Open Discussion Forum

  • 1.  Portable Air Purifier

    Posted 09-17-2021 08:14 AM
    Given that the Delta variant is more contagious for children, our preschool is considering investing in some portable air purifiers. Right now we are keeping windows open but know that is less appealing in the middle of a Wisconsin winter. If any of you have made this investment or have done the research and decided not to purchase, I am curious to hear your thoughts. Thank you!

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    Beth Durant
    Program Director
    Community Preschool of Whitefish Bay
    Milwaukee WI
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  • 2.  RE: Portable Air Purifier

    Posted 09-18-2021 10:42 AM
    Hi Beth,

    We are a 1-room preschool located in a converted barn and have been using a Blueair Classic 605 air purifier for a little over a year. We did a lot of research before settling on this particular air purifier, and have been quite happy with it. The only drawback is it's somewhat noisy when running on the highest setting, so we turn it to a lower setting during storytimes and other activities requiring close listening. It essentially runs silent on those lower settings. If you're interested, you can see how we set up our preschool for COVID here. We are located in New Hampshire where the winters are pretty harsh. We ran the entire 2020-2021 school year with circulating fans in the open windows and the heat cranked high, and are planning to do the same this year. The only time we close the windows is when there's a driving rain. We are using grant money to cover the additional heating costs.

    Good luck!

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    Andrea Murphy
    Teaching Director
    Hogarth Country Day School
    Epping NH
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  • 3.  RE: Portable Air Purifier

    Posted 09-19-2021 10:51 AM
    Hi there!
    I teach early childhood teacher education courses, specializing in Preschool Ed. My classes are meeting in person for the first time in a year which is awesome, but also scary because our building is old, the rooms are crowded and the windows don't open. Although the students are masked, it is not ideal. So, my little brother built me an air purifier which is working great! It is not expensive and is an easy build--maybe you have some parent/family volunteers, or even a local shop or tech class who could make these for your classrooms and centers! Here is the info and directions: https://www.npr.org/sections/back-to-school-live-updates/2021/08/26/1031018250/does-your-kids-classroom-need-an-air-purifier-heres-how-you-can-make-one-yoursel
    It is well regarded by scientists, and appears to be very effective. 
    Good luck to everyone! I wish you a happy and healthy Fall.
    --Clover 

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    Clover Wright
    assistant professor
    California University of PA

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