Returning to your COVID-Ready center
As changes abound during this pandemic, U-GRO is implementing COVID-Ready procedures to keep our centers safe. This will be an adjustment for your child and family, but with patience and sensitivity, a smooth transition to the new normal is achievable. While there are some changes, our priorities remain the same; to provide your child with a safe, nurturing and enriching environment! We’ve got some helpful tips to aid both you and your child with easing into the transition back to U-GRO.
Show Them What To Expect
We’ve created a story that you can read with your child, which includes visuals to help them understand what they’ll see when they arrive at school. As you read, talk about what they’re seeing and feeling. Practice what you’ve read about by acting it out together!
Practice Handwashing
Children always take pride in accomplishing a task. Work together with your child on the handwashing procedure. It can be done hands-on or through pretend play! Make the process fun and interesting by singing songs and be excited when the task is complete. Encourage your child to be the expert hand washer!
Help Your Child Get Used to Masks
Our team members wear masks and it may or may not be something your child has experienced. Some children may be unsure or fearful. To help, explain to your child the purpose of a mask in simple terms such as, it keeps germs from spreading. Let your child experience a mask, let them try one on or see adults in their lives wearing one. If there are any questions from your children, answer them. Lastly, comfort your child and help ease any reservations they express.
Create a Special Goodbye Routine
Drop off will look a little bit different as your child will have their temperature taken and a team member will bring your child to his/her classroom. Be mindful there may be wait time, give yourselves wiggle room in the morning.
This is a big change for you and your children. To help with the change come up with a special, short and consistent good-bye routine. This can be giving them a special kiss to hold in their hand, a goodbye hand-shake or singing a song before you go. Discuss and practice the routine with your child. The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn is a book that can aid in creating a goodbye routine for your family.
Pretend Play
Act out activities at home that resemble your child’s time at U-GRO. Let each person in the family act out various roles such as teacher, child or parent. Some of the routines can be drop off, pick up, hand washing, nap time, circle time, reading, singing or making use of the Together at Ten and U-GRO’s at home resources.
Listen
It may seem natural to ease your child’s anxieties, but it will be best to listen. Answer their questions in simpler terms and empathize. Let them know how you feel when starting something new. As children do emulate those around them, remember to be upbeat and positive as well.
For example, it’s okay to feel scared doing something new but you get to see your friends and teachers and have fun playing in the classroom and outside.
Check-In
Your concerns are valid. Check-in with your Center Director with any questions or concerns you may have. Let them know what is on your mind so they can help ease your transition. If you would like to talk with your child’s teacher directly, your Center Director can assist in setting up a virtual conference.