Childcare & Schools – COVID-19
As of March 17, 2020, B.C. will be suspending K-12 classes.
As of March 17, 2020, B.C. will be suspending K-12 classes. Teachers and schools will be developing plans for continuing instruction, outside of the classroom. More information will be added as it becomes available.
Students, faculty and staff should consult their institution’s website for specific information.
How to support students who are self-isolating
Those who are self-isolating are doing so for the benefit of others. Please support continuing instruction (e.g. deadline extension or alternative coursework that can be completed from self-isolation) and create a non-punitive environment for those who are self-isolating.
At post-secondary institutions, students, faculty, or staff who are self-isolating may rely on post-secondary services (for example housing or food), institutions should plan for how they will support those in self-isolation. If your institution has a pre-existing plan for pandemic influenza, it may have protocols and guidance that can be adapted.
How to support students psychologically at this time
A new virus such as the one that causes COVID-19 can create anxiety and be difficult for students/children to understand, especially if someone in their school or family is sick, or they see or hear troubling media reports. It is normal for students/children to feel worried or nervous and have questions. Communication should reflect the diverse linguistic, literacy and cultural characteristics and needs of the students/children and their families.
It will be important for schools/childcare programs to monitor for discrimination and/or bullying surrounding COVID-19, in particular towards those who may have been exposed to the virus and are self-isolating at home, or self-monitoring for symptoms. School/childcare programs should make all efforts to ensure that misinformation is clarified and anti-discrimination/bullying protocols are adhered to.
For more info > BC Centre for Disease Control
