2021-22 COVID-19 Information

Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services Plan

Communicable Disease Management Plan

Legal Jurisdiction of the Oregon Health Authority

How to support your child with the transition back to the classroom

For some children, learning from home the past year has been a welcome break from school days that were difficult to navigate. For others, closing schools resulted in the loss of a daily routine and an environment in which they thrived.   

Change can be hard, even for those who are excited about it. Children’s feelings about the transition back to in-person school may be complicated and their reactions may change as time goes on. Parents and caregivers will also likely have new feelings about it, which may not be the same as their kids’ reactions.  

Here are some ways to help your child with the transition:  

• Remember the fundamentals. A regular pattern of a good night’s sleep and eating nutritious meals and snacks goes a long way to fuel flexibility, engagement and problem-solving during the day. 
• Re-establish morning and afternoon routines. Involve your child in deciding the details. Having opportunities for choice and agency makes handling uncertainty easier for everyone. 
•  Create a visual aid like a calendar to help them understand what to expect in their new routine.  
• Let them know what might be different at school this year.
• Ask your child what they are feeling and how you can support them. Knowing you recognize that this is an exciting and challenging time and you are open to listening is reassuring, regardless of whether they have something to share.
  • What your child is feeling may not be what you expect. Let them know that whatever they are feeling is OK.
  • You may not be able to offer answers or certainties. Like adults, kids find it helpful to have someone who will just listen.
  • If talking is not your child’s thing, think about drawing with them, playing/listening to music, playing catch, swinging, going for a stroll. Doing something often inspires communication.
• Encourage them to think of what will be good about returning to school. 
• Your child may be worried about bringing COVID home. Reminding them of what your family and the school are doing to reduce the chances of infection can help them feel calmer.  

If you think your child or family may need more support, contact your child’s primary care provider or check out the Safe + Strong mental and emotional health resources page. 

Here are some links to learn more: 

• Back-to-School Anxiety During Covid
• Five key ways to support mental health during the COVID-19 outbreak and beyond
• getvaccinatedoregon.gov.

Source: Oregon Health Authority