2020 has brought a unique set of challenges that affect almost everyone but especially those with young children. A child attending pre-k or kindergarten should be an exciting time for both the child and the parent, but that excitement has been overrun with worry amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The more you prepare before sending your child to class, the better you’ll feel knowing their safety is being protected. Let’s discuss a few of the ways that you can prepare for your little one heading into a classroom in 2020.
Get Familiar with School Guidelines
Each school has a slightly different way of approaching the 2020 school year. Those differences are mainly due to the difference in the number of cases from one area to another. If you live in a region that hasn’t been hit hard by COVID-19, the guidelines will probably be less strict than those in regions with a high number of cases. Contact your school district to learn exactly what they’re doing to keep your child safe. Since your child is so young, it’s also important to speak directly with their pre-k or kindergarten teacher to learn what the guidelines will look like inside the classroom. Ask questions and voice concerns before sending your child to school so that you feel confident in the steps being taken to protect your child.
Practice Good Habits at Home
Kids learn by example. In the days and weeks leading up to your child’s first day of school, put an emphasis on mirroring good habits to them. Practice proper handwashing with them, ensure they’re comfortable with their mask if one is required, and let them ask questions. While your child may not love the idea of wearing a mask, keeping their distance from other kids, and washing their hands so many times per day, they will be more likely to comply if they see you doing the same thing with a positive attitude!
Know Your Child’s Current Health Status
Before sending your child back to school, schedule an appointment or walk-in to a local urgent care center to evaluate your child’s overall health. Certain health conditions put your child at a higher risk for contracting COVID-19 or developing more serious symptoms if they do get it, so it’s important to understand where their health is currently. If your child is considered high risk, the school may even provide a distance learning option to protect them further! During this visit your child can receive their flu vaccine and even talk with the staff to hear from someone other than you why personal hygiene is so important in 2020!
Call, go online, or visit a nearby urgent care center today to get your child the care they need before the school year begins.
