COVID-19 Mitigation

Mitigation strategies within the Wonderland community emphasize preparation of the learning environments and preparation of the adult caregivers. These core principles of Montessori can be applied to both to minimize risk to children and preserve normalcy for them whenever possible. Wonderland Montessori has a team of educators who develop and assess our protocols in consultation with protocols from the CDC, the state of Texas, the state of Arizona, local epidemiologists, and published best practices.

The Prepared Environment

• HVAC systems are set to maximize the flow of fresh air in the program space. 
  
  
• EPA Approved disinfectants are utilized both throughout and at the end of the day.
  
  
• Children and employees wash their hands before eating; before water play; after toileting or a diaper change; and after outdoor activities. Children wash their hands anytime they use a tissue or have mucus cleaned from their face. (Minimum Standards of Child Care Licensing, not COVID19 specific).
   
• Disposable flatware and plates are used for meals in programs that do not include dishwashers in the classroom environment.
  
  
• Materials or toys are removed for sanitization after they are mouthed by a child. Soft items will be machine washed. Sleeping equipment and toilets are sanitized between uses.  Tabletops, furniture, door handles, and other equipment sanitized regularly throughout the day. (Minimum Standards for Childcare Licensing, not COVID19 specific) 

Mitigation and Response

• Masks are recommended but not required for all persons 2 and above. We especially encourage those who are unvaccinated to wear masks
  
  
• If you or your child(ren) experience symptoms of COVID-19 or similar please notify us as soon as possible. Staff or students exhibiting signs of illness should stay home or will be sent home if symptoms present at the school.In order to return to school students must be fever-free for 24 hours
  
  
• If a child or staff member tests positive for COVID-19, we will follow any and all directives from the County Health Department. We will notify any close contacts, if that person has been present at school. A person who tests positive is required to isolate for 5 days minimum or until they no longer have symptoms. Students should stay masked for 10 days
  
  
• Unvaccinated staff and children currently are requested to quarantine for 5 days after an exposure to COVID-19. Vaccinated staff and children are asked to monitor their symptoms.
  
  
• For quarantine and isolation guidelines, visithttps://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/quarantine-isolation.html

How Parents Can Help

Be proactive in monitoring symptoms in children, and keep them home if they have symptoms or feel unwell (green runny nose, lethargy etc). CDC guidelines and recommendations can be found at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus