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With Caution and Creativity, Day Cares Prepare to Reopen With Caution and Creativity, Day Cares Prepare to Reopen
(7 days later)
When I dropped my 3-year-old daughter off at school in mid-May for the first time in more than two months, we embarked on a new routine. She climbed out of the car with a mask over her mouth, refusing to pull it over her nose, and stood in line waiting to be checked in. When it was our turn, a teacher clad in gloves and a mask asked if my daughter had experienced a fever, cough, loss of smell or other coronavirus symptoms, and then took her temperature. After I gave her a hug, she was given a healthy pump of hand sanitizer and then escorted into the building. I waved goodbye from the sidewalk as the wooden gate shut behind her.When I dropped my 3-year-old daughter off at school in mid-May for the first time in more than two months, we embarked on a new routine. She climbed out of the car with a mask over her mouth, refusing to pull it over her nose, and stood in line waiting to be checked in. When it was our turn, a teacher clad in gloves and a mask asked if my daughter had experienced a fever, cough, loss of smell or other coronavirus symptoms, and then took her temperature. After I gave her a hug, she was given a healthy pump of hand sanitizer and then escorted into the building. I waved goodbye from the sidewalk as the wooden gate shut behind her.
I had been daydreaming about this moment for weeks, when the days of never-ending worksheets, puzzles and experiments with baking soda and vinegar left me drained. But as I stood on the sidewalk, staring at the school that I had walked through so many times but now wasn’t permitted to enter, I couldn’t help but feel a pit of anxiety rise in my stomach. Was it safe to send her back?I had been daydreaming about this moment for weeks, when the days of never-ending worksheets, puzzles and experiments with baking soda and vinegar left me drained. But as I stood on the sidewalk, staring at the school that I had walked through so many times but now wasn’t permitted to enter, I couldn’t help but feel a pit of anxiety rise in my stomach. Was it safe to send her back?
It’s a question that many parents of young children ranging in age from months to 5 years are asking themselves, as day cares and preschools outside the public school system begin to reopen. With shelter-in-place orders beginning to lift, early childhood centers are having to figure out new and creative ways to protect children and teachers, while also working to ease parental concerns, all with little guidance.It’s a question that many parents of young children ranging in age from months to 5 years are asking themselves, as day cares and preschools outside the public school system begin to reopen. With shelter-in-place orders beginning to lift, early childhood centers are having to figure out new and creative ways to protect children and teachers, while also working to ease parental concerns, all with little guidance.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a list of recommendations for areas such as meal time, toy use and sanitization standards. But child care specialists say those guidelines, which at times seem to contradict others set by the C.D.C., are difficult to implement because they don’t take into consideration the ways in which young children best play and learn. And not all state regulators have offered guidelines on carrying out the specifics.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a list of recommendations for areas such as meal time, toy use and sanitization standards. But child care specialists say those guidelines, which at times seem to contradict others set by the C.D.C., are difficult to implement because they don’t take into consideration the ways in which young children best play and learn. And not all state regulators have offered guidelines on carrying out the specifics.
“It’s like creating a whole new school,” said Angelika Getmanchouk, the head of school at WorldSpeak School in Los Angeles. “We had to change the whole structure of the day, the activities, almost everything we do.”“It’s like creating a whole new school,” said Angelika Getmanchouk, the head of school at WorldSpeak School in Los Angeles. “We had to change the whole structure of the day, the activities, almost everything we do.”
Those changes start before kids set foot inside. Check-in procedures include: health screens for coronavirus symptoms, temperature checks and curbside drop-offs to limit the number of adults inside, per C.D.C. recommendations.Those changes start before kids set foot inside. Check-in procedures include: health screens for coronavirus symptoms, temperature checks and curbside drop-offs to limit the number of adults inside, per C.D.C. recommendations.
In Nashville, Tenn., teachers at Glen Leven Presbyterian Church Day School disinfect lunchboxes on the front porch during drop-off and require children to switch into a designated pair of shoes that stay at the school, said Debbie Ferguson, the director of the school.In Nashville, Tenn., teachers at Glen Leven Presbyterian Church Day School disinfect lunchboxes on the front porch during drop-off and require children to switch into a designated pair of shoes that stay at the school, said Debbie Ferguson, the director of the school.
