COVID-19 Continuity of Education & Safety Plan (CESP) 

 

QUICK REFERENCE 
 

These are the highlights of Navarre Montessori Academy’s CESP for ongoing response to the novel coronavirus pandemic. Please refer to the appropriate sections in the CESP for details about these policies. 
 

These policies may be amended at any time based on updated guidance or new information about SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19. 

 

• During the morning arrival the parent or caregiver must put on a face-covering before staff will approach. 

• Students will be screened prior to entering the school. Staff will conduct a brief health screening to include questions to parents/caregivers about any symptoms in the student(s)  or household and may include a temperature check. 

• Only those staff and students who are well (no symptoms of illness and temperature less than 99.5 ° F) will be admitted to the school. 

• Admittance to the school will be limited to staff, students, and trained volunteers during school hours. 

• All students and staff will wash hands immediately upon entering the school, before and after meals, after using the bathroom, after touching nose or mouth, and other times throughout the day as appropriate. 

• Face coverings (masks) are not required for students and may be used only if worn appropriately with the practice of good mask hygiene. 

• High-touch surfaces and shared materials will be cleaned/disinfected as appropriate during the school day. 

• Scheduling and venue for after-school group events will depend on conditions of local community spread and guidance from local authorities. 

• A student’s return to school after any illness will be guided by the Wellness Decision Tree. Families must communicate with the school to determine when a student may return. 
 

If a member of our NMA community reports a confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, we will immediately communicate the situation, the school’s actions, and the families’ options.  Depending on the situation, classes may be temporarily dismissed for 1-3 days for cleaning and contact tracing, or for up to 14 days upon recommendation of the Department of Health.

 

This plan was developed from guidance by the Florida Department of Education, Florida  Department of Health, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and Centers for Disease  Control and Prevention (CDC), and with consideration of evidence from the most recent data and peer-reviewed scientific research. The resulting policies comprise what is feasible,  practical, acceptable, and tailored to the needs of our unique NMA community. These policies may be amended at any time based on updated guidance, evidence, or other new information about SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19.  
 

Guiding Principle
 

NMA will maintain an authentic Montessori environment while ensuring an appropriate balance between the physical, emotional, mental, and social needs of our students. 
 

Strategy
 

The students, families, and staff of our NMA community will work cooperatively, using reasonable precautions guided by local conditions, health officials, and other governing agencies, in a concerted effort to limit exposure to the novel coronavirus. Our goal is to establish NMA’s campus as a safe space so we can give our students the least restrictive environment possible within that space. 

A confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection within our NMA community will likely require us to implement more restrictive precautions in the classrooms or possibly close the campus for up to 14 days. To meet our goal of keeping our students at school in an authentic Montessori environment, we must have the support and cooperation of all of our families in following this plan. 
 

Facts and Evidence Guiding this Plan (late July 2020) 
 

Definitions: 

SARS-CoV-2 – virus with potential to cause coronavirus disease - 2019. 

COVID-19 – a disease that can be developed from infection of SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Close Contact – within 6ft of an infected person for more than 15 minutes, depending on exposure. 
 

Facts and Evidence: 

• Children contract COVID-19 at much lower rates than adults.5,6,7,8,9,10 

• Children who do contract COVID-19 are much less likely to have severe disease,1,3,5,8,9,10 especially in our age group.6,7

• Child-to-child transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is extremely rare, and child-to-adult transmission is also rare.3,4,5 

• Primary mode of SARS-CoV-2 transmission is through droplets expelled during face-to-face exposure while talking, coughing, or sneezing. Contact surface spread is possible. Airborne transmission is unlikely.

• A viral test is used to determine the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the body. A positive test indicates that a person is infected with SARS-CoV-2, and could transmit the virus to another person. A negative test indicates that there is not a detectable level of virus in the body, but does NOT mean that the person is not infected. 

Based on the currently available evidence, the most likely source of a potential SARS-CoV-2  infection on our campus would be from an infected adult; therefore, our policies are intended to aggressively limit the potential for our students or staff to be exposed to an infected adult. 
 

All actions and precautions will be continuously evaluated and may be adjusted depending on the conditions of the local community spread. 
 

School’s Actions and Responsibilities
 

Wellness Policy 

Only students who are well and from a household free of COVID-19 symptoms will be admitted to school. 

