The COVID-19 pandemic has presented many challenges to students, educators, and parents. While lockdowns and restrictions have eased in many places, many students continue to deal with the repercussions of school closures, including increased isolation , difficulty engaging in learning, and financial instability from parents' job losses. These realities have a profound impact on immigrant youth, who are particularly reliant on schools to learn English, make friends, engage in academics, and adapt to local cultures and systems. When schools transitioned online, many immigrant children faced difficulties engaging in academics due to language barriers, limited technical and academic support, lower levels of motivation and isolation .
The start of the new school year and transitioning back to school can create new challenges for many students and families. The pandemic has meant additional stress, fear, and worry for many families. Teachers, parents, and programs can help youth by planning the transition, making strong connections, and establishing new routines.
There are many ways that parents/caregivers and teachers can help children make a successful transition to in-person learning.
Parents can -
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Make sure that their child has a daily routine with regular times for meals and sleep.
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Connect with other parents who have children in the same school/programs.
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Help children reconnect with their classmates by organizing group activities with friends.
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Talk with teachers and stay up to date about changes or updates.
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Talk with children about what to expect and help them with strategies to manage stress and cope.
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Affirm students' feelings about returning to school whether good or bad. Let them know it's okay and that they will get through it.
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Stay up to date about information such as how the school is managing face masks, COVID tests, physical distancing and cleaning
Teachers and educators can -
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Work to establish relationships with parents and families.
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Share information with families about daily routines to help prepare their child for what to expect.
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Provide frequent communication to parents about their changes to the schedule/program.
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Provide virtual connections with parents to supplement in-person connections, such as video calls and phone meetings.
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Connect parents to other parents to learn about the program and share experiences.
Additional Resources :
Back to School During COVID-19 (SAMHSA)