Thread by @ESL_fairy

Here is the Sick Kids document on returning to school. See my coles notes in thread below: sickkids.ca/PDFs/About-Sic…

1. Screening to prevent symptomatic individuals from entering the school-done by PARENTS at home, not school staff
2. Hand hygiene a must, scheduled washing of hands 5x per day minimum sanitizer in every class
3. Non-medical and medical face masks NOT required for children

4. Physical distancing-space between furniture if possible, no assemblies, no choir, no wind instruments, eat lunch in classrooms or staggered breaks, teach/eat outside if you can
5. Cohorting-for younger kids and kids with learning and behaviour exceptionalities

6. Environmental cleaning-focus on high touch surfaces, prop open doors when possible to reduce touching, all toys and materials need to be able to be easily disinfected

7. Ventilation-improve ventilation systems, open windows when possible, teach outside when you can
8. Mitigation of risk for students at higher risk for severe disease-kids with pre-existing health conditions should generally still attend school, speak with family physician

9. Special Considerations for children and youth with medical and/or behavioural complexities-work with families on transition supports, provide options of remote schooling with access to proper supports, provide EA support/ smaller class for kids who cannot follow hygiene rules

10. Mental health awareness and support for children-provide flexibility in program choices for those in transition years, provide mental health supports for kids, meet kids where they are in terms of learning gaps, with early assessment and interventions

11. Protection of staff and at-risk persons or families-physical distancing a must, masks OPTIONAL for staff (personal choice), consider the importance of kids being able to see facial expressions on staff
12. Communicating about COVID-19 to children, youth and parents/caregivers