Safe In Community

Updates for 2021-2022 School Year

At Gastonia Freedom School, we recognize that COVID-19 remains a threat to the most vulnerable members of our community. We are committed to continuing our safety protocols as stated below.

a young child sitting at a table covered with different size balls

Our Safety Protocols

Attendance

  • Students will stay home and inform facilitators if:
    • They feel sick or someone in their household is sick
    • They have had known contact with someone who displays symptoms or has been confirmed to have COVID-19
  • Facilitators will stay home if:
    • They feel sick or someone in their household is sick
    • They have had known contact with someone who displays symptoms or has been confirmed to have COVID-19
  • The center will limit capacity to 15 people at a time including facilitators (up to 12 students)

Individual hygiene and behavior

  • At the facility: 
    • Students will be dropped off at the door
    • Family members will not come inside unless necessary
    • Remove shoes inside the facility
    • Wash hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer after arrival, after using the restroom, and before and after preparing and eating food
    • Cough or sneeze into the crook of their elbow or on the inside of their shirt, not into hands
  • When meeting or interacting in public spaces:
    • Wear masks when required indoors
    • Cough or sneeze into the crook of their elbow or on the inside of their shirt

Health protocols

  • Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 will not be permitted to return to the facility until cleared by a medical provider or according to the guidance for discontinuing home isolation for COVID-19 cases managed at home
  • Families will be notified if there is a confirmed case while protecting the affected family’s privacy
  • The Gaston County Health Department will be notified of confirmed cases
  • The HVAC system will be properly maintained in order to provide ventilation while students are in the building
  • Air cleaners will operate during open hours

Cleaning protocols 

  • Facilitators will wash or disinfect common surfaces and commonly touched items (e.g., door knobs, faucets, handles) regularly
  • Facilitators will review CDC and NC DHHS guidelines regularly and update procedures as needed

Materials and supplies

  • The center will maintain inventory of select PPE (e.g., masks, gloves), cleaning and disinfection supplies (e.g., soap, hand sanitizer, disinfectant, paper towels), and first aid supplies (e.g., bandaids, cold packs, gauze)
  • The center will post notices to students, families, and the public regarding safety protocols
  • Facilitators will use visual supports to help students understand and follow procedures