COVID-19 Symptoms: 

Staying Home from School
 

Any ONE of the following symptoms:
• Cough 

• Shortness of breath 

• Difficulty breathing 

Any TWO of the following symptoms:
• Fever (> 100.4° F) 

• Sore throat 

• Headache 

• Muscle pain 

• Change in smell/taste 

• Chills/rigors 

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Students with any of the following symptoms must be kept at home and the school notified: 

• Symptoms of COVID-19 

• Elevated temperature (temperature > 99.5 ° F) or on medication to control fever. • Nasal congestion/nasal discharge (more than usual for the child) 

• Diarrhea 

• Nausea/vomiting 

• Fatigue 

• Poor appetite 

• Contagious or undiagnosed rash 

• Conjunctivitis (eye irritation) 

• Any other signs that your child is unwell 
 

Any student who develops an elevated temperature (> 99.5 ° F) or symptoms of COVID 19 during the school day will be isolated, providing comfort and care, and parents notified for immediate pick-up. Students who develop other symptoms of being unwell will be provided appropriate comfort and care, isolated if necessary, and parents consulted to make a pick-up decision. 

Students must be kept home and the school notified if anyone in a student’s household has symptoms of COVID-19, has a confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, or has been in close contact with someone with a confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19. Families are strongly encouraged to consult their health care provider if their child(ren) or someone in their household exhibits symptoms consistent with COVID-19. 
 

Returning to School after Student has COVID-19 Symptoms or Positive Test for SARS-CoV-2: 

A student may return to school after having COVID-19 symptoms with a positive test for  SARS-CoV-2 infection when all of the following are true: 

• At least 10 days since symptoms first appeared and 

• At least 24 hours with no fever without fever-reducing medication and
• Symptoms have improved OR, to potentially return sooner 

• At least 24 hours with no fever without fever-reducing medication and • Symptoms have improved and 

• Two negative tests in a row at least 24 hours apart  (requires documentation from a health care provider) 
 

A student may return to school after having COVID-19 symptoms and not be tested for  SARS-CoV-2 when all of the following are true: 

• At least 10 days since symptoms first appeared and  

• At least 24 hours with no fever without fever-reducing medication and
• Symptoms have improved OR, to potentially return sooner 

• At least 24 hours with no fever without fever-reducing medication and
• Symptoms have improved and 

• A determination of an alternate cause of illness from a health care provider (requires documentation from a health care provider) 

A student may return to school after a positive test for SARS-CoV-2, but without symptoms when: 

• At least 10 days have passed since the test 

OR, to potentially return sooner 

• Two negative tests in a row at least 24 hours apart  

(requires documentation from a health care provider) 

NOTE: If a student develops symptoms at any time after a positive test, follow guidance for students with symptoms. 

Returning to School after a Close Contact with any Person with Positive Test for SARS-CoV-2,  OR a Household Member has COVID-19 Symptoms 

The duration of time that a student must remain home after close contact with an  infected person or household member with COVID-19 symptoms depends on: 

• If a student can be/has been isolated from the person 

• Time since student’s last contact with a person 

• If a student develops COVID-19 symptoms 

The school will work with any families in this situation to determine the appropriate time that a student must stay home. 

Returning to School after Other Illness 

A student may return to school after having an illness without symptoms of COVID-19  when all of the following are true: 

• At least 24 hours with no fever without fever-reducing medication and • Symptoms have improved 

It is critical that families provide thorough and timely information to the school about illness in the household so that precautions can be implemented as necessary and feasible to keep the campus open.

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Arrival 

Please conclude all phone calls or other business not related to bringing your child(ren) to school prior to dropping off your child. 

All adults must put on a face-covering before staff approach.  

A staff member will conduct a brief health screening to include questions to parents/caregivers about any symptoms in the student(s) or household and may include a temperature check with an instant, no-touch thermometer. 

Any student with symptoms of illness or with a household/family member who has tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection will not be admitted to the school. 

Please see the Wellness Policy to avoid being turned away during arrival. 

Staff will assist the student(s) from the vehicle and into the school after screening. Staff will sign students in on the Daily Attendance sheet. 
 

Hand Washing 

Students, staff, and any essential person admitted to the school at any time will wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds immediately upon entering the school. 

Staff will model, guide, and ensure proper handwashing techniques. 

When a student coughs, sneezes, or touches their nose or mouth, they will be required to wash their hands. 

Hand sanitizer will only be used when washing with soap and water is not available. 
 

Physical Distancing 

Because of the nature of our program and the best practices for the education of young children, and in light of the current evidence that transmission of SARS-CoV-2 between children in our age group is very rare, we will be implementing limited distancing measures in our classrooms for students.  

Students 

We will explain, model, encourage and ensure good hygiene that helps prevent the  spread of infectious diseases. 

We will discuss the spread of infectious disease, precautions to help limit the spread of infectious disease, and how that can be achieved in the classroom, including through respectful distancing.

Students will have more access to the outside work areas to increase available space  for work and naturally distance students. 

Sharing of classroom supplies will be limited or eliminated when possible.  

