As of May 2020, about 46 states have ordered school closures for the rest of the academic year. This rapid change from in-person learning to online learning has overwhelmed many teachers, parents, and children around the nation. While online schooling has been increasing in popularity in recent years, a seemingly overnight transition has left many parents confused and school boards unsure of the future. 

Why Schools Were Closed

The decision to close schools was not easy but thought to be necessary by many governors. Because of all the unknown surrounding this virus, it was decided that students should transition to remote learning for the rest of the academic year. Even though the virus is primarily fatal in people who are over the age of 60 and those with underlying conditions, children in large gatherings at school are still at risk. The average classroom has around 30 students, making it an incubator for potential spread.

Additionally, teachers who are older and more at risk of contracting the virus could unknowingly transmit it to their students. There is still so much unknown about asymptomatic carriers that it is better to keep large gatherings at a minimum. Generally speaking, children tend to get sicker easier than adults. They are often less aware or less likely to follow hygiene protocols in comparison to adults. Telling a child not to touch their face or rub their eyes may work initially, but the child will likely resume their old habits. Meanwhile, adults tend to be more stringent with good hygiene habits, especially in the time of a crisis. 

Adapted Learning

There are more distractions at home than in any previous generation. From iPads, TVs, to gaming systems, some children are spending more time watching YouTube videos than actually learning. High School students will likely get their work done without much guidance. However, Elementary and Middle School-aged children are heavily reliant on guidance from teachers or parents to stay on track. 

With many parents working from home now, they are unable to supervise their children the entire school day. For stay-at-home mothers or fathers, it is easier to keep their children motivated to complete assignments. However, for many parents who work remotely or have to go into work, they will likely struggle to monitor their child’s academic progress. Many parents are finding a balance between work and family, although it is certainly an unexpected struggle.

Children Who Rely on School Lunches

For children from low-income families, schools are where they receive one or two meals a day. And that is their only food for the day. According to nokidhungry.org, about 22 million school-aged children rely on free or reduced-price lunches. “More than 11 million children in the United States live in “food insecure” homes.” Children from “food insecure” homes often received free breakfast from their school. With most schools closed until at least September, what happens to these children? 

Certain school districts have opened curbside “grab-and-go” school lunches. While others have twice-weekly delivery routes where meals are dropped off. Families who are struggling to make ends meet are also going to food banks at this time. Fortunately, there are many church and charity organizations that are providing free meals through a drive-through line. While this does not provide a week’s worth of food, it is a solution at the moment to provide much-needed help for hungry families. 

Child Care/Summer Camps

The future of summer camps is still in question. Similarly to schools, children in summer camps are in close proximity while in high-density groups. With schools shutting their doors, what does this mean for summer camps? Many parents have their children in summer programs at least part of the week to keep them entertained and learning throughout the summer. This may be regardless of their work situation. Although for parents who leave the house for work, having their kids home this summer presents a challenge.