It’s here! Back to school…in person! The transition of going to school for the first time or going back to school after our Covid break can be a challenge for anyone. But it is especially challenging for a child who has never been in school!  However, we are excited to have the chance to have (a little bit of) a normal school experience.  With masks (depending on where in the country/world you live), social distancing, and lots of sanitizer – school is in session! 

How to Ease the Transition

The past 18 months have been a challenge for every person on the planet, but children and their families have suffered in ways that will not be known for generations to come.  With the lack of in person school, distance learning was a social experiment, the likes of which we have never experienced. Parents want to be able to ease this transition back while still allowing their children to experience the excitement of attending school. 

Basic Tips for Back to School Transition

1. Keep in mind that every child is different and approaches separations in his/her own way, don’t compare.
2. Validate feelings before jumping to reassurance
3. Establish a ritual for leaving home
4. Create a special goodbye ritual
5. Provide transitional objects
6. Be clear that going to school is not a choice
7. Say a brief upbeat goodbye
8. Tune in to your own feelings about separating from your child so you can manage them
9. Have faith that with support from you and her/his teacher/caregiver, your child can and will adapt

CDC Guidance on Returning to School During Covid

“This return to school season is like no other. Schools must be prepared to protect children from COVID-19, while also addressing a wide array of other pandemic-related challenges returning students are facing,” said CDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky, MD, MPH. “In addition to keeping students safe from COVID-19, they will need to provide safe and supportive school environments to promote student well-being and recovery.”

• Get vaccinated when eligible
• Wear masks while indoors
• Try to keep a distance
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water
• Eat well, be active, and get enough sleep.
• Wear masks when playing outdoor group sports

What you can do

Learn more about why preschool is so critical to: the child, the parent, the next generation and society as a whole on our Resource Section and share this post.

More Silver Linings!

We have another fabulous Silver Linings and Post Covid Dreams to share from one of our incredible supporters who learned what she was truly thankful for.

Read this Month’s Silver Linings Here!

Want to help a child attend preschool?

Help fund a scholarship here.