2020 Back to School Checklist: Covid-19 Pandemic
The world is beginning to take life again and stir after the efforts to quarantine. Different states all seem to be at different phases of opening school back up this Fall 2020. After the previous spring semester where remote learning was in full swing, many families are facing the choice to start this year in school, virtual or homeschool. It is not an easy choice to make, but here are great tips on how to keep our kids, teachers and family members safe during this upcoming school year. An essential for the 2020-2021 school year is try to stay positive and maintain a sense of patience and flexibility as children reacclimate to school.
Supply your own school supplies
Do not rely on communal supplies in classrooms, if even offered. Ensure your child has their own set of classroom supplies if returning to in person learning.
Do not go to school sick
Parents and guardians should not send any child who appears to be symptomatic of illness to in class learning. Try to develop a daily routine for checking your child's temperature. If a fever is present, child should remain home. Reach out to your local school to find out more on sick policies and their rules going forward.
Hand sanitizer, and more hand sanitizer
Aim for getting 60% or higher alcohol-based hand sanitizer says board-certified pediatrician Dr. Candice W. Jones. This hand sanitizer kills most bacteria, fungi and viruses. Avoiding communal hand washing stations by having your own hand sanitizer and using for situations like bus rides that may be more communal. Practicing makes perfect! Practice with your kids on hand sanitizer applying techniques so they will be pros.
Face mask, oh my!
We knew this one would be on the list by the countless county mask mandates. Ensure your child has at least one to two spares with them daily incase of damage or contamination. According to the CDC, Cloth face coverings are recommended as a simple barrier to help prevent respiratory droplets from traveling into the air and onto other people when the person wearing the cloth face covering coughs, sneezes, talks, or raises their voice. Cloth face coverings are an example of source control.
Cloth face coverings should not be placed on:
- Children younger than 2 years old.
- Anyone who has trouble breathing or is unconscious.
- Anyone who is incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the cloth face covering without assistance.
Appropriate and consistent use of cloth face coverings may be challenging for some students, teachers, and staff, including:
- Younger students, such as those in early elementary school.
- Students, teachers, and staff with severe asthma or other breathing difficulties.
- Students, teachers, and staff with special educational or healthcare needs, including intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health conditions, and sensory concerns or tactile sensitivity.
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