This information from the PRCT was originally in a poster PDF format. To view in a PDF format, please click here.
To help them prepare:
- Get into a routine before school starts with the same sleep times and meal times.
- Listen to your child’s concerns. Let them express themselves and share their feelings without judgement.
- Develop a plan to help prepare for school, this includes coping, anxiety and other things that might come up.
- If the child is younger, start taking them around the school to play, to get used to their surroundings.
- Together with your child, pack a school bag and include a comfort item like a piece of clothing or medicine pouch.
- Have them practice physical distancing if they go out in public and explain what this means and why it is done.
- Get into a routine of washing and sanitizing hands.You might want to send a small sanitizer with them, if allowed.
- Prepare them for restrictions with being in close contact with friends.
- Make them aware of the surfaces they touch and also touching their face.
- If they need to wear a mask, have them practice at home and when out in public.
Understand your child might:
- Feel anxious.
- Feel worried about their teacher, their friends, their clothing, how it will be at school.
- They might be unsure- with new measures in place.
As a parent here are some steps that you can take to help prepare with the new changes:
- Become familiar with changes made at your child’s school.
- Understand what is expected of students and families.
- Research what the school’s upcoming and long term plans are in regards to COVID.
- Have a plan in case your child will need to come home or stay home.
