Know what to expect as your child returns to school during a pandemic.
It’s about that time: summer is coming to an end, classroom supply lists are coming out, and kids are preparing to return to school. However, the start of the school year will be much different than any we have experienced before.
Due to the restrictions and social distancing guidelines in effect to prevent the spread of COVID-19, classrooms and school activities have had to be significantly modified. To make sure your children are prepared for the new school year, here are some tips from the CDC on how to ensure a safe transition back to school:
Familiarize yourself with nearby COVID-19 testing centers
In the event your child or another family member starts showing symptoms of COVID-19, it is always good to know where you can be tested locally. Some local testing centers may include CVS, Walgreens, Urgent Care, or your family doctor.
Emphasize the importance of hand washing and sanitizing
Before your child returns to school, it is important to make sure they know how to properly wash their hands. There is a high risk of germ exposure in any social setting, but making sure your children are aware of proper hand washing techniques can greatly reduce that risk.
Let your child know the importance of keeping their hands clean, especially when it comes to eating, coughing, and other activities.
Knowing what to expect before returning to school can go a long way in reducing back-to-school anxiety. To ensure your child is well-prepared and understands the importance of social distancing, familiarize yourself with the COVID-19 precautions your child’s school is taking.
Keeping physical distance from other children, avoiding sharing objects with other students, and sanitizing hands often are some of the precautions schools may take to facilitate a safe and clean environment.
Speak with school administrators and teachers about physical education
Physical education classes are an important part of most curriculums, but it will most likely look different due to COVID-19. In order to make sure that your child’s school is implementing the necessary precautions for gym and physical education classes, you might consider contacting a teacher or administrator.
Update information with your school if necessary
In an unpredictable time like this, it is essential that your child’s school knows how to best get ahold of you. Double-check that they have your current contact information, emergency contacts on file, and names of individuals authorized to pick your children up from school.
Establish a transportation plan
Getting your child to and from school during COVID-19 can be difficult if he/she usually carpools or rides a bus. Being in a confined space with others for any period poses a risk, so plan for your child to wear a mask or face covering as a precaution.
At Mosquito Authority, we know the safety of your family is a priority. To read more back-to-school advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, check out the full article here.