Going back to school can be worrisome for many parents and students, even more so during a pandemic. As your children are eager to get settled into a new school year routine, it is important to think about and discuss with your children how to stay safe.
Stay on Top of Coronavirus Updates
We are all in this together. Schools, administration, teachers, and parents have never had to make the type of plans and decisions that we are making at this unprecedented time. The CDC, states, and school districts are constantly releasing new information and it can be hard to stay on top of the changes. But the best possible course of action is to inform yourself and prepare your child for the changes this school year will bring. The CDC has released a school decision making tool for parents and guardians and a back-to-school checklist to assist in your planning.
Keep Medical and Emergency Contact Information Up-To-Date
During a pandemic, it is even more vital that the school district has accurate and up-to-date medical and emergency contact information. This will ensure you don’t miss any school closings and critical safety information. Review and update your child’s records to ensure allergies, medications, disabilities, illnesses your child may be susceptible to, and approved pick-up persons are current.
Stay Safe While Traveling To and From School
Whether your children will be walking, riding their bicycles, carpooling, or taking the bus to school, it is important to take proper safety precautions. Children usually aren’t ready to start walking to school without an adult until about fifth grade, or around age 10. With your child, plan a safe route and walk on the sidewalk when one is available. When cycling to school, all riders should follow the basic rules of the road and always wear a bicycle helmet. Teach your child the proper way to get on and off the bus starting with standing three large steps from the curb and to always remain visible to the bus driver.
Maintain Communication with Teachers and Administrators
Administrators, teachers, and parents all have to work together to create and maintain a healthy, safe, and productive learning environment for students. Introduce yourself to your child’s teachers early on and let them know you want to work together to have a successful and safe school year. Ask the teacher their preferred method of communication and show them that you respect their time. Keep the lines of communication open and provide supplies needed by the teacher that will help them provide a safe environment. Attend all teacher parent conferences, either in person or with video conferencing in the time of Coronavirus.
Have Open and Honest Conversations with Your Child
Physically going back to school during a pandemic may mean required or recommended face coverings and social distancing. Allow them to get used to wearing face coverings by practicing at home. Discuss with them the importance of hand washing and social distancing. Of course, being mentally prepared for school is just as important as being psychically prepared. Help them understand that we are still learning about the virus which means plans and procedures can change unexpectedly, but it is all being done in the name of their safety.
Returning to school during the pandemic may not feel like normal – at least for a while. But having safety plans in place can ease the anxiety for parents, teachers, and students. For more information regarding Sentry Window Guard products and how they keep your children safe at home, contact us at 718-389-1777.
