Bilingual Montessori Preschool Is Open Using Social Distance Learning
The Californer/10083576

SAN DIEGO - Californer -- A private bilingual Montessori preschool - Kindergarten has reopened after complying with all San Diego County agency protocols concerning social distance learning and safety protocols. "We have a large physical facility that has the space to expand," says Kelly McFarland, M.Ed., Director of La Jolla Montessori School.

"Prior to March, we were teaching English and Spanish to 28 toddlers and preschoolers as part of our bilingual Immersion program. As a result of the pandemic, we've made various changes to build a new normal and have designed the perfect space in our classrooms for students aged 18 months through age six right now!" McFarland said.

Safety Protocols

Here are just a few of the daily protocols the preschool has implemented to protect families and staff:

• Masks are mandatory for all staff and parents

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• Masks are not mandatory for children, however, 3 year olds and older are encouraged when inside
• Six children and each adult will stay in the same classroom all week long
• Siblings will attend the same room
• Students from different previous classrooms may be mixed together
• Adult to student ratios will remain low.

Additionally, to the best of the school's ability:

• Tables are now assigned to specific children and placed as far apart as we can
•  Nap beds will be placed six feet apart
•  Circle time and physical distancing will also be in a wide geographic space
•  Students will wash their hands every 45 minutes.

"Classrooms and all its materials will be disinfected by our staff throughout each day with a fogging machine--including every item, table, chair, handle, door knob and faucet," McFarland continued.

Play, Food & Technology Upgrades

The school's playground will be used by only one classroom at a time and all play equipment will be cleaned between classroom uses.

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As a proactive way to lessen contact, the school asks parents to pack all food and supplies from home and to assist the school by also discussing hygiene tips with their children.

Our staff have been using technology via daily web meetings with parents and children and will continue to use online tools.

Summary

"We have the ability to adapt and pivot with all changes quickly and will continue individualized learning at the child's own pace with six to 12 kids in each classroom. Best of all, we'll be able to make improvements going forward. We are confident to have the perfect space to make social distance learning easy and safe," shared McFarland.

Book a private tour, a live web meeting or get a virtual tour with the school Director: https://lajollamontessorischool.com/book-a-tour/.