Opening School During a Pandemic with 3 Different Covid-19 Strains

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Is it SAFE for your kids to return to school during a pandemic?

My hubby and I asked each other that same question a few days ago when we received an email about our school district's reopening plan. There are so many things at stake: economy, opening of businesses, children's mental and emotional wellness,   parent's sanity and so much more that is happening in our world right now. 

To top it all off, there is a pandemic that can kill you and your immediate family ***ARGH!!!***. If you are still on the fence about what to decide, in regards to sending your children back to school, the CDC has a great checklist you can check out and make the best decision for your family. 

In our case, our son is autistic as some of you may already know and our concerns will obviously not be the same as your concerns when it comes to having your child return to school. Some questions to ask yourself:

1. Does my child need to be in an environment where he/she has to be inside a brick and mortar classroom to learn?

2. Can he/she still access their assignments virtually vs in person?

3. If they are a student that has school provided services, such as speech therapy, physical therapy or occupational therapy can these services be provided virtually or is better if it is in person?

4. Is your child easily distracted by people, smells and overall sensory challenges? 

This would be especially challenging if the school environment has to be constantly sanitized and cleaned due to COVID-19 Protocols in place to keep our students safe. Unfortunately these same protocols could be very overwhelming and distracting for those students who are more prone to asthma, allergy or all of the above. 

5. And last but certainly not least, can your child withstand a mask covering for over 2 1/2 hours each day for 5 days a week? 

Whatever you decide, only you know what is best for your child and their overall well being. I hope that wherever you reside that your school district is allowing you to make the best decision for your child, whether that be to return to in person learning, a hybrid model or remain remote. 

I wish you a safe and happy day and take time to call your family and/or friends to tell them how much you care about them or at the very least to check in on them from time to time:-). 

By Mom Advocate