How to Prepare Your Children to Return to School Safely

8/10/2020 (Permalink)

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic currently affecting schools across America, things will look a little different this 2020-2021 school year. We have collected a handful of tips to help keep your children safe as they return to school and prepare them for a smooth transition.

• Identify high-touch items or surfaces with your children and demonstrate ways to avoid touching them to mitigate the spread of germs.
• Teach them safe practices when walking down the halls. Although it is often difficult or impossible to stay 6 feet away from peers in cramped hallways, a good rule of thumb is to keep their hands in pockets when possible. Or, if students do not have pockets, keep their hands clasped together in front of the body or tucked inside long sleeves.
• Train your child in PPE before school restarts. By gradually wearing masks for an extended time, it will be easier for them to acclimate to wear during 8 hour school days. Further, it discourages them from touching their masks or otherwise misusing PPE.
• Describe and practice proper handwashing techniques. This includes washing both sides of the hands, between fingers, under fingernails, and up the wrist.

By emphasizing safe practices at home, healthy habits are encouraged and children enter school with the tools necessary to best protect themselves and those around them. Unfortunately, the chaotic nature of school environments and the unpredictability of other students is cause for uncertainty, however, developing safe habits can be hugely beneficial in preventing the spread of infection.

In the case that your school sustains an outbreak or your child contracts the virus, we have disinfection services that extend to properties as big as schools, or as small as your home. Call us at 480.558.7620 to get a quote.