At The Gardner School, a safe and secure and healthy environment has always been among our top priorities—and one of the many things that makes us stand apart from other preschools and childcare centers. Not only is health and safety something that parents look for when choosing a preschool, but it’s something that holds even greater importance in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Because we are also committed to prioritizing parent communications, we wanted to highlight some of the specific measures our schools will be taking to ensure our children, families, and staff members have a clean, healthy, and safe environment.
In addition to the steps we’re taking to maintain a safe and healthy environment for all, here are seven essential ways The Gardner School is dedicated to cleanliness and communication.
Our Dedication to Cleanliness
While stringent cleaning standards have always been atop The Gardner School’s daily routine, our schools have implemented additional and enhanced cleaning measures for reopening amid COVID-19.
- Enhanced daily cleaning procedures—Each school receives an enhanced level of deep cleaning after closing, with extra sanitizing measures being conducted during the weekend. Our staff members are also completing a daily cleaning checklist throughout the day and upon closing the classroom at the end of each day.
- Frequent hand washing—Continuing to follow child care licensing regulations and CDC guidelines, regular hand washing is encouraged and promoted for students and staff multiple times throughout the day, especially upon entering and re-entering classrooms.
- Sanitizing of surfaces, toys, and playground equipment—High traffic surfaces (door handles, light switches, faucets, etc.) are sanitized every few hours throughout the day, and any toys placed in a child’s mouth or are otherwise contaminated are set aside in the classroom for sanitation during nap time. Each school’s playground equipment and outside play toys are also sanitized between each classroom’s use.
- Electrostatic spraying—We are using a new electrostatic sprayer in our schools to quickly and evenly clean doors, light switches, toys, learning centers, chairs, and other high-touch areas. It includes a special botanical disinfectant that is designed to eliminate 99% of bacteria, viruses (including COVID-19), and other allergens.
As we have welcomed back our students and families, our TGS parents have been able to experience the new healthy and safety measures with a renewed peace of mind. TGS parent, Lori S. says, “Our child is thrilled to be back at TGS, and we as parents couldn’t be more pleased with the new procedures the school has seamlessly implemented. It is clear they take our health and safety very seriously, and we are so grateful for the TGS team.”
Our Commitment to Communication
Open and frequent communication with our parents and families is very important at The Gardner School. We provide daily and real-time updates through our parent communications app along with visible safety best practices and reminders throughout the school for our staff and students. We share ongoing updates and information with parents through emails, social media channels, and blog resources. Our goal is to keep our families informed with the latest information related to health and safety practices and updates.
- Parent communications app—In addition to daily real-time updates, images, and announcements, parents receive important safety and health information, as well as updates to The Gardner School’s procedures, through our parent communications app – brightwheel.
- Environmental signage reminders—Throughout our schools, we have placed some helpful signage for staff members, families, and children to observe as visual reminders to keep a careful distance, cover coughs and sneezes, wash hands, and avoid touching the face.
- Email, social media, and blogging—Not only do our directors communicate regularly with parents and families, but The Gardner School communicates weekly with fun and helpful safety and health updates and best practices through our bi-monthly e-newsletter, social media, blogs.
We’re grateful that our TGS parents have been warmly affirming our communication practices over the past few months. TGS parent, Meghann W. says, “We know that TGS truly cares about our families’ health and safety, and it shows in their impressive handling of their reopening.” While there’s always the possibility of changes, our parents can rest easy, knowing that our communication is on point, and we will walk through any new challenges together and safely.
Discover Our Safe and Healthy Environment
Want to see our healthy and safe environment for yourself? Contact us today to learn more or to explore future opportunities for scheduling a tour at The Gardner School nearest you. You’ll quickly see why parents choose The Gardner School as the clean, healthy, and safe environment for their infants and preschoolers.