As children return to the classroom after a year or more of virtual or part-time in-person learning, it may be initially challenging for students – and their parents – to return to their former routines, and there still may be a few extra steps in place.
There are ways for everyone to transition smoothly from virtual to in-person classrooms, said Dr. Abby Smolcich, a pediatrician with ThedaCare Physicians Pediatrics-Darboy.
“It’s still important for students and parent to follow school policy or recommended protocols to protect yourself and other people against COVID-19,” Dr. Smolcich said. “The vaccine is still not available to children under age 12, and while children tend to experience fewer serious symptoms of the COVID-19, they can still pass the virus to vulnerable adults.”
“The COVID-19 situation is still evolving and changing, so it’s important for parents to understand their child’s health needs, monitor the latest recommendations, and stay in contact with their child’s school,” Dr. Smolcich said.
Parents also should determine for themselves whether their children should return to a classroom environment. Students with compromised immune systems or those with health conditions that make it difficult to wear a mask may need to work with instructors on continued remote learning, Dr. Smolcich said.
For schools that require mask-wearing, simple surgical masks or cloth masks are acceptable. Parents should remind students to keep the masks over the nose, mouth and chin.
Children pay close attention to what adults do, so parents can encourage mask-wearing by first modeling a good example and wearing their own. They also can allow children to pick out their own masks, or help them to make their own. Masks should be personalized to ensure they’re not mixed up with anyone else’s, and children should have a safe way to carry masks when not in use, such as in a plastic bag or plastic container.
Remind children to wash their hands if they remove or touch the outside of the mask.
“Explain that the outside of the mask is where viruses will be caught, so you don’t want to touch that part,” Dr. Smolcich said. “A better way is to remove masks by the elastic, and to fold the mask so that the outside is in, and store it so it isn’t touching any surfaces.”
Worn masks should be stored safely until they are washed or thrown away following each use.
Parents can help kids remember to carry everything they need by creating a habit of packing backpacks or school bags each night. Include necessary items such as masks, plastic carrying bag or container for used masks, hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol, tissues for sniffles, and other needed items such as school supplies and books.
Families can create a checklist that works for the child’s age. For young children, parents might make a grid with pictures of masks and sanitizer and reward them with stickers for gathering all the correct items.
“Keep each child’s supplies labeled carefully to avoid confusion, and make sure packed bags are ready and placed by the door each evening,” Dr. Smolcich said. “An extra bag with a mask and sanitizer could be kept at the school in the child’s locker or cubby, just in case.”
Schools may already provide some safety items such as extra masks or sanitizing stations. Parents also can call the United Way 2-1-1 line to be confidentially connected with community resources that offer free health care supplies. The organization Compassionate Home Health Care also helps families obtain cleaning supplies and personal hygiene items that are needed to stay healthy.
“Returning to school for in-person learning is ideal for our children in terms of learning and socialization,” Dr. Smolcich said. “Teaching them good habits to protect themselves and others will help ensure a safer transition.”