In St. Louis, at Webster Child Care Center, which reopened after Memorial Day, the temperature of the mail carrier is checked before being permitted to make a delivery. “That’s something I never would’ve imagined before,” the executive director, Lisa Jones, said.In St. Louis, at Webster Child Care Center, which reopened after Memorial Day, the temperature of the mail carrier is checked before being permitted to make a delivery. “That’s something I never would’ve imagined before,” the executive director, Lisa Jones, said.
To keep the same children with the same teachers in groups of 10 or less, a recommendation by many states, some day cares are limiting the number of kids in attendance and shortening their hours. In some cases, administrative staff has stepped in to cover teacher breaks. “The concept of a floater has been eliminated,” said Stephen Kramer, the chief executive officer of Bright Horizons, the Boston-based child care company that has kept 150 of its centers across the country open throughout the pandemic.To keep the same children with the same teachers in groups of 10 or less, a recommendation by many states, some day cares are limiting the number of kids in attendance and shortening their hours. In some cases, administrative staff has stepped in to cover teacher breaks. “The concept of a floater has been eliminated,” said Stephen Kramer, the chief executive officer of Bright Horizons, the Boston-based child care company that has kept 150 of its centers across the country open throughout the pandemic.
Teachers are also setting up classrooms differently, removing soft toys and dress-up clothes that would need laundering and divvying up supplies for children so they can have individual boxes of crayons, markers, tape, scissors and Play-Doh. At some centers and schools, isolation rooms have been set aside for a child to stay in and await pickup if he or she gets sick.Teachers are also setting up classrooms differently, removing soft toys and dress-up clothes that would need laundering and divvying up supplies for children so they can have individual boxes of crayons, markers, tape, scissors and Play-Doh. At some centers and schools, isolation rooms have been set aside for a child to stay in and await pickup if he or she gets sick.
Lunch and snacks that were served family style before are now individually portioned out into foam containers or plastic cups. Some schools have even eliminated lunchboxes, finding it too difficult to disinfect the nooks and crannies, and asked parents to send food in brown paper bags.Lunch and snacks that were served family style before are now individually portioned out into foam containers or plastic cups. Some schools have even eliminated lunchboxes, finding it too difficult to disinfect the nooks and crannies, and asked parents to send food in brown paper bags.
“It seems ridiculous it’s come down to what kind of lunchbox you can bring to school,” said Carla Moody, the director of St. Mark Lutheran Preschool in Charlottesville, Va., who is allowing children to bring food in a self-contained bento box or disposable bag once she reopens June 8. “But that’s what it takes right now.”“It seems ridiculous it’s come down to what kind of lunchbox you can bring to school,” said Carla Moody, the director of St. Mark Lutheran Preschool in Charlottesville, Va., who is allowing children to bring food in a self-contained bento box or disposable bag once she reopens June 8. “But that’s what it takes right now.”
In Sioux Falls, S.D. at Baan Dek Montessori, which is 10 miles from the Smithfield pork factory that was a national coronavirus hotspot in mid-April, the school’s well-known practice of using glass drinking cups has been paused because of contamination concerns and replaced with disposable paper cups, said the head of school, Charlotte Snyder.In Sioux Falls, S.D. at Baan Dek Montessori, which is 10 miles from the Smithfield pork factory that was a national coronavirus hotspot in mid-April, the school’s well-known practice of using glass drinking cups has been paused because of contamination concerns and replaced with disposable paper cups, said the head of school, Charlotte Snyder.
