How does Ukiyo prepare to welcome the children after the time of social distancing?

Following a difficult year due to the pandemic, Ukiyo Kindergarten has been preparing to welcome the children back to school full-time in the near future. Although the risk of virus infection is still there, Ukiyo is still trying to make the classroom environment as normal as possible.
About official guidelines and policies
Before welcoming children back to school, we have consulted the guidelines and directions from the Ministry of Health and the Department of Education and Training for implementation.
Ukiyo meets all the safety measurements required by the Vietnamese government. Therefore, we wants to share with parents what we have been doing to keep our community safe when the school welcomes children back.
About our staff
Although during the time of social distancing, children didn’t go to school, Ukiyo's teachers still present at work, constantly learning, improving their expertises, participating in intensive courses to strengthen their abilities. Besides, the facilities and equipment are also carefully taken care of by the staff so Ukiyo will always be ready to welcome the children back  at any time.
Our teachers have fully vaccinated as recommended by the Vietnamese Ministry of Health. Moreover, in order to have a healthy mind and body, Ukiyo teachers are always conscious of keeping healthy by practicing yoga every day.
About disease prevention training
The school always updates guidelines from CDC, Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education in implementing epidemic prevention measures when opening schools.
We have consulted with doctors and nutritionists to compile the Covid Handbook with the desire to share knowledge in preparation and self-care in the event of an emergency.

Facility
Currently, the utilized area is about 1000 sqm, including: a playground, 2 classrooms, a library room and a studio room. With the idea of getting close to nature, Ukiyo Preschool is always filled with natural light and ventilation in all classrooms as well as function rooms. We also always ensure a reasonable number of children participated to avoid overcrowding in a classroom.
Measurements to ensure safety in the classroom environment
According to government regulations, children under the age of 6 are not yet required to wear masks while participating in school activities, we encourage children to wear masks in spaces outside the classroom. In the classroom, wearing a mask can be chosen, because we have taken social distancing seriously. In addition, children may not wear masks during physical education activities.
We always prepare masks for children when they come to school to ensure that children who need to wear masks can change masks when needed. In addition, we also expect parents to prepare extra masks in their backpacks in case the masks their children are using get dirty or wet.
Some particular subjects such as phonics, music, physical education... teachers and children need to look at each other face in order to interact and maximize the child's receptive ability. If not wearing a mask, teachers need to ensure the limited distance.
Our teachers will guide children to practice hand washing techniques and wearing masks. Before the child enters the classroom or new space, the teacher will have the child disinfect their hands with hand sanitizer. At the end of each lesson, the tables and chairs will be disinfected. Frequently touched surfaces will be thoroughly disinfected by cleaning staff.
Hand washing is very important in protecting children's health. Therefore, the school has prepared hand soap at the school gate, disposable wipes for children. In addition, Ukiyo school also equips antibacterial soaps in areas around the school such as sand and water play areas, toilets, classrooms, etc.
Ukiyo School always keep doors, windows wide opening so that the classroom is always ventilated, optimizing the natural air circulation.
The school regularly cleans children's tools, toys, materials, frequently touched places such as doorknobs, surfaces .... with disinfectant solution.
The teacher reminds children not to put their hands on their eyes, nose, mouth, cover their mouth when coughing or sneezing, and throw garbage in the right place.
The school always ensures separate personal items for each child: cups, water bottles, towels, mattresses.
We will maximize usage of the outdoor space for lessons and mealtimes. During meal times, teachers will arrange a safe distance of 1.5 m for individuals.
•    Pick-up and drop-off process
The school always ensures the process of picking up and dropping off children so that there is no overcrowded at any time. we will arrange different pick up times to limit the number of children and parents gathered at the school gate.
Parents and children need to complete the Covid-19 test form by day, week and month.
The school will check the child's temperature and complete other procedures before enrolling and returning the child to his/her family.
Schools encourage children to bring their own water bottles to school.
Picking up
At pick-up time, For Uki class students, they will enter by gate No1, and Yoyo class will enter by gate No2. We will arrange a fixed pick-up time, parents can only stay outside. Teachers will always check the child's temperature before bringing them inside.
Dropping-off
Ukiyo encourages parents not to enter inside the school. Therefore, at the end of the day, teachers will drop the child to the parent outside the school gate, the child will be picked up according to a fixed schedule. Teachers will always check the child's temperature before handing children back to their parent.
Health check
Any visitor entering the school is required to fill out a health screening form, detailing travel and health history. They will be then temperature checked before being allowed to enter the school.

Children will be able to adapt to new routines in just a few days and it is important that their thoughts and feelings are heard and accepted during this time of transition. We hope that parents will share more on this topic in future discussions.