations, we are not allowing children to “hang out” at the water source- rather we are keeping them moving over and around the sprinklers!

What government resources is the school using to make decisions?

• The CDC
• Thomas Jefferson Health Department
• Virginia DSS and Virginia Early Childhood Foundation
• Weekly webinars with local Ready Kids and United Way
• An enormous amount of best practices webinars and training are available nationally and statewide- VCCA and Child Care Exchange

As more students return, are you adding any other safety measures? 

We are very optimistic (yet realistic) about how well we are doing in terms of all staff and families respectfully following local and state guidelines and Bright Beginnings policies. We are appreciative of each of you and the sacrifices you are making to keep each other safe. 

When will parents be permitted back in the building? 

Again, we don’t want to change any of the practices that are working. In general, almost all schools we are consulting with nationally as well as locally are requiring outdoor drop-off and pick up. Anecdotally, we are hearing that it is making a huge difference. 

How can I prepare my child for their first day of school? 

Talk with your child about how school will be different, yet still fun and a safe place to go!

• Teachers may be wearing masks so germs don’t spread. 
• Encourage proper handwashing by continually modeling and assisting your child to handwash at the very least before and after using the bathroom, any snacks or meals, before and after bedtime and anytime he coughs, sneezes, etc. 
• Have a soapy water bucket or bowl labeled so if your child mouths toys or toys are coughed or sneezed on, you can have a “Toy Wash.” 
  • Pro Tip- Parents only- a little bleach in a spray bottle will sanitize toys quickly- don’t forget to wash with soap and water first. 
  • Pro Tip- Place soft toys or plastic toys in a mesh bag (Dollar Store) or a pillowcase (tie a knot in a pillowcase to keep all items inside) and pop into the washing machine. Air dry. It’s noisy but it works!

How can parents help?

• Continue to communicate with us. We know these are very uncertain times and we want to be here for you!
• Families following and staying updated with the latest CDC guidelines is the most helpful in keeping out Bright Beginnings community safe.