In Reno, Nev., the family day care A Place of Our Own has kept dollhouse figures in the facility but eliminated their clothing, letting children dress them in tissue and paper towels instead. This month, Dunwoody Prep, a child-care center in a northern suburb of Atlanta, put up privacy dividers around cribs and cots that are alternated head-to-toe because there wasn’t enough space to place them six feet apart, the director, Edye Disner, said.In Reno, Nev., the family day care A Place of Our Own has kept dollhouse figures in the facility but eliminated their clothing, letting children dress them in tissue and paper towels instead. This month, Dunwoody Prep, a child-care center in a northern suburb of Atlanta, put up privacy dividers around cribs and cots that are alternated head-to-toe because there wasn’t enough space to place them six feet apart, the director, Edye Disner, said.
On my daughter’s first day back, instead of finding little plastic chairs encircling the communal table where students gathered each morning, she was introduced to her own space, a little white desk with specific toys and puzzles only available to her. Her schedule was switched so she could play and learn in a socially distant circle outside for two hours each morning, instead of one, to limit the amount of time indoors.On my daughter’s first day back, instead of finding little plastic chairs encircling the communal table where students gathered each morning, she was introduced to her own space, a little white desk with specific toys and puzzles only available to her. Her schedule was switched so she could play and learn in a socially distant circle outside for two hours each morning, instead of one, to limit the amount of time indoors.
Because being outdoors is considered lower risk for contracting coronavirus, the logistics of outdoor play have become high priorities. The Virginia Department of Social Services recommended that only one group use the playground at a time, so St. Mark Lutheran Preschool in Charlottesville divided its playground into sections, with temporary fencing to allow different classes to play at the same time.Because being outdoors is considered lower risk for contracting coronavirus, the logistics of outdoor play have become high priorities. The Virginia Department of Social Services recommended that only one group use the playground at a time, so St. Mark Lutheran Preschool in Charlottesville divided its playground into sections, with temporary fencing to allow different classes to play at the same time.
“If today you play on the swings, tomorrow you get the sand,” Moody said.“If today you play on the swings, tomorrow you get the sand,” Moody said.
The C.D.C. recommends that “playground structures” routinely be cleaned and disinfected. But the agency later advises, in other guidelines, that “playgrounds in schools and parks generally require normal routine cleaning, but do not require disinfection.”The C.D.C. recommends that “playground structures” routinely be cleaned and disinfected. But the agency later advises, in other guidelines, that “playgrounds in schools and parks generally require normal routine cleaning, but do not require disinfection.”
Moody decided to take extra precaution: she purchased a portable sprayer to wash slides and swings with sanitizing agents. Updated June 22, 2020
Updated June 16, 2020 A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
Moody decided to take extra precaution: she purchased a portable sprayer to wash slides and swings with sanitizing agents.
For Tim Kaminski, the co-owner and director at Gingerbread Kids Academy in Fort Bend County, Texas, about 45 minutes from Houston, procuring supplies has been one of his biggest challenges. “Sam’s Club and Walmart have nothing in stock, and when I reached out to the county they told me all materials are being directed to hospitals,” Kaminski said. He’s had to beg and borrow, he added.For Tim Kaminski, the co-owner and director at Gingerbread Kids Academy in Fort Bend County, Texas, about 45 minutes from Houston, procuring supplies has been one of his biggest challenges. “Sam’s Club and Walmart have nothing in stock, and when I reached out to the county they told me all materials are being directed to hospitals,” Kaminski said. He’s had to beg and borrow, he added.
As a provider of employer-sponsored child care, Bright Horizons was able to procure 400 touchless thermometers for its centers from CVS Health, one of its clients. Some day cares in Wisconsin are sourcing hand sanitizer from State Line Distillery in Madison, which is now making cleanser instead of spirits. In Nashville, Glen Leven is sending a staffer to the grocery store nearly every day for milk because “you can’t just show up and get 14 gallons of milk in one day now,” said Ferguson, the school’s director.As a provider of employer-sponsored child care, Bright Horizons was able to procure 400 touchless thermometers for its centers from CVS Health, one of its clients. Some day cares in Wisconsin are sourcing hand sanitizer from State Line Distillery in Madison, which is now making cleanser instead of spirits. In Nashville, Glen Leven is sending a staffer to the grocery store nearly every day for milk because “you can’t just show up and get 14 gallons of milk in one day now,” said Ferguson, the school’s director.
