The world is slowly going back to a new normal. The past two years have taught the world many things, and it includes being mindful of their children’s education. Despite the ravaging infections and the death toll that have overwhelmed the world since 2020, education didn’t stop. Thankfully, educators became innovative in delivering learning materials to their beloved students.
Now that there is an apparent decrease in infections, you may see malls getting filled, cinemas jam-packed, and even gyms filled to the brim. Most of all, many parents are now sending their children to school.
If you feel your child is ready to face the world and experience education like they should in this new normal, you can check out some preschool institutions that would set them up for future success. MECK Pre K is among the institutions that offer high-quality prekindergarten education for four-year-old kids to prepare them for primary school.
Because this will be the first time your child is going to school amid the pandemic, you may have many questions. To help you out, here’s a brief guide:
Covid-19 Vaccination Requirements
Many people are aware that Covid-19 vaccines were of significant help in mitigating the effects of the pandemic. Although many people still question its effectiveness, experts emphasize that these vaccines are safe. For instance, the CDC reiterated that the vaccine is safe to administer even for children. It means that children as early as six months can be vaccinated, with only mild side effects to be expected.
Vaccine hesitancy is something the experts recognize and understand, especially for parents who are worried about its effects on their kids. That is why the United States recently submitted a vote making the Covid-19 vaccine recommended in the immunization schedule for 2024. It means that the vaccine is not mandatory for school admission today. This school year, everyone who wants to attend school, vaccinated or not, will be accepted.
Teaching Your Children To Protect Themselves
For the safety of everyone in the school system, it is recommended that they all follow strict health protocols to prevent the further spreading of the virus. Before you let your kids attend school, it would be best to give them a clear breakdown of the dos and don’ts so they would understand the importance of following these safety protocols.
As a parent, it would also be helpful to learn about the common myths on fighting the virus, so you and your children will not be misled by unverified information you encounter.
The Symptoms Of Covid
Kids need to be aware of the symptoms of the virus so they know that when they feel something, they need to stay home. The most common symptoms of Covid-19 are the following:
- Fever
- Cough
- Tiredness
- Loss of taste or smell
While the less common symptoms are:
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Diarrhea
- Body aches
- Red, irritated eyes
- Skin rash
Symptoms may differ for everyone. Some may feel only one symptom, while others can experience several symptoms simultaneously. Your child needs to understand these symptoms and how to tell if their body is fighting the virus. Once they can determine the symptoms, it will be easy for them to inform you, and you can address it as early as possible.
Importance Of Proper Handwashing
Another essential thing the pandemic taught many people is the importance of washing one’s hands properly, especially after touching the face, going to the restroom, and eating. Kids should also know how critical this is in keeping their health in check. Hand washing must be done correctly to make it effective. Teach them proper handwashing procedures:
- Wet hands
- Apply enough soap to cover the front and back
- Rub the hands together, including between fingers and under the nails
- Rinse with clean, warm water
- Wipe hands dry using paper towels
The Importance Of Wearing A Mask
Like vaccines, face masks have been found to be integral in helping the world mitigate the severe effect of this pandemic. Although many people have been protesting to remove the mask mandate, there is no denying that it can save lives. Now, as schools are opening up, it would be better for your children to wear masks indoors for additional protection.
Although masks are not mandatory, those who want to wear them in school should not be impugned for wearing them. Also, before they attend school, it would be best to teach your kids how to wear a mask following this guideline properly:
- Wash your hands thoroughly before wearing your mask, and don’t touch the inside of the mask
- Hold the mask on the loop and hook it to your ears
- Make sure your nose is entirely covered
- Ensure the mask is covering your chin as well
- Remove it by holding the loop and putting it inside a pouch
- Avoid putting it anywhere
Testing For Covid 19
Diagnostic testing and screening may be asked for students displaying symptoms of the virus so that steps can be taken to address the situation. Tests can be PCR based, performed in the laboratory, or rapid antigen tests that can be performed at home that only take 15-30 minutes to complete.
Children should know that a specimen must be taken from the back of their throat or inside their noses. Most kids are afraid of this as it can be painful and uncomfortable. But once they are given a heads up of its importance, it may be easier for them to tolerate it.
If kids get exposed to someone who tested positive, they need to be tested even if they don’t have symptoms. Once kids’ antigen test turns positive, they must stay home and isolate for five days. It is much shorter than the initial isolation requirement of 14 days.
After isolating for five full days and no symptoms appearing for more than 24 hours, kids can go back to school but would need to wear a mask for an additional five days for extra caution.
Conclusion
After being holed up at home for a very long time, this will be the time for everyone, especially the kids, to enjoy the outdoors, interact with peers, experience new things, and learn more about life.
Your child’s first schooling experience during the pandemic could be exciting for them. Thus, adequate preparation and knowledge are deemed necessary. Also, it is best to enroll them in a facility that gives utter importance to safety protocol to guide them for optimal growth in a safe and protected manner.
