All school will be held outside while the weather permits. We have been working to define learning spaces within our beautiful shaded outdoor space that foster social distancing and outdoor play. We will have 2 classes with a maximum of 12 children in each class, and each class will have 3 teachers.
We have worked with the Health Department, BVSD, and our consultant pediatrician to create the following procedures for school operations this fall. As new information emerges, we will update this plan and share it with all families.
If we have to discontinue in person school for any reason, we will continue to support the academic and social/emotional needs of your child and families.
This document includes information for in-person learning; we will share additional information with families who have chosen to participate in virtual New Horizons preschool.
Classes:
School will start on September 8, 2020. We have reduced our schedule to include only two classes: Monday-Wednesday-Friday morning class and Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday afternoon class. We will have a maximum of 12 children in each class with 3 teachers. We have made these changes to minimize the number of students and to simplify after class cleaning protocols (we only have one day with two sessions and we will have a mid-day cleaning service on that day).
School Mask Protocol:
All teachers will wear masks
All parents will wear masks for drop-off and pick-up.
Children do not need to wear masks outdoors where they can maintain social distancing. We will strive to have 100% of school outdoors, weather permitting, except for toileting and hand washing.
Children over 3 will need to wear a mask indoors if we are conducting activities indoors (if there is bad weather).
They do not need to wear a mask if they are going indoors with just a teacher (who can maintain social distancing and will be wearing a mask) to use the bathroom or wash their hands.
Student Drop-off:
We will have staggered drop-off times to maximize social distancing.
All parents must wear a mask and maintain social distancing during drop-off. We will have spots marked out on the sidewalk and parking lot with chalk.
Parents are not allowed to come into the New Horizons space.
Children need to have a mask with them.
Health Screening & Check-in Table:
Teachers will complete a health screening questionnaire every morning.
We will have a check-in table set up outside the gate to our outdoor space.
A teacher will ask parents their child’s health screening questions and take the temperature of each child.
The parent will sign their child in using the regular check-in forms (we will have containers for new and used pens.
Crying children: We will set up a space outside the fence with a couple of chairs for parents whose children are having a hard time saying goodbye. No parent can enter the outdoor space during the check-in window.
Child Entry:
Children will enter the gate and hang their coats (if they have them) on the spaced clothespins on the fence.
Children will enter the building (with a teacher) and:
Wash their hands with soap and water
Each child will have their own personal box of materials that includes markers, scissors and playdoh
Each child will have their own yoga mat for use outdoors
The indoor teacher will ensure 6 feet spacing between children indoors.
Playtime:
All activities will take place outdoors, weather permitting.
We have created new spaces that allow for outdoor social distancing.
We will not have a water table or any water activities at this time, except for individual tubs
Teachers will wipe down high touch surfaces throughout the day (gate, door handle, faucets, etc.)
Toys:
We will only use toys that can be disinfected (hard, non-porous surfaces)
After use, a child (or teacher) wlil put the toys in a bin for cleaning marked used toys (no child will be able to retrieve a toy from the used toy bin.) Any toy that a child puts in their mouth will immediately be put into the used bin.
No toys will be used unless they have been disinfected.
Bikes and helmets will be wiped down with Clorox wipes prior to use.
A professional cleaner will clean and rinse toys each night (and between sessions on Wednesdays). We will use bleach or the dishwasher for cleaning toys.
Snacktime:
Children will wash hands before snacktime.
There will be no family style eating .
Each child will have a plate delivered to them by a teacher.
A teacher will prepare the food, wearing gloves.
All dishes will be cleaned in the dishwasher.
Children will sit at 3 outdoor tables, 4 children per table (maximized distance).
Pick-up
We will have staggered Pick-up times.
All children must be picked up by the end of the session so that the teachers have time to clean surfaces.
Parents should wait in their cars, and teachers will bring children out.
Field Trips:
We will have no field trips in fall 2020.
Bad weather
If we have bad weather during school, children will be broken into 3 groups of 4 with each teacher, and they will break into three spaces (2 New horizons rooms and the Friends Meeting Hall hallway).
All windows and doors (gated) will be open to maximize ventilation during indoor use.
If it is bad weather, please consider not sending your child on that day.
After School Cleaning:
Pens: Disinfect and rinse dirty pens
Toys: Disinfect, rinse and set out to dry toys (for use the next day)
Bathroom: Disinfect surfaces in the bathroom
Table Surfaces: Disinfect all surfaces (4 steps)
Kitchen: Sanitize all surfaces (4 steps)
Playground structure: Disinfect surfaces
High Touch Surfaces:
Sickness:
If a child has any symptoms of COVID-19, they will not be allowed to come to school.
