Returning to School During COVID

Beginning the School Year

Many of our students have already learned the COVID precautions used in school: wearing a mask, social distancing, and handwashing. As we prepare for a new school year, children need to learn and remember these precautions. For our youngest learners, who are entering school for the first time, these resources will help them practice and prepare for school routines before they begin school. The intention in this is to give them a sense of control about how they can use their own coping skills and reminding them there are always adults at school to help and guide them.

See related resource pages on this site for information to address anxiety, beginning a school year, and mindfulness.

SPS COVID-19 Resources

Discussing Coronavirus with Children

Parent Resources for Returning to School During COVID

Returning to School: Wellness Checklist

This page contains resources for parents and children as you prepare for returning to school. Please remember the school and mental health staff in each building are there to support this important transition back to school.

Mental Health Staff Contact Information

Websites & Information

What Can We Do To Prepare Children To Go Back to School During COVID?

1) Remind them there are already many things we do to stay safe and healthy in school: practicing fire drills, seeing the nurse when they feel sick, washing hands and classroom tables during the day, and many more.

2) Practice wearing a mask and finding a mask type that is most comfortable for your child and his/her sensory needs. Practice wearing a mask for longer periods to be more ready for entering school.

3) Practice proper hand washing techniques and teach them a song to help them know how long 20 seconds is.

4) Remind them to cough or sneeze into their elbows and to maintain a safe distance from others.

5) Teach alternate, non-contact greetings so they can greet their friends and teachers without spreading germs.

5) Show them a developmentally appropriate video or social story to explain the basics of germs and why we are taking these precautions.

6) Remind them there are always adults in school to help and guide them and that parents and teachers communicate to keep children safe.

Resources for Returning to School - social stories, tip sheets, videos and more on ways to manage reopening anxiety, social distancing, wearing masks, and how to cope with COVID. Resources for all ages.

Supporting your child’s mental health as they return to school during COVID-19: How parents can help their children navigate their feelings during school reopenings (UNICEF)

Parenting During the Coronavirus Pandemic (Children's Hospital, Boston)

Coping with Daily Stress for Children, Teens, and Adults (CDC)

Returning to School During COVID: A social story by Centre

Alternative lyrics for hand washing songs & Handwashing to Baby Shark song

Teaching Social Skills at Home: How Kids Can Learn & Grow During Social Distancing (Child Mind Institute)

Teaching Your Child to Tolerate Wearing a Mask

How to help children adjust to masks, according to experts and parents (Washington Post)

6 strategies for sharing disappointing news with kids, in a year with lots of it (Washington Post)

How To Help Your Kids Reframe Their Anxiety and Reclaim Their Superpowers (NPR)