Back to School season is here, and like March, it’s going to be different. COVID-19 has thrown the world entirely upside down, and school is no exception. While all schools remained online at home in March, schools are reopening in September, cautiously, and with new rules and safety procedures. While some parents are going to homeschool their children, some will be sending their kids back to school – and both are excellent options for children!
While we don’t want to instill any COVID fear into our children, we do need to be informed and practice these new procedures to allow for a fun, safe, and successful school year for children, parents, teachers, bus drivers, and more. Parents, custodians, and drivers play an essential role in safely helping the children enjoy their school year.
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Below are three back to school safety procedures to follow because of COVID:
Physical Distancing
Physical distancing has been mandatory since March, and while the numbers for group gatherings has thankfully increased since then, the physical distance will still need implementation. This means everyone in the school building and buses cannot hug, fist bump, shake hands and hold at least a 2-meter distance from people who are not in their family.
Sharing isn’t Permitted
Sharing in school and on the bus is also off the table because kids carry many germs, and sharing is one way to spread the virus quickly. This includes, but is not limited to, sharing snacks, drinks, etc.
Face Masks
Some schools will have different rules regarding face masks, but they are mandatory this year in school. Some schools may require that everyone wears masks or that specific ages/grades wear them. If your child isn’t comfortable wearing a mask, it’d be helpful for you to teach them ways to be, if you hadn’t already. Also, keep in mind that not all masks work for everyone – some are better for some than others. While some children can handle the cotton masks, some may breathe easier with the disposable medical masks. If your child has a viable reason not to wear a mask, they do not have to. If you feel more comfortable providing a Doctor’s note for them, do so.
Let in Fresh Air
Because wearing masks can be very uncomfortable and challenging for your child to breathe, encourage your child to ask for “air” permission in school. Most classrooms will open windows/doors to allow fresh air in the school where allowed.
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Hand Hygiene
We all know the golden rule when it comes to washing our hands – “Wash with soap and water for 20 seconds or to the tune ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’ “. While it’s unfortunately typical for children to use the washroom or cough/sneeze without washing their hands, it’s imperative to learn now more than ever! As parents and custodians, we need to encourage and enforce the rule of proper handwashing whenever our child goes to the washroom, sneezes/coughs into their hands, blowing their nose, or entering and exiting a room/building, etc.
Skip the Sanitizer!
While hand sanitizers are used a lot in other places these days, hand sanitizers should never replace proper handwashing! Parents, please teach your children how to wash their hands with soap and water correctly, and teachers, redirect your students as needed if they don’t. If they are in a situation where they’re unable to wash their hands, then sanitizer is the next best choice, so ensure your child carries a hand sanitizer with them this year.
Get Informed with Your School’s Rules for a Safe and Fun School Year
Each school will have its own set of rules for the new school year during COVID, so parents must stay informed of the current practices, changes, and speak with your children about them. Please encourage your child not to be fearful but rather careful so they can have an enjoyable and safe year!
Share in the comments below: What is ONE thing you can do today to prepare your child or students for school during COVID this year?