Preschools safety guidelines for child safety

We are all aware of the saying that ‘change is the only constant.’ The pandemic situation has adversely affected the pace of learning. Online classes were the face of the changing trend and children were trained to adapt to this. We must appreciate the efforts put by the teachers and support rendered by the parents in accomplishing this ‘unimagined’ trend. Together, they kept the momentum going. But now again the trend is taking a U turn. 

With all the excitement bubbling up, the good news is that schools are reopening. The upcoming academic year would be a turn back to where it was. But in these two years, the magnitude of transformation has been immense. Children have grown physically and mentally but academically the growth is slow. So now, schools have to shoulder the major responsibility of levelling the growth academically too. This is quite a challenge. And amidst this, they have to strictly follow all the covid protocols as ‘Safety is always First’. 

The management and the school authorities are very keen on observing and monitoring all the precautionary actions which have to be followed within the premises to ensure good health of all. Children are definitely the first priority but the teaching staff also has to be safeguarded at all times.  let us have a look at the protocols schools are managing to follow: 

• The first point of contact is the teacher. Schools are ensuring that the teaching as well as the non teaching staff like the helpers, gate keepers and administration staff are completely vaccinated. 

• Now, toddlers and middle school children are not included in the vaccination program so ensuring good health is always a testing situation. The only way to do this is monitoring their health at the time of entering and leaving school. So a temperature check is a must for all. Any individual entering the premises has to be checked and the temperature is to be noted.  
• Sanitizers, to be available at equal intervals at the premises. This would encourage the students to use them regularly and inculcate a healthy habit for overall well being. 
• Indoor masking is also considered an effective precautionary action. Excluding toddlers, all other to be encouraged to wear comfortable masks within the premises. To support this, schools have to work on their ventilation systems. A well ventilated classroom or activity room will not cause any discomfort to students and will not affect their attention and concentration span. 
• Another important part of precaution is following social distancing. While in classroom, or in a queue or activity room, teachers to ensure that students are maintaining a physical distance. If this practice is followed in schools, students will find it easier to observe this even outside school premises. 
• Along with these protocols, schools must also promote health and safety measures via projects, assignments and other extracurricular activities. Students must be motivated and encouraged to follow health and sanitisation practises for a healthy tomorrow. Hand washing and respiratory etiquettes should be strictly taught to toddlers. 

Schools following covid protocols will find it easier and faster to get on track. This will generate a sense of confidence among the parents who are still hesitant about sending their child to schools. This is a very crucial turning point in the education system. Getting back to normal will boost self confidence in students and improve their physical and mental health. Remember, it a collaborated effort that matters.