Students will continue to have freedom of movement within the classroom and outside space and will be encouraged to work collaboratively with other students in an environment that fosters normal, respectful, social interaction with respect for personal space. 

Staff: 

The education and care of young children in a Montessori classroom requires teachers to be in close contact with students at various times throughout the school day. This is  especially true for younger students. Staff will be mindful of their proximity to students  and the duration of time spent in close contact with individual students to limit potential  exposure as much as possible. 

Because adult-to-adult transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is by far the most prevalent mechanism in the spread of the virus, staff members will maintain physical distance from each other and other adults to the maximum extent practicable. 

Meetings with parents will take place by phone or video conference to the maximum extent practical. When an in-person meeting is required, parents may expect to meet in an outdoor area on campus, or indoors with face coverings in place. 

Face Coverings 

Students: 

According to the most current research about child-to-child and child-to-adult transmission of SARS-CoV-2, face coverings (masks) will be optional for students. This  may change based on any new evidence about virus transmission in our age group, or regulatory guidance. 

Any student may choose to wear a mask at school, provided that the mask fits the student properly, and that he or she can demonstrate good mask hygiene. Students who will be wearing masks at school should practice wearing and caring for their masks with their families prior to wearing a mask at school. 

If you are considering having your child wear a mask at school, please contact us to  discuss specific details. It is unlikely that children in our age group will be able to properly wear a mask for the duration of the school day, but there may be situations in which mask wear is appropriate for some students. Improper mask use or poor mask  hygiene can actually increase the spread of infectious germs. 

​

Staff: 

Staff may wear a face covering for situations when they will be in close contact with an individual student for more than brief periods of time. 

Staff will wear face coverings in those situations that require staff members to work in close proximity for more than brief periods of time. 

Staff will wear face coverings when interacting with parents or other adults in situations  when physical distancing is not possible or practical. 
 

Visitors 

Except in unusual circumstances, only students, staff, and trained volunteers will be  admitted to the school during school hours. 

We will make every effort to schedule service and maintenance calls outside of school  hours. If a technician or regulatory inspector must be admitted to the school when students are on campus, that person will be screened and required to wear a face covering.  Students may be moved outside, depending on the situation. 

Scheduling of parent classroom observations will depend on conditions of local community  spread.  
 

Cleaning and Disinfecting 

We will continue to diligently clean and disinfect the school as appropriate each day. Staff  members will clean and disinfect high-touch areas and share materials as needed. 

Our Seventh Generation disinfecting products, with USEPA Safer Choice designation, all use  a Clean Well® proprietary formula with the active ingredient thymol, which is included on  the USEPA’s List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2. 
 

Dismissal 

Please conclude all phone calls or other business not related to meeting your child(ren)  after school prior picking up your child. 

Please maintain appropriate physical distancing while waiting outside.  

Adults must have face coverings. 

Staff will bring the student(s) to the front door to meet their parent/caregiver at the patio  gate. Staff will sign students out on the Daily Attendance sheet.

Confirmed case of SARS-CoV-2 Infection 

Specific school actions in the event a member of our community receives a positive result  from a test for SARS-CoV-2 will depend on: 

• conditions of local community spread,  

• time elapsed from date of test to date result reported to the school, 
• time elapsed since person’s last contact with the NMA community, and
• other confirmed or suspected cases within the NMA community. 

In all instances, we will immediately communicate the situation to families with the school’s actions and the families’ options. 

If the affected person is a student: 

Families will be immediately notified and if a school day, given the option for an early  dismissal. In some situations, an early dismissal may be mandatory for all students. 

The school will work with local health officials to determine if a short-term (5 days or less) or longer-term (up to 14 days) campus closure is necessary for cleaning, contact tracing,  or self-isolation.  

If affected person is a household contact of a student: 

Families will be immediately notified and if a school day, given the option for an early  dismissal. 

Student(s) in a household with the affected person will remain at home and follow guidelines for returning to School in the Wellness Policy. 

If the affected person is a staff member: 

Families will be immediately notified. If a school day, an early dismissal will likely be  mandatory for all students. 

The school will work with local health officials to determine if a short-term (5 days or less) or longer-term (up to 14 days) campus closure is necessary for cleaning, contact tracing,  or self-isolation. In most instances a 14-day campus closure will be required. 

Continuity of Education during Campus Closure 

We will do everything possible to keep the NMA campus open and the students at school.  The support and cooperation of our families will be critical in that effort. However, there are so many factors contributing to the novel coronavirus pandemic that are out of our control that we do expect some short- or possibly medium-term campus closures will be required  this school year.

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In all situations, families will be provided materials and educational support appropriate for the student’s age and work plan. However, the support provided will be dependent upon the wellness of staff. 
 

