Resources and information for parents with children returning to school including.
MEDICAL PROVIDERS AND SCHOOL NURSES
Information for those directly providing care for children inside and outside of school settings.
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
Resources to help children and providers handle the challenges of
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has created a sister site that contains a collection of communication
resources for those communicating with families and the community regarding children returning to school.
BACK TO SCHOOL DONE SAFELY
From the early days of the pandemic, the VA-AAP has consistently stated that all policy considerations for school COVID-19 plans should start with a goal of having students physically present in school.
The School Reopening Task Force in partnership with the Virginia Department of Health, provides information, expertise, and updates to school districts and pediatricians throughout Virginia.
The Task Force continues to provide guidance and support as schools safely reopen in the Commonwealth. As part of these efforts, this page will provide parents, schools, and pediatricians support to keep kids and staff safe in schools.
COVID VACCINATION
One of the most important steps in reducing the risk of COVID in schools is ensuring children who are eligible, receive a COVID vaccine. In addition, families and community members by getting immunized protect children who cannot be immunized.
Scientific experts from major colleges and universities across the country are hosting a series of live town hall meetings to answer your questions about COVID-19 vaccination. Always free!
Information for families regarding the vaccination of children:
- The Conversation: Hear from real doctors and people on who should be vaccinated.
- Video by Infectious Disease Specialist at VCU
- Webpage with resources from the CDC
- Handout on why to vaccination your 12+ year old child
GENERAL VACCINES AND NEW REQUIREMENTS
Did you know that a new Health Bill called HB 1090 takes effect in July 2021? When the bill becomes law a number of vaccines not previously required, will now become required of kids attending school. Also, many children need to catch up with their vaccines.
WELL VISITS AND SCHOOL FORMS
Many children and adolescents have not seen their pediatrician during the pandemic, but offices and clinics are now open to update prescriptions, medical plans, and complete school forms.
PREVENTION OF COVID AT SCHOOL
Many children will remain unimmunized to COVID during the early months of school, but in person school is still safe. A number of strategies including face masking, social distancing when masks are off, and in some schools COVID testing, will maintain safety.
Return to school form
COVID VACCINATION
Resources and social media materials to promote vaccination to your patients, families, and to the community at large.
Facebook posts:
Other ways to promote COVID vaccine in patients"
- Hug us, we're vaccinated
- Join us, get vaccinated
- 5 reasons teens should get vaccinated
- Benefits of vaccinating teens
- 5 more reasons teens should get vaccinated
- Getting to hang out with vaccinated teens
- Get a social life
- Seeing your friends
- Dont' miss the playoffs
- Freedom!
- No need to quarantine
- Physicians get shots
- Posters in Spanish
The CDC Pediatric Healthcare Professionals COVID-19 Vaccination Toolkit provides materials to help healthcare providers give parents clear and accurate information about COVID-19 vaccines. The toolkit includes answers to common questions, an explanation of how mRNA vaccines work, and printable materials to give to parents.
Send an email or letter to families to encourage all eligible family members to get vaccinated and address some of the concerns they may have.
Send an email or letter to families to explain what qualifies as a medical exemption for students wishing to attend college in person at colleges requiring COVID vaccination
VACCINES AND HB 1090
New rules take effect in July 2021, and its time to make sure your practice is ready. Also find information to promote catch up vaccinations.
WELL VISITS
Encourage families to get their children in for overdue and much needed check ups. Find social media campaign materials.
PREVENTION OF COVID INFECTION AT SCHOOLS
Help advocate and promote safety at schools including communicate clear and accurate information to help families feel confident when returning their children to school.
Mental Health
For Parents & Teens
- Teen Line - Emotional support for teens by phone, text, or email.
- Anxiety Canada - Learn about how to treat your anxiety with Cognitive Behavior Therapy with a free app.
- Social Emotional Wellness Considerations - Resources for parents and kids including things that can be done by families alone and resources available for families who are struggling.
- PBS Resources for Parents about Going Back to School - Tips and articles for families including a back to school checklist
- Apps for families - Phone apps and websites for a) Mood & Anxiety interventions and b) Sleep hygiene/improvement
For Medical Providers
- Virginia Mental Health Access Program (VMAP) - Join the VMAP program and call to get access to psychologists and psychiatrists to help with patient management.
- AAP Mental Health Practice Tools and Resources - Help to promote healthy mental development and address concerns of your patients with these practice tools and resources.
- VDH and Virginia Specific Mental Health Resources - Resources and contacts for issues with domestic abuse, LGBQT resources, crisis hotlines, and more.
Want to be part of the change?
Be a member of our team and join the Virginia Chapter