By Joanna Horton McPherson
Sedona AZ (August 20, 2020) – Despite the unprecedented challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic, the little preschool in the Village of Oak Creek is safely open. The school realized the importance of maintaining coronavirus-preventative practices for the long haul into next year. The program in the Big Park school building waited until June to open in the classroom. Founder Joanna Horton McPherson and school director & teacher, Shara Coughlin with the board of the school spent time all summer researching credible sources. “We had to create a classroom health protocol,” says McPherson. “We couldn’t open without a health protocol we felt good about.”
“We know our families personally,” said McPherson. Since opening a few months ago, the preschool program has been successful for the families attending. Of her experience since the school opened, one parent says, “I love seeing my daughter’s social and emotional intelligence blossom, as well as her joy of learning and her excitement to teach others. I truly couldn’t be more pleased with our choice for her educational path.” One student’s mother reports that on her daughter’s first day, the girl didn’t want to leave when pick-up time came, but wanted to “stay and play with her friends.”
Because preschoolers cannot reasonably “physically distance,” the need for a thorough protocol in the classroom was essential. McPherson and Coughlin installed 2 HEPA-grade air filtration systems to keep air clean and circulating. They use a natural, organic air solvent to kill airborne germs, take temperatures throughout the day, wash and sanitize hands, and have removed extra chairs to maintain distance when seated. “Students have their own sets of materials rather than share,” says Coughlin, “like a smaller set of crayons rather than sharing a bin. We also spend more time outside and don’t have parents come into the room. We sanitize toys & high-traffic areas and surfaces several times a day.” The protocol has had an impact. “Parents tell me, ‘Anywhere else I have to take my child is more dangerous for them,’” says Coughlin. “The parents feel our place is the safest place for their kids.”
As coronavirus cases peaked in July, it was clear being safe in the classroom wasn’t going to be enough. As an alternative to closing its doors, the school made a health protocol for families to practice at home. They voluntarily practiced a “stay-at-home” lifestyle during the “spike.” Of this protocol, one parent said, “whatever we’re exposed, everyone else is exposed to. I feel good knowing we are being smart so everyone is protected.”
Most families reported were already practicing these habits according to McPherson. But she isn’t ready to exhale yet. “The thing I know about coronavirus is how little we know. Is there another wave coming? We don’t know, but we’ll just keep adapting and communicating as things evolve.”
Coughlin added curricular elements to stay in fresh air and prevent the spread of germs. “We spend lots of time outside learning about animals and plants for our unit on farming.” Parents rave about the program. One mother says, “Ms. Shara has been wonderful. They’re caring and have a wonderful classroom and playground. I would recommend them a hundred times over.”
The school holds 3rd Thursday open houses online to share more about their program – including what’s coming. “We’re now enrolling,” says Coughlin, “This is the time to hear about us!” This fall, they explore animal habitats including scientific experiments on how penguins stay warm in the Antarctic, for example, and asking the question, “how we can help the animals who live here?”
The Virtual Open Houses will involve a show & tell and Q&A discussion. Meetings are held via Zoom at 5:30pm on September 17, October 15, November 19 online. Interested families of 3-5 year old children can register to attend on the Sedona Village Learning Center website at sedonavillage.org, or call 928-284-2089 for more information.