Dear Families,

As we have seen throughout the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is difficult to predict what the future may hold, or what guidelines and restrictions may or may not be in place at any point during the 2021-2022 school year.  We are continuing to closely monitor the COVID variants and please know that the health and safety protocols may change at any time based on new information or requirements set by local or state health officials.  The teachers and administration at Hope Ridge Preschool are committed to providing a quality program that is safe, educational, and childfriendly. While some things will continue to be different, this will still be an environment that fosters love and learning. It is our goal to draw out and inspire the best in our students as we provide them with opportunities to create, explore, and learn. As we continue to plan for the 2021-2022 school year, please see the following updates below:

 

Face Masks (updated 3/7/22):  Since the start of the pandemic, Hope Ridge Preschool has followed the CDC guidelines and advice from the Lake County General Health District and we will continue to do that.  Due to the fact that Lake County and all surrounding counties are now meeting the new CDC guidelines for Green (low risk) status, we will no longer require any masking (including staff) in the preschool or church building. Please remember that these guidelines may change at any time.

 

Cleaning and Maintaining a Healthy Facility: Our building, classrooms, bathrooms, and other high touch areas will continue to be cleaned thoroughly throughout the day. HEPA Filters will also be added to each classroom as another line of defense.

 

Handwashing:  Handwashing for students and staff is encouraged throughout the day and time for handwashing will continue to be built into the instructional day.  Hand Sanitizer will be available at the main entrance but may only be used under the guidance of a caregiver. Preschool staff is not permitted to administer sanitizer per licensing requirements. 

 

Health Assessments: We will no longer be conducting health assessments (via questions and temperature checks) to enter the school. Staff, parents, and students are encouraged to conduct health assessments prior to coming to school each day.  If you, your child or anyone transporting your child are exhibiting symptoms of illness, please stay home and contact a health provider.

 

Contact Tracing:  When made aware of a COVID-19 case within the school, the Preschool Director will continue to investigate the case and determine quarantine protocol as well as identify any close contacts.

 

Vaccinations:  We encourage all families and staff to visit the Lake County General Health District’s website Lake County General Health | Lake County General Health (lcghd.org) for updated information on vaccination opportunities throughout the area.

 

Social Distancing and Drop Off and Pick Up:  This year our classes have returned to normal capacity. Those individuals transporting children to and from class will be permitted to enter the building.   We must ask that those entering the building also keep their visit to a minimum. 

 

Snacks:  As a part of layered approach to preventing the spread of CoVid 19, we will not be offering snacks again for this 2021-2022 school year.  Unfortunately, this will also include birthday treats and special events.  Parents are permitted to send individually, professionally wrapped treats for children to take home to celebrate, if they would like. 

 

Events and Class Parties:  As we continue to use a layered approach of encouraging masks, handwashing, and increased cleaning to prevent the virus spread, we also have to forgo parent attended parties and events again this year due to inadequate social distancing.  Teachers will still offer parties with outside prep work and materials provided by parents. 

 

Enrichment Programs:  As we try to return to a pre-CoVid 19 environment, we are happy to have some of our enrichment programs return to the preschool this year. Optional programs such as Cartwheel Connection and Yoga are scheduled to return.  Programs that offer food such as Lunch Brunch and Fun-Fridays will not be offered again this year. If you are interested in our Pre/After Care Program, please contact the office as soon as possible so that we can assess the need for this program. 

 

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Stacey Hartman, Preschool Director at preschooldirector @hoperidge.com.

 

Stacey Hartman, Director Hope Ridge Preschool.