The health and safety of your family and our teachers is paramount to us.  The nature of our classes means that adults and children are together, singing, dancing, and exploring.  In order to maximize the learning opportunities that come with allowing children freedom of movement while also keeping us as safe as possible, we have certain protocols, listed below.

Safety

Shoes

Our classes are shoe-free.  This keeps the floors that babies crawl on cleaner.  It also keeps toes from being trod on with heavy shoes.  Bare feet might be preferable if socks are too slippery.  Grippy socks are ideal.  If you or your child needs to wear shoes for any reason, clean (indoor only) soft shoes are acceptable, or you can thoroughly wipe your shoes at the door with provided disinfectant wipes.

Running

Although we do not explicity forbid running in class -- and we sometimes call for it! -- excessive running should be redirected, especially with older children.  It can be dangerous in the mixed age environment.  Accompanying grown-ups are asked to redirect their own children when running continues for more than a couple of laps.

Mouthing Instruments

We know that it is developmentally appropriate for children to put everything in their mouths, because this is a major way they learn about their environment.  We encourage you to allow this exploration to take place, but please keep an eye on it, and make sure you know what they put in their mouths.  Redirect children from walking or crawling with items in their mouths.  Wet instruments will be collected separately after an activity for disinfecting. (see Health)

Health

Whether we are dealing with an average cold & flu season or a "tripledemic" of RSV/Covid/flu, we know that young children are susceptible to all kinds of viruses and germs.  Help us keep everyone safe by following these protocols.

Masks

Although masks are no longer required for adults in our classes, they are certainly welcome, and very much encouraged for anyone who is not up to date on their vaccinations.

Ventilation

All class locations will have adequate ventilation and/or air purification devices to clean the air. Ventilation has proven to be the best defense (next to vaccination) against Covid-19.

Social Distancing

Our class size continues to be limited to allow families to spread out to their own comfort level.  Please communicate your preferences with other families if a child comes to visit you and you would prefer they stay distant.  We will all respect each other's comfort levels.

Cleaning

During peaks in seasons for viruses that pass through contact (cold/flu/RSV), all instruments and props will be cleaned with food safe disinfectant after each class.  When there is less concern about these viruses, only mouthed/wet instruments will be cleaned after each class.  Other instruments will be cleaned as needed.  All locations have access to a sink and soap for handwashing, as well as hand sanitizer, wipes, tissues and a First Aid Kit right outside the circle.

Sick Policy

If you or your child are feeling ill, please stay home!  We offer makeups within the session, based on availability.  If you are coming to class with sniffles or a cough from allergies or a virus long-recovered from (we all know about those lingering coughs!), just let your teacher know that.

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