It’s an uncertain time for schools in 2020 with Covid-19 running rampant. In 2015, it was reported that 87% of five-year-olds in the United States of America were enrolled in pre-primary programs. The important thing is to not let our children’s education be neglected, especially those who will be attending preschool. Preparatory schools prepare our young ones for the rest of their lives and prepare them for the education system in America.
Preschools and schools are taking precautions, allowing children to continue their learning process regardless of whether or not they are physically in school or remotely in school. Private schools tend to have more resources and flexibility than public schools and may be able to adjust and adapt to the required guidelines to keep students safe. There have been recommendations that the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has issued for schools to follow, hoping to ease parents who are hesitant to send their children back.
Hygiene and Sanitizing Techniques
Among the recommendations is to encourage hygienic products and actions, such as regular hand washing and hand sanitizing among the teachers and students. Toys being shared will be limited as much as possible, along with learning tools and other supplies. Surfaces will be regularly wiped down and disinfected, especially on the most touched objects in schools. It’s important to also practice handwashing at home before sending any child to preschool, making sure they are comfortable with habitually washing their hands with ease. Having a child sing a song for the recommended 20 seconds of washing their hands is known to be helpful and makes it easier for a child to complete the task. Private preschools have the funds and resources to guarantee that these supplies will be fully stocked at all times for the students.
Social Distancing Techniques
Social distancing will play a key part in preschools' new routines. Classroom sizes will be smaller, decreasing the number of students per classroom and limiting the mixing of students between classrooms. Crowded student areas, such as the cafeteria or libraries will have social distancing rules implemented. Preventing congestion throughout the preschool and spacing students within 6 feet of each other will be important and heavily enforced. Again, preparing for this at home with your child is the first step to making the change easier. Allowing children to prepare and know that they are unable to be close to other students will make the transition safer, letting children continue to focus on their education. Private schools have the advantage in this department, as many private schools already have smaller classroom sizes than public schools.
Remote Learning
Many schools are offering some sort of remote options during Covid-19 as well, since many parents may not feel comfortable even with the CDC guidelines schools will implement. In order for a remote option to be sufficient, students will need the resources that allow them to use the internet in their homes. Parental involvement will also be key in this option, as many children will still need some sort of physical guidance when remotely doing their schoolwork. Private pre-k schools will have the advantage again as well, being able to have the finances to offer students the materials needed for remote schooling. Many private preschool teachers report that parents are more involved with their children, compared to those in a public preschool. This will be an advantage, and parents will be able to help and encourage their children when participating in their remote work.
All schools will be doing their best to keep students safe during these times, but private preschools are the safest option. They will be able to offer the most guarantee that they will have the supplies and resources needed to sanitize materials and use social distancing methods on young students. You definitely want to take the most precautions with students, especially our young ones who will be entering preschools this year.
