The preschool program will operate on the same calendar as Fort Thomas Independent Schools, although the start and end dates are adjusted. The first day of preschool for the 2020-2021 school year is Wednesday, September 2nd and the last day is Friday, May 21st. 

Once the final screening measures are conducted and enrollment numbers are confirmed, additional information regarding hours of operation and session offerings will be communicated to the community. 

It is anticipated that children will attend either morning (8am-11am) or afternoon (noon-3pm) sessions, unless enrolled as a full day tuition based student. 

While the preschool program will provide​​ in-person learning options, mandatory safety, health, and hygiene protocols​ will contribute to a different school experience. 

 Masking Expectations

The most current recommendations from Kentucky’s Department for Public Health (DPH) do not require preschool students to wear masks throughout the school day, as masks pose a higher risk for young students and also may increase the risk of improper wearing due to the developmental abilities of preschool students. Students, however, will be encouraged to wear masks during transitions outside of the classroom. 

 Social Distancing

While preschool students will not be required to wear masks, they must social distance as much as possible. Staff will provide a variety of prompts or reminders, using developmentally appropriate language, to successfully allow students to practice social distancing. Classrooms will be set up in a reduced capacity that also allows for social distancing. Centers and materials will be limited and utilized on a rotating basis to allow for sufficient cleaning and sanitizing. Students will be encouraged not to share supplies, and materials that are unable to be cleaned will be eliminated from the classroom (ex: play-doh, sand/water tables). Family style meals will be suspended as students are encouraged to pack their own breakfast/lunch/snack to the extent possible. Staff will serve all food to mitigate the spread of germs. Good handwashing procedures are already a vital component of the preschool program. This practice will continue, especially when students arrive, before and after eating, after sneezing or coughing. Students will undergo a brief health screening, including temperature checks, within a reasonable amount of time after the arrival at school. 

Staff and PPE

Staff working in the preschool classrooms will wear masks, when not able to maintain at least 6 feet of distance from others. When attending to the hygiene needs of students or providing hand over hand assistance, staff will wear gloves in addition to both a surgical mask and face shield. When assisting students with toileting, staff will also consider the use of a surgical gown. 

Visitors

Classroom visitors and volunteers will be limited to those essential in nature, with pre approval by program staff and assurance that all health and safety protocols are followed.