COVID-19 Policies,
Procedures and Safety Plan
Harbor Montessori School has adopted a Safety Plan for operating in the 2021-22 academic year and summer program which is consistent with safety and health information from our local Health Departments, Washington State Department of Health, and the Center for Disease Control.
Our knowledge regarding COVID 19 and its impacts are ever-evolving, and these policies and protocols may also change. We are asking all of our employees and families to commit to supporting HMS’s health, wellness and safety protocols.
We all must agree to stay home and keep children home when they are not feeling well, have COVID-like symptoms or have potentially been exposed, and to agree to pick their children up promptly if they are notified by the school that their child has any symptoms of illness, as well as quarantine and test when necessary.
All staff and school volunteers are required to be fully vaccinated or have a medical or religious exemption on file.
As you know, the CDC and local health departments come out with new guidance and recommendations frequently as we learn more about the COVID-19 pandemic. We will be updating this page regularly & notify staff and student's families when new policies are made.
HMS COVID Safety Team
For questions and concerns regarding COVID policies and procedures please contact
Lisa Derouin, Aimee Allen & Rachel Lezcano-the site COVID-19 coordinators.
The Site Coordinators will:
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Ensure adherence with the site-specific COVID-19 Prevention Plan, including physical distancing requirements.
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Lead trainings as needed
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Consult with counsel regarding modifications and updates
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Be available during work and/or class activities to monitor compliance and answer questions and concerns as needed
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Review School activities and documentation for timeliness and compliance
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Ensure that PPE and hygiene materials are available
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Record and report COVID-19 Prevention Plan implementation and safety
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Perform COVID-19 tests to employees and students when needed and available
Hygiene and Cleaning
HMS staff and students will:
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Wash hands upon arrival each day
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Wash hands frequently with soap for 20 seconds at a time
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Practice cough/sneeze etiquette: Cover mouth and nose
when coughing or sneezing, throw the tissue in the trash,
and then wash hands.
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Avoid touching their face
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Use the hand washing sinks frequently
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Bring personal water bottles as fountains will be closed
Cleaning:
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Teachers and staff will frequently clean, sanitize, and disinfect the work throughout the day
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Bleach will not be used when children are present
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Teachers will be sure to clean doorknobs, shelves, high-touch surfaces, before students arrive, after students leave, and throughout the day
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Our janitorial company will be in to clean regularly
COVID Test Requirements
Testing updates:
While a PCR test or rapid antigen test performed by a clinic is still preferable, DOH is now allowing the use of FDA approved over-the-counter tests for all staff, and children. If you use an over-the-counter test, please label the test with your child’s full name, take a photo of the test with the label showing, and send to rachel@harbormontessori.org.
HMS currently has three additional testing options:
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Pick up an at-home PCR test kit that you administer yourself. You will need to drop it off at the UPS store. Results take 24-72 hours once they are received at the lab. (tests are available for children age 2 and older)
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Schedule a time to be tested at HMS with authorized admin. We have both rapid testing and PCR options. The PCR option is only available for ages four and up.
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We have a very limited supply of take home rapid tests. Available while supplies last.
Resources
Washington State Department of Health
Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department
Return to School Guidance
Managing Illness and Exposure
Self-isolation and quarantine mean that the person is to remain home during the stated period. Physically excluded means that the person will not be allowed on school grounds during the stated period. The terms may be used interchangeably.
If a child shows COVID-19 like symptoms during the school day, the teacher will call parents to come pick up. Students who demonstrate illness or symptoms will be isolated in a safe supervised area until they can be picked up.
Returning to School After COVID-19 Symptoms With No Suspected Exposure
Covid-19 Symptoms
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Fever
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Cough
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Shortness of Breath
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Loss of Taste or Smell
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Nausea
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Vomiting
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Diarrhea (defined as two or more loose stools in 24 hours)
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Congestion/Runny nose (No longer a covid symptom for Toddler & Infant)
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Sore Throat
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Fatigue
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Muscle or Body Aches
Returning to School After COVID Positive
Please note the following criteria applies to all, regardless of vaccination status.
When determining return to school date, please note that
*Day 0 is date of positive test for anyone who is asymptomatic
*Day 0 is date of onset of symptoms for symptomatic.
*Symptoms must be resolving and
*Person must be fever-free for at least 24 hours.
Quarantine for 5 days, and the morning of day 6 test
if negative then they can return if:
1. No fever within the past 24 hours (without medication) AND
2. Symptoms have significantly improved AND
3. They are encouraged to wear a mask around others for an additional 5 days
Quarantine for 5 days, and the morning of day 6 test
if Positive results then:
1. Continue to quarantine and if you test again and your negative before the 10 days are up you can return if:
2. No fever within the past 24 hours (without medication) AND
3. Symptoms have significantly improved
Confidentiality
The identity of persons who have suspected or diagnosed COVID 19 is protected confidential health information and will not be disclosed. An employee may choose to authorized disclosure if such authorization is voluntary and confirmed in writing. No coercion to authorize disclosure will be allowed and is prohibited. Retaliation relating to nondisclosure is prohibited.
Parents may authorize disclosure of a family diagnosis, as well. We ask that this is done through the appropriate channels by reaching out to Rachel, Lisa or Aimee.
All members of the community are expected to respect privacy and confidentiality and to not speculate on the identity of persons who are suspected of or diagnosed with COVID 19.
Accommodations and High Risk
Each parent or guardian must determine for themselves if they are willing to take the risk of enrolling their child to physically attend school classes, including whether they need to take additional precautions to protect the health of their child and others in the household. Harbor Montessori School will work diligently to follow all procedures and protocol, however we cannot guarantee that we will not have exposure to COVID-19 on campus. It is not practical for children ages five and under to be physically distanced at all times.
Families should particularly consider the risks to household members who are adults 65 years or older, or anyone who has an underlying medical condition. Parents and guardians may want to discuss these risks and their concerns with their pediatrician or other health care provider. Students who cannot attend school due to high-risk factors or isolation will receive appropriate educational services.
Visitors Entering the Building
We are limiting any visitors entering HMS, but understand on occasion a family member or visitor might need to enter HMS.