Of all the new procedures and precautions, the decision for children to wear masks has been one of the most debated.Of all the new procedures and precautions, the decision for children to wear masks has been one of the most debated.
Susan Acker, the director of MindBloom Preschool in D.C., requires them for adults but not kids. “To get a 3-year-old to keep a mask on all day? It’s like trying to get them to not yank out a barrette from their hair,” she said, adding that kids would probably touch their faces more with a mask because of constant adjusting. Other providers said that if the C.D.C. recommends it, they will require it. The C.D.C. is recommending cloth face coverings for children over age 2.Susan Acker, the director of MindBloom Preschool in D.C., requires them for adults but not kids. “To get a 3-year-old to keep a mask on all day? It’s like trying to get them to not yank out a barrette from their hair,” she said, adding that kids would probably touch their faces more with a mask because of constant adjusting. Other providers said that if the C.D.C. recommends it, they will require it. The C.D.C. is recommending cloth face coverings for children over age 2.
Centers are also finding creative workarounds to make up for facial expressions that are now hidden with masks. Some have teachers in infant classrooms, where babies rely on seeing facial expressions for cues, wearing masks that have a clear plastic window over the mouth. Others have moved story time outdoors so that teachers’ frowns, smiles and surprised looks can still be seen while teachers without face coverings read books.Centers are also finding creative workarounds to make up for facial expressions that are now hidden with masks. Some have teachers in infant classrooms, where babies rely on seeing facial expressions for cues, wearing masks that have a clear plastic window over the mouth. Others have moved story time outdoors so that teachers’ frowns, smiles and surprised looks can still be seen while teachers without face coverings read books.
Part of what has made implementing new routines so difficult is that such changes fly in the face of best practices for early childhood learning. The founder of my daughter’s preschool told us the children seemed very “Zen” in the new format; there wasn’t the usual fighting over a crayon or toy. But is this really a positive?Part of what has made implementing new routines so difficult is that such changes fly in the face of best practices for early childhood learning. The founder of my daughter’s preschool told us the children seemed very “Zen” in the new format; there wasn’t the usual fighting over a crayon or toy. But is this really a positive?
“In many instances what’s good from a public health perspective is contradictory to what’s good for the social and emotional development of children,” said Rhian Allvin, chief executive officer of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. “When you think about a typical early childhood classroom, kids in a dress-up center or in a kitchen center are playing together and problem-solving. That’s extraordinarily difficult if not impossible to do while adhering to social distancing.”“In many instances what’s good from a public health perspective is contradictory to what’s good for the social and emotional development of children,” said Rhian Allvin, chief executive officer of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. “When you think about a typical early childhood classroom, kids in a dress-up center or in a kitchen center are playing together and problem-solving. That’s extraordinarily difficult if not impossible to do while adhering to social distancing.”
In some ways, the new preschool routines have brought about unexpected, but welcome changes. Each afternoon, as my daughter naps, her teachers hop on a Zoom call to give us updates on what she did that morning. I used to hear bits of this in person when I’d pick her up each day, but I was often harried to get home and didn’t pay close attention.In some ways, the new preschool routines have brought about unexpected, but welcome changes. Each afternoon, as my daughter naps, her teachers hop on a Zoom call to give us updates on what she did that morning. I used to hear bits of this in person when I’d pick her up each day, but I was often harried to get home and didn’t pay close attention.
I have begun to feel more comfortable about the decision to send my daughter back to school. Recently, I saw a video of her blonde curls bouncing up and down as she danced outside to a Spanish version of “Baby Shark.” And I knew it was a good choice for us when my husband asked her one of our favorite pre-coronavirus dinnertime questions, “Who got in trouble at school today?”, and she giggled.I have begun to feel more comfortable about the decision to send my daughter back to school. Recently, I saw a video of her blonde curls bouncing up and down as she danced outside to a Spanish version of “Baby Shark.” And I knew it was a good choice for us when my husband asked her one of our favorite pre-coronavirus dinnertime questions, “Who got in trouble at school today?”, and she giggled.