The ongoing stress, fear, grief, and uncertainty created by COVID-19 pandemic can wear anyone down, but children and teens may have an especially tough time coping emotionally.

Frequent concerns raised by parents are based on how can their child cope up with the stress during the pandemic.

Welcome your kid to discuss how they are feeling. Feeling discouraged, miserable, on edge, and furious might be signs they could profit by more help during this troublesome time.

Remember that youths and youthful grown-ups may attempt to shroud their battles as a result of dread, disgrace, or an awareness of certain expectations to try not to trouble others. More youthful youngsters may not realize how to discuss these emotions however may show changes in their conduct or improvement.

Children react to what you say and how you say it. They “absorb” what is said to others and pick up on nonverbal body language. The calmer you seem, the more relaxed your child will be, which helps children better understand the information they are told.

Children may feel nervous or reluctant to return to school, especially if they have been learning at home for months and that’s where you have to step in and manage your own anxiety and give assurance to your child.

Below are certain FAQS which the KHDA clarifies for all the parents who are gearing up for the new academic year

Will schools and universities be open to students in the new academic year?

Schools and universities will be allowed to open and operate from the start of the 2020/21 academic year, provided they comply with specific health and safety protocols.

 

Will school be the same as it was before the pandemic?

For the foreseeable future, schools will have to comply with health and safety guidelines to protect everyone against infection. These mean that school may not look or feel the same as before the pandemic. Each school will have its own way of complying with the health and safety protocols. Your child’s school will communicate these with you as soon as possible.

 

I feel nervous about sending my kids back to school – what can I do?

We know that returning to school could be a worrisome time for parents and students. Schools will be following specific health and safety guidelines to protect students and staff. If you feel nervous about sending your children to school, please speak with the school to learn more about how they’re approaching health and safety, and what you can do to play your part. Being safe at school is everyone’s responsibility.

 

What health and safety conditions will schools have to follow in the new academic year?

Maintaining health and safety is everyone’s responsibility. Conditions to protect students and staff include:

-Testing all school staff before schools reopen

-Screening all students and staff for temperature at entry point to the school

-Maintaining physical distance guidelines as recommended by the relevant health authorities and reducing the head-count capacity in classrooms.

-Limiting gatherings and suspending group activities such as school celebrations, and sports events.

-Organizing and managing the students’ working day including mealtimes to avoid high concentrations of students in one place.

-Sterilizing the school building, classrooms, laboratories and other facilities regularly;

-Ensuring that support & maintenance service staff do not enter the school when students and staff are present

-Appointing a trained health and safety official to ensure that people and processes in the school comply with health and safety protocol.

Will all schools be open to all students?

Schools in Dubai differ in terms of size, location and number of students. In order to comply with health and safety guidelines, schools may choose models that best suit their circumstances and community. These can include:

-Being open to all students all the time

-Continuing to do distance learning part-time

-Scheduling lessons in staggered ‘shifts’

-Other creative solutions

Will children still do PE and other physical activities?

Physical education classes will continue. For the time being, swimming pools will be closed.

  
Will buses be operating?

Buses will be able to operate at 50% capacity, and must also comply with health and safety protocols. These include:

-Taking the temperatures of all passengers boarding the bus.

-Keeping windows open as much as possible.

-Disinfecting handles, rails and other frequently used areas of the bus.

 
Can school events still go ahead?

School-wide events and activities such as assemblies, sports days, international days or performances are not allowed to go ahead for now.

Can my child continue with distance learning in the new term?

While face-to-face learning remains the preferred education model, we understand that different parents have different views, especially in the first phases of re-opening. As a temporary measure, schools can and should provide 100% distance learning provision in the new academic year to parents who request it.

What is the new parent-school contract?

Parents have the flexibility to continue distance learning or choose alternative modes of learning for their child for the new academic year. These choices need to be confirmed in your child’s parent-school contract. You will receive an alert via SMS or email to confirm your preferences.

How can I change the mode of learning I chose on the parent-school contract?

Please contact your child’s school to request a change in your preferred mode of learning. The school may decide on a case-by-case basis, depending on its capacity and plans.

 

I am thinking about home-schooling my children. Which home-schooling programmes are recognised by KHDA?

KHDA does not currently recognise home-schooling programmes.  Parents who are interested in alternative forms of education may be able to join the Rahhal programme. To qualify, students must be enrolled full-time in a Dubai private school.

 
How will this affect school fees?

School fees remain unchanged for the next academic year. We ask schools and parents to come together in the best interests of children to ensure that learning continues.

Is it necessary for students to get a Covid-19 test before school starts?

COVID-19 PCR testing is not mandatory for students without travel history. Only those who show symptoms of COVID-19 are required to take the PCR test.

A member of our household has tested positive for Covid-19. Can I still send my child to school?

If someone in your household has Covid-19, or is suspected of having Covid-19, you must protect your community and notify your child’s school. Do not send your child to school. Dubai Health Authority will advise you on how to keep yourself and others safe during this time. Your child’s school will provide distance learning for the period your child is unable to attend face-to-face learning.

Source: KHDA