--- title: "Proper Pandemic Play: From Pods to Preschools and More" description: As kids move indoors for parties, play, and school, careful measures need to be taken to keep them safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. image: https://blog.pcc.com/hubfs/proper-pandemic-play.png --- - [Request a 1:1 Consult](https://info.pcc.com/consult) - [Brochure](https://www.pcc.com/brochure/) - [Blog](https://blog.pcc.com) - [Client Support](https://support.pcc.com) [![PCC_Horizontal](https://blog.pcc.com/hs-fs/hubfs/PCC%20Logos/PCC_Horizontal.png?width=210&height=62&name=PCC_Horizontal.png)](https://www.pcc.com/) - Our Solution - [Why Choose PCC?](https://www.pcc.com/why-choose-pcc/) - [Financial Management Tools](https://www.pcc.com/financial-management-tools/) - [Clinical Workflow Tools](https://www.pcc.com/clinical-workflow-tools/) - [Mobile Solutions](https://www.pcc.com/mobile-solutions/) - [PCC Interoperability](https://www.pcc.com/interoperability/) - [Technical Support](https://www.pcc.com/technical-support/) - [Personalized Support](https://www.pcc.com/personalized-support/) - [Our Pricing Model](https://www.pcc.com/pricing/) - Our Results - [Pediatric Benchmarks](https://www.pcc.com/pediatric-benchmarks/) - [Client Testimonials](https://www.pcc.com/client-testimonials/) - [Success Stories](https://www.pcc.com/success-stories/) - Learn with PCC - [Overview](https://www.pcc.com/learn/) - [PCCLearn: Knowledgebase](http://learn.pcc.com/) - [PCCTalk: Client Forum](https://www.pcc.com/talk/) - [PCC Protocols Library](http://protocols.pcc.com/) - [PCMH Resources](http://pcmh.pcc.com/index.php/PCC_PCMH_Resources) - [PCC Users’ Conference](https://www.pcc.com/users-conference/) - [Events & Trainings](https://www.pcc.com/events/) - Insights - [Smart Pediatrics Resource Center](https://www.pcc.com/smart-pediatrics-resources/) - [Cost Impact Calculator](https://www.pcc.com/cost-impact-calculator/) - [Does Your Practice Measure Up?](https://www.pcc.com/performance-calculator/) - [PCC Blog](https://www.pcc.com/blog/) - [Chip’s Blog](https://chipsblog.pcc.com/) - [Charting the Future Podcast](https://info.pcc.com/charting-the-future) - About PCC - [Overview](https://www.pcc.com/about/) - [Request a 1:1 Consult](https://info.pcc.com/consult) - [Meet Our Team](https://www.pcc.com/team/) - [Events & Trainings](https://www.pcc.com/events/) - [Careers](https://www.pcc.com/careers/) - [PCC Industry Pros](https://www.pcc.com/industry-pros/) - [Contact Us](https://www.pcc.com/contact-us/) [patient engagement](https://blog.pcc.com/tag/patient-engagement) # Proper Pandemic Play: From Pods to Preschools and More The COVID-19 pandemic has affected many families’ usual activities, and as states continue to adjust to safety measures, families will need to adjust, too. Schools, parents, and pediatricians will need more resources and support than ever to support kids’ physical safety and mental health as children return to indoor sports and families begin exploring what it means to safely play together again. ## **Safety in Schools** Safety for kids in school, if they attend in person, will depend on clear and supportive relationships between schools, parents, and pediatricians to reduce the spread of COVID-19. [The AAP’s position](https://services.aap.org/en/pages/2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19-infections/clinical-guidance/covid-19-planning-considerations-return-to-in-person-education-in-schools/) is that schools should begin with the goal of in-person learning in schools. As such, flexibility and consistency are key in sanitization, safety, and learning measures at your community’s schools. Your pediatric practice will have an important role, both as part of the team contributing to safe plans for individual children with complex medical needs, and as mentors for the health and safety of all children. Your goals as a practice should be: - To collaborate with school nurse staff to: support patients with complex medical needs; isolate and treat students with COVID-19 symptoms; respond to possible outbreaks at the school. - To encourage equal access to in-person and remote resources for all children, taking educational and technological access into consideration - To encourage and support access to nutritious meals for families via a school program or federal programs such as SNAP and WIC - To assist in developing safety measures appropriate to children’s developmental stages (e.g., cohort groups for kindergarten, masks and desk distancing for high school students) - To emphasize that safety measures for adult staff and teachers, such as masks and distancing, are **as important** as measures for kids, as there is [increasing evidence](https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/146/2/e2020004879) that adults transmit COVID-19 more easily between one another than children do to adults - To assist in developing care plans for sick children that allow them access to learning without undue risk of transmission to others - To support children’s mental health needs as they adjust to shifts in learning at school It is normal that some kids will struggle with school this year, especially if they have had mostly remote learning this year. By working with schools to ensure physical, emotional, and mental health needs are accounted for at school, your practice can help coordinate care that ensures resources are available as soon as a child needs them. ## **Safe Play: Indoors and Out** As families tire of pandemic restrictions, pediatricians are noting that [more families are gathering together for play dates](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/24/parenting/family-gatherings-coronavirus.html?searchResultPosition=1). While this is great for pressured parents and energized kids, it’s still  important to encourage vigilance to keep