COVID-19 Updates for Christian Schools, Preschools, and Daycares

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Many churches and ministries are faced with unprecedented decisions regarding their Christian schools, preschools, and daycares due to the COVID-19 public health crisis. The majority of public school districts in the U.S. have finished out the year with closed campuses, providing virtual or distance education for students. States have requested that private schools follow the same guidelines to protect their students from exposure to the coronavirus.

Christian School Recommendations

Our recommendation for Christian schools is generally to follow the lead of public schools districts in their area. Most states have mandated school closures through the end of the year. States are reviewing requirements for days of attendance to determine how to manage graduation requirements. This is something we will keep an eye on in the coming days and weeks for each state as they make these determinations.

NCLL recommendations:

1. Follow the local public school district and state government's lead for closure.
2. Provide continuity of education using distance or virtual solutions.
3. Keep teachers employed to manage distance or virtual solutions.
4. Require student participation in distance or virtual programs.
5. Keep children and parents engaged through daily communication.

Preschool and Daycare Recommendations

Many preschools and summer daycare programs are beginning to open again in May and June and are serving all families rather than just essential workers. Reopening requires that churches and ministries carefully evaluate all precautions that need to be in place. Opening as early as May or June is not necessarily a concern, but the process needs to be handled in a way that does not create liability for the church or ministry.

NCLL recommendations:

1. Do not allow parents to enter into the building.
2. Drop-off should be directly from the vehicle with as little contact as possible.
3. Request grandparents and immune-compromised individuals not pick up children.
4. Ensure a higher level of sanitation.
5. Check the temperatures of staff members and children each morning, sending home anyone with a fever.
6. Send any children with temperatures home for a quarantine period.
7. Immediately send home any staff member or child who begins exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms (shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills, repeated shaking with chills and sore throat).

Resources for Schools

Below is a list of resources available to schools to assist in distance learning and extracurricular options during this period of school closures.

1. Zoom.us (available for free to any school)
2. Google Slides
3. ABCmouse
4. Amazon Future Engineer
5. Amplify
6. Bloomz

As schools, preschools, and daycares determine how best to respond, remember there is no one-size-fits-all solution. If you are still trying to determine how best to navigate this complicated time for your church or ministry, please contact our office, and one of our team members will gladly assist you in answering your questions. You may contact our office by calling 888-233-6255 or emailing info@ncll.org.