Back to School in the Age of Covid

What should I do about school? Many parents and caregivers are agonizing over this question. In many states, Covid-19 cases remain steady or are declining. But we still have over 50,000 new cases per day nationwide so there is still a lot of virus in many counties in this country. School is a hard decision to make especially when the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), government officials, the media, and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) communicate new and sometimes conflicting guidance.

Everyone’s situation is unique to their family and their child. Some of us have kids, or adults at home with medical conditions; some work full-time, some have kids with disabilities, some kids are anxious to go to school, some are facing food insecurities, and some parents are worried about kids having social interactions. Our home and family situations are varying and unique. What we all share in common is the fear of making the wrong decision. We love our children. We want them to get a quality education. And we want them to be safe and healthy. The decision that you ultimately make about school is going to be the right decision. Each choice is fraught with risk. How you choose to view the decision that you make is what will make it the right decision for you and your family. There is no right answer, just the answer that is right for your family.