If anyone in their home has been diagnosed with COVID-19, they will not be allowed to come to school.
If a child becomes sick while at school, they will be isolated in our isolation room (the library) until they can be picked up.
The Boulder Health Department will provide direction if anyone in the New Horizons Community gets sick.
“We are so grateful to have found New Horizons Cooperative Preschool in Boulder. Our son thrived in this environment. We are continually impressed by the teacher’s creativity and energy. As parents, it’s been exciting to participate in our child’s education and feel a part of a diverse community. The play-based learning is fun for parents and kids – with the just right mix of freedom and structure. We would highly recommend New Horizons.” - Dave Rosenberg
“When I was deciding where to send my boys to preschool, I was lucky enough to find a a mud-caked, rich, stable, safe, and affordable school, with affectionate and supportive grown-ups. My three boys are exact opposites and thanks to New Horizons Cooperative Preschool I learned to provide them with an environment where they could explore the spiciness of our community and rejoice in being an individual. As they walk into adulthood, they carry this same zest for learning at Boulder High and Harvard. I am grateful to New Horizons for teaching my children AND ME the importance of PLAY in developing a life long love of learning.”
- Joellen Raderstorf
“I found compassionate teachers, a diverse community and a passion to teach all children at New Horizons Cooperative Preschool. My 2 kids loved it.”
– Kim Decker
“We sent our 2 kids here, and I’ d totally recommend it for people looking to give their kids a rich, diverse, play-based experience. It’s a funky, hippie-ish, global preschool with a really diverse student body (economically, linguistically, ethnically, culturally, etc.). It’s cooperative, so you’ve gotta put in some time helping, but that’s what makes the community extra-close. And people drive from all over the county to come to it. Our kids miss it still. ”
- Ethan Decker
“A wonderful and unique preschool experience.” -Aaryn Kay
“New Horizon’s Co-op was like family for our daughter, she felt comfortable to be herself and explore her surroundings in a natural way. For us as parents, learning how to truly co-op was something that is so rare this day and age. We will never forget our experience here and suggest it to anyone looking for something down to earth and family based.”
- Helen Joffe
My daughter Renee went to New Horizons in 1988. I wanted to write to let you know that I have never seen a better early childhood setting anywhere. I have been an ece teacher for over 30 years and worked in four states. There is not a single place that is good as your school. Thank you for creating such a haven for families!
- Denise Judson
just need to take a moment to say THANK YOU to the wonderful teachers and parents of New Horizons. Not only has it been a wonderful school for my son, but also a place where we have grown to love the teachers as an extension of our own family. Thank you, New Horizons, for giving us the chance to be a part of your world. We love you and will miss you dearly as we move on to the next stage in Drew's life as a kindergarten kiddo! We will miss you dearly but will stay in touch for years to come. Peace, love, and happiness to all, Margarita Rubiera
COVID-19 In Person Learning Operations Plan
Introduction:
All school will be held outside while the weather permits. We have been working to define learning spaces within our beautiful shaded outdoor space that foster social distancing and outdoor play. We will have 2 classes with a maximum of 12 children in each class, and each class will have 3 teachers.
We have worked with the Health Department, BVSD, and our consultant pediatrician to create the following procedures for school operations this fall. As new information emerges, we will update this plan and share it with all families.
If we have to discontinue in person school for any reason, we will continue to support the academic and social/emotional needs of your child and families.
This document includes information for in-person learning; we will share additional information with families who have chosen to participate in virtual New Horizons preschool.
Classes:
School will start on September 8, 2020. We have reduced our schedule to include only two classes: Monday-Wednesday-Friday morning class and Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday afternoon class. We will have a maximum of 12 children in each class with 3 teachers. We have made these changes to minimize the number of students and to simplify after class cleaning protocols (we only have one day with two sessions and we will have a mid-day cleaning service on that day).
School Mask Protocol:
Student Drop-off:
Health Screening & Check-in Table:
Crying children:
We will set up a space outside the fence with a couple of chairs for parents whose children are having a hard time saying goodbye. No parent can enter the outdoor space during the check-in window.
Child Entry:
Playtime:
Toys:
Snacktime:
Pick-up
Field Trips:
We will have no field trips in fall 2020.
Bad weather
After School Cleaning:
Sickness:
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My daughter Renee went to New Horizons in 1988. I wanted to write to let you know that I have never seen a better early childhood setting anywhere. I have been an ece teacher for over 30 years and worked in four states. There is not a single place that is good as your school. Thank you for creating such a haven for families!
- Denise Judson