MSD COVID-19 safety plan

Health & Safety Policy Updates
Given the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) crisis that is spreading through our country, want to assure our school community that we are monitoring the situation closely. Based on information available at this time, we will utilize strategies and policies to operate The Montessori School of Donelson (MSD) as safely as possible and with minimal disruption to our children and families. We are prepared to make on-going, data-driven decisions throughout the duration of these circumstances. 
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Effective immediately and for the foreseeable future, we will be taking extra precautions to ward off the spread of the Novel-Coronavirus (Covid-19). We are taking these extra steps to support the health and safety of our children, our family, and our staff. Below is an excerpt from our Covid-19 Safety Plan. You may download the entire booklet here.
Drop-Off and Pick-Up
  • Staff and parents are required to wear face masks during drop-off and pick-up car line. Staff will additionally wear nylon gloves, sanitize hands before entering the building and wash hands with soap and water once inside the building.
  • Upon arrival, children are met at the door by a Guide who will assist them with washing their hands immediately upon entry to school.
Healthy Environment​
  • Staff and children over 2 years of age wear cloth face masks while at school.
  • All classrooms remain separated to reduce the number of children in one area and to reduce the possibility of viral transmission. Children begin and end the day with the same cohort.
  • Staff disinfect high-touch surfaces, such as door handles, light switches, faucets, toys, and games that children play with daily.
  • Each classroom is be equipped with a HEPA Filter Air Purifier to help reduce germs and allergens in the air. 
Cleaning & Sanitizing Materials & Toys
  • Toys and materials that cannot be cleaned and sanitized will not be used. All cloth furnishings have been replaced with vinyl or other similar non-porous surface to allow for better cleaning and disinfecting.
  • Toys and materials that children have placed in their mouths or that are otherwise contaminated by body secretions or excretions are set aside until they are cleaned and sanitized. They will be cleaned with water and detergent, rinsed, sanitized with an EPA-registered disinfectant, rinsed again, and allowed to air-dry. (We will remain mindful of items more likely to be placed in a child’s mouth.)
Workplace Safety Strategies for Staff
  • Staff has received additional training on infection control and workplace disinfection.
  • Staff and children will not share their phone, devices or meal utensils with one another or children.
  • Staff will check their temperature at the beginning of each shift and notify their Administration if >100.1 as well as self-monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and notify their Administration if any develop (fever or respiratory symptoms).
  • Staff will wash their hands immediately upon entering the program and immediately prior to leaving.
  • Staff will have daily temperature checks upon arrival and will not be allowed to work if they are feeling ill or experiencing respiratory symptoms.
​Healthy Hand Hygiene Behavior
  • All children, staff, and volunteers will engage in hand hygiene at the following times:
    • Arrival to the facility and after breaks
    • Before and after preparing food or drinks
    • Before and after eating or handling food, or feeding children
    • Before and after administering medication or medical ointment
    • Before and after diapering
    • After using the toilet or helping a child use the bathroom
    • After coming in contact with bodily fluid
    • After handling animals or cleaning up animal waste
    • After playing outdoors or in sand
    • After handling garbage
    • Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If hands are not visibly dirty, alcohol-based hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol can be used if soap and water are not readily available (typically on the playground).
**For a complete copy of our COVID-19 Safety Plan, click below.**