Ideal Institute of Technology is back and stronger than ever and is pleased to share our reopening plan to combat and slow the spread of Covid-19.
Ideal Institute of Technology had the opportunity to redesign distance learning to be more robust and rigorous while providing more resources and supports. The decision was deliberated carefully around the following pillars:
- Safety – Support the health and wellbeing of students and staff.
- Equity – Provide ALL students with the tools needed for success.
- Excellence – Offer high-quality teaching and learning opportunities.
- Clear Communication – Keep stakeholders and students informed.
Quality Instruction – Our reopening plan includes an instruction model that will offer high-quality, equitable teaching and learning opportunities. This includes instruction from teachers in live and pre recorded formats, opportunities for small group interaction and enhanced cloud-based learning platforms. In addition, our plan offers support to special needs students and English language learners, and opportunities for students who need support in mastering skills in the core course offering.
Continuum in Education – Our reopening plan places an emphasis on having equitable learning contingencies in the event of unforeseeable disruption to students learning journey. Students will receive protocols as per their course to ensure continuity of program.
Technology Access – Our reopening plan must ensure equitable access to instruction through technology. This means having a 1:1 ratio of computers to students and providing all students access to the Internet. The plan includes technology distribution plans and builds.
Health and Safety Protocols: Ideal Institute of Technology has implemented new policies and protocols to help maintain a safe work environment and take special precautions related to COVID-19. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:
All faculty, students, and visitors entering any Ideal school campus are required to wear a mask until reaching the classroom.
Students are encouraged to wear a mask when switching from the classroom to the lavatory, student lounge, or testing lab.
Hand sanitizer station will be made available at all entrances of Ideal facilities, within each classroom, meeting spaces, and student enterprise.
Our reopening policy stems from guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state Department of Health guidelines, and federal OSHA standards to reduce transmission of the virus among employees, sustain healthy business operations, and maintain a healthy work environment.
Notice to Faculty, Students, and Visitors at Ideal Institute of Technology:
Know how it spreads
- There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease in 2019 (COVID-19).• The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
- The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
- o Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. o These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
- Some recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.
Everyone should wash your hands often
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- It’s especially important to wash:
- Before eating or preparing food
- Before touching your face
- After using the restroom
- After leaving a public place
- After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
- After handling your mask
- After changing a diaper
- After caring for someone sick
- After touching animals or pets
- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact
- Inside your home: Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- If possible, maintain 6 feet between the person who is sick and other household members. • Outside your home: Put 6 feet of distance between yourself and people who don’t live in your household.
- o Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread virus.
- o Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people.
- o Keeping distance from others is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when around others
- You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.
- The mask is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.
- Everyone should wear a mask in public settings and when around people who don’t live in your household, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.o Masks should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.• Do NOT use a mask meant for a healthcare worker. Currently, surgical masks and N95 respirators are critical supplies that should be reserved for healthcare workers and other first responders.• Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The mask is not a substitute for social distancing.
Cover coughs and sneezes
- Always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow and do not spit.
- Throw used tissues in the trash.
- Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Clean and disinfect
- Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.• If surfaces are dirty, clean them. Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.• Then, use a household disinfectant. Most common EPA-registered household disinfectantsexternalicon will work.
Monitor Your Health Daily
- Be alert for symptoms. Watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19.o Especially important if you are running essential errands, going into the office or workplace, and in settings where it may be difficult to keep a physical distance of 6 feet.
- Take your temperature if symptoms develop.
- Don’t take your temperature within 30 minutes of exercising or after taking medications that could lower your temperature, like acetaminophen.
The actions Ideal Institution of Technology continues to take during this unprecedented time are based on the best information currently available and we are monitoring the situation and will inform you of any other changes if needed.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your return to employment or would like to request an accommodation, please contact Martha Zechman at info@iitnj.edu to further discuss your concerns. We look forward to preparing tomorrows leaders with you as a valued team member.
Sincerely,
Ideal Institute of Technology
4403 Black Horse Pike Suite 2141
Mays Landing, NJ 08330