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Four young children running into school with backpacks wearing facemasks

Partnering with Dr. Sloane Freeman

Dr. Sloane Freeman

MD, FRCPC, MSc

Dr. Sloane Freeman is a pediatrician and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto, with particular expertise in developmental/school issues, health care delivery and care of the medically complex child.

Dr. Sloane’s portrait photo

Dr. Sloane Freeman offers parents and teachers advice on how to support young children during this time and ways of navigating the new classroom environment at the 2020 TDSB Parents as Partners Conference.

Watch now for 4 helpful tips and more.

Back to school strategies in the new normal

All of us can play an important role in keeping schools open and safe by doing our part to keep community transmission rates low. Since schools are an extension of the community, lower community transmission rates translates into reduced risk of school transmission.

Some of the ways we can keep our community infection rate low are

  • Hand Hygiene

    Hands making a hand-washing motion with bubbly suds

  • Face Masks

    Man wearing a face mask

  • Physical Distancing

    Two people physically distanced using an arrow for reference

  • Stay home if you have symptoms

    A woman inside her home
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Strategies to support children transition back to class

Open and age appropriate communication at home

Children will have many questions about COVID-19. It is important to communicate clearly the simple ways to mitigate virus exposure and transmission. It is crucial to note that COVID-19 is a mild illness in the vast majority of children.

Mother and daughter laughing and drinking tea out of mugs in their kitchen

Re-establish a consistent sleep routine

This year is going to be harder than ever for children to get back into a bedtime routine. Consistent sleep routine is one of the most important strategies for promoting physical and mental well-being. Having a calming bedtime routine, keeping a dark room and going to sleep at a consistent time will help.

A young boy sleeping in bed holding a teddy bear

Limit screen-time

This may be the most difficult strategy of all. During the pandemic, children have been using screens more than ever before. Screens are used for distance learning, socializing from home and of course, for recreation. Setting clear and consistent expectations about how and when screens should be used will help as children re-enter school and re-adopt routines and schedules. Try to avoid screens at least one hour before bedtime.

A young boy laying on his stomach in bed watching a children’s show on a tablet propped up by a keyboard

Download Back to School Strategies in the new normal whitepaper