Please complete the following google form once per month on the 1st day of every month. This form reviews our policies regarding symptoms, isolation, quarantine, and travel. We are asking you to verify that you understand and will follow the guidelines described.

https://forms.gle/eb648P3LuHU26Pme7

Chicago Free School has been approved for Free Covid Saliva PCR testing. If you haven’t signed the consent form to have your scholar participate in weekly testing, please do so by Friday, October 8, 2021. Forms will be available at the morning check in or you may contact the School Administrator, Brenda Pious at Brenda.Pious@chicagofreeschool.org. To learn more go to: https://testedandprotected.org/#/ or http://www.dph.illinois.gov/news/illinois-department-public-health-expands-free-covid-19-testing-all-k-12-public-schools.

Protocols within the School
Ventilation-At least one window will be open in each classroom-At least one exhaust fan will be operating in a window of a classroom-The door will be open for ventilation.-Each classroom contains a HEPA filter that will exchange the air at least 5 to 6 times per hour.-Lunch will be outside, weather permitting.-Other activities will be held outside during the day.-ACs will not be used while students are in the classroom.
Distancing-While inside, students will be distanced at least three feet apart, as much as possible.
Cleaning and Sanitizing-High touch surfaces throughout the school will be disinfected at least once a day with COVID approved disinfectants.Handwashing-We will teach and reinforce handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.-Children will wash their hands upon arrival at school, after using the restroom, and before eating. Other times may include after coming in from outside play.-If handwashing is not possible, hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol will be used. 

Masks-Masks will be worn at all times on KAM property except when eating, drinking, and sleeping. -Per KAMII, our landlords, all parents and visitors must be masked on the property. This includes outside.-Children can take mask breaks outside in designated spaces away from other children.-Please pack one to two extra masks in case your child’s mask gets wet or soiled.
PPE Policy and Information
What PPE is required to attend school?In alignment with the Illinois State Board of Education, the Illinois Department of Health, and the Center for Disease Control, we require all persons on school grounds including students, teachers, and parents, to wear masks at all times. What is the primary purpose of a face covering?The primary purpose of a mask is to prevent the wearer from potentially exposing or infecting others. To be effective, it must completely cover both the nose and the mouth. Acceptable masks are 3 ply surgical masks and two layer cloth masks with straps that go around the ears or head for proper fit.  With new variant, good quality, three layered, good fitting masks are best.

Masks should have metal that fits tightly over the bride of the nose, with no gaps on the cheeks or sides.***Unacceptable masks are gaiters, bandanas, and those with respirator valves.How should cloth face coverings be cleaned and stored?Cloth masks should be taken home, laundered after one day’s use, dried in a dryer, and reused. They should be stored between uses in a clean paper bag or a breathable container. Surgical MasksSurgical masks should not be reused day to day, but if they are not soiled, may be stored at least a week in a clean paper bag or breathable container and then be reused.When should face coverings be changed?Face coverings should be changed every day and immediately,  if soiled, wet, or torn. This is why we ask that each child comes to school with two or more clean face masks every day.Can face coverings be removed at certain times?Yes:-When eating (outside) or drinking-Children may take occasional mask breaks outside in an area indicated by his/her teacherWhat if a student has a medical condition that makes it difficult to wear a mask?Individuals who have a condition or medical contraindication that prevents them from wearing a face covering are required to provide documentation from the individual’s physician. These persons may wear a face shield in lieu of a face covering.How can I support my child in preparing to wear masks at school?

  1. Try various masks until your child finds a good fit and the child is comfortable wearing it for longer periods of time. There should be no gaps and it should fit tightly over the nose.
  2. Help your child find one that is fun to wear, i.e. one that has a picture of a favorite character or superhero symbol or help your child decorate it however he or she wishes i.e. with fabric paint. 
  3. Increase the period of time that your child wears it every day.
  4. Help your child to practice removing and putting on their face masks correctly so that they will use the straps and not touch the face covering part. Also, it is recommended that they  wash their hands before doing so.
  5.  

Please see this additional information for masks and children:https://docs.google.com/document/d/1IXY-G5giNIMx9ie9el71MT91hrUcUk1P8WubiDd1fi0/edit?fbclid=IwAR3UsSMwU77ghav9sOP3PvkjCAPMI4ddf2fd7EZQg4GUNUvc8xr-OwdqQQIhttps://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1tbFFi-mKyDCKkqlqLza28hMVJb7-U3cBwkeOAHhQlHI/edit#gid=697284395

Main Reference: Illinois Department of Public Health