Short-Term Campus Closure (3-5 school days): 

Educational support may include activities, crafts, and assignments related to current  lessons: 

• School-aged students may have scheduled class and/or individual meetings  with teachers by video conference. 

• Younger students may have class meetings by video conference. 

Medium-Term (up to 10 school days): 

Educational support will include activities, crafts, and assignments related to current  lessons: 

• School-aged students can expect scheduled class and individual meetings with  teachers by video conference. 

• Younger students can expect class meetings by video conference. 

Individual, on-campus tutoring sessions may be provided for school-aged students depending on the factors requiring campus closure and the SARS-CoV-2 status of staff and students. 

Long-Term (more than 10 school days): 

All students will transition to Off-Campus Learning: 

• Learning will be guided directly by teachers. We will not be using any online  curricula or requiring any work online.  

Families are encouraged to limit screen-time to no more than 1 hour per day  with an adult co-watching or co-playing with their child(ren). 

• Students will have the opportunity to regularly meet with their classmates and  teachers both as a group and individually through video conference. 

• Teachers will guide our families through all aspects of off-campus learning. 

Individual, on-campus tutoring sessions may be provided for school-aged students  depending on the factors requiring campus closure and the SARS-CoV-2 status of staff  and students.

If a family chooses to keep their child(ren) at home while they are well and the NMA  campus is open for their child(ren)’s class, then we will provide educational support as best  possible. Our primary focus will be on the students at school when the campus is open. 
 

Tuition Obligations during Campus Closures 

Families have an obligation to pay regular annual tuition during any of the school’s possible  operating conditions, for the entire academic year. Staff workload and school operating  expenses increase during any periods of campus closure and transition to off-campus  learning. We will continue to support our NMA families, so any family who experiences a  financial hardship will have the opportunity to apply for Indexed Tuition. 

Family Actions and Responsibilities: 

Limit Household Exposure to SARS-CoV-2 

The single most impactful action that our families can take to help us keep  the campus open and our students in school is to limit your household’s  exposure to the novel coronavirus. 

We understand that our families have work to do and lives to live and need to interact  with other people to do so, but public health agencies have provided volumes of  information and recommendations, and some tools to help us reduce the risk of spreading  SARS-CoV-2. We ask that our families take reasonable precautions to protect themselves  and others so that we can keep our students in school. 

Preventative Hygiene 

Families should model, guide, and implement the following practices at home: 

Frequent and thorough hand washing 

• Wash with soap and water for 20 seconds 

• Wash hands immediately after touching nose or mouth 

• Wash hands before and after eating, and after using the toilet 

• Monitor your child(ren)’s handwashing and ensure he/she can do it  independently 

Appropriate covering of coughs and sneezes 

• Turn away from others 

• Cough or sneeze into elbow 

Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth 

• Wash hands immediately after touching nose or mouth 

• Wash hands immediately after blowing the nose or using tissue on face

The more comfortable our students are with these hygiene procedures at home, the more  easily they can follow these routines as school. 

Cooperation with School Policies 

These policies have been crafted with consideration of the most current public health recommendations and scientific research so that we can continue to provide an  authentic Montessori environment that balances the physical, emotional, mental, and  social needs of our students. 

The cooperation of our families is essential to keeping our school community well and our  students in a classroom environment appropriate to their developmental needs. 

We are asking a great deal from our families this year, and trusting our community to  partner with us in this effort. We thank you in advance for your understating and  cooperation.

 

References: 

1Journal of American Medical Association - Pathophysiology, Transmission, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Coronavirus  Disease 2019 (COVID-19)- A Review 

2Journal of American Medical Association Airborne Transmission of SARS-CoV-2: Theoretical Considerations and  Available Evidence 

3 American Academy of Pediatrics - COVID-19 in Children and the Dynamics of Infection in Families 4 American Academy of Pediatrics News - Study: Household COVID-19 infection rarely starts with children. 5 American Academy of Pediatrics - COVID-19 Transmission and Children: The Child is Not to Blame 6 Journal of American Medical Association-Pediatrics - Characteristics and Outcomes of Children With Coronavirus  

Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Infection Admitted to US and Canadian Pediatric Intensive Care Units 7 Florida Department of Health – Weekly COVID-19 Pediatric Report 

8 Journal of American Medical Association-Pediatrics – Should Coronavirus Disease 2019–Associated Inflammatory  Syndromes in Children Affect Social Reintegration? 

9 American Academy of Pediatrics – COVID-19 Planning Considerations: Guidance for School Re-entry 10 Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Policy Lab - Policy Review: Evidence and Considerations for School Reopenings 11 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Testing for COVID-19