everyone safe, especially indoors. If you or a parent is concerned about the spread of COVID-19 in your community, you can cover the basics in almost any visit type. Are kids over 2 wearing masks? How often does the family wash their hands? Do they have access to masks and hand sanitizer? Beyond these concerns, you might discuss [the “pod” system](https://www.chla.org/blog/health-and-safety-tips/what-you-need-know-about-pandemic-pods): - Pods are groups of families who limit non-distanced interactions to *only one another* - Some experts recommend no more than 12 people across 3 individual households - Appropriate pod partners will have similar standards and values around wearing masks, washing hands, vaccination, and other safety measures - Pods may be helpful for balancing social needs and parenting demands between families, especially those working or learning remotely Indoors or out, families should be sure to sanitize any public playgrounds, toys, or play areas that may have been touched by other people. Older kids who want to visit friends should understand *both* households’ rules around safety. The key factor in successful pods or social gatherings is trust, safety, and communication. Finally, if parents have concerns about their child’s play, whether it’s a case of too much Roblox or refusal to wear a mask, success in returning to safe play centers around open communication between families and with your practice to ensure safe habits for everyone. ## **Safe Holidays and Gatherings** Families will naturally want to gather together around holidays and celebrations, yet as the public health circumstances continue to shift, many gatherings may look different this year. Your practice can help parents by offering guidance on safety, as well as support in the face of disappointments. Help families organize safe holiday celebrations by recommending virtual events and parties organized by local businesses or between friends and families. Outdoor public gatherings are safe when everyone wears a mask and practices social distancing. Food is also an important part of any celebration, but families should take care around shared dishes or treats (such as Halloween candy) in favor of individual servings. The AAP’s healthychildren.org has great resources for families looking to [celebrate Halloween safely](https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/COVID-19/Pages/Halloween-COVID-Safety-Tips.aspx) together. As more winter celebrations approach, similar measures for virtual fun may be in order if families can’t gather outside. It’s natural for kids to feel disappointed if their favorite activity or celebration is changed or cancelled. Parents and pediatricians can give them a sense of control by letting them choose safe in-person or virtual activities for their families to enjoy. ## **Sports, Teams, Clubs, and Activities** The decision to return to sports, teams, clubs, and other supplemental activities, if they are offered, is ultimately up to parents. However, your practice can help families weigh risks and take a measured approach to returning their child to their favorite activity. As in any other gathering, in deciding to allow a child back to their preferred activity, families should weigh local COVID-19 activity rates, their child’s individual needs, the presence of a person with high risk in the household, and the activity’s relative safety (indoor or outdoor location, shared equipment, sanitization measures). Reducing the risk for clubs and teams will require commitment by members and athletes as well as coaches and families. The CDC’s public health safety guidelines for masks and social distancing apply, and the AAP also has more insights on [safety when returning to sports](https://services.aap.org/en/pages/2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19-infections/clinical-guidance/covid-19-interim-guidance-return-to-sports/). ## **Commonly Asked Questions** Pediatricians are facing a lot of common questions from parents and schools regarding how to best keep kids safe while learning and playing. Here are some of the more common questions and answers from [AAP guidelines.](https://services.aap.org/en/pages/2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19-infections/clinical-guidance/covid-19-planning-considerations-return-to-in-person-education-in-schools/) Please note that every state’s and school system’s regulations will be different, so you should become equally familiar with your local requirements. - When should a child be removed from an activity or school? - What are the quarantine guidelines if a child is tested for COVID-19? - What are the guidelines for returning to play if a parent cannot or does not want their child to be tested for COVID-19? - What should schools be doing to encourage safety? What should they be asking of pediatricians? - What should be done in the event of an outbreak at school, an activity, or gathering? While every adult in their lives considers ways to keep children safe as the pandemic progresses, there is comfort to be had in that no matter the restrictions, kids at play nearly always manage to have a great time! By basing your conversations on practical guidelines and empathy for kids and their families, your practice can guide your community to the safe habits and practices that will keep kids safe as they play, gather, and celebrate together.  For continued guidance on all things COVID-19, be sure to visit [PCC’s COVID-19 Links and Resources](https://learn.pcc.com/help/covid-19-links-and-resources/) page to get the latest information about safely caring for patients at your practice. [![PCC's Latest COVID-19 Resources](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/373774/f6a17989-a8d2-4d9e-89d3-b8911db7f95f.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/373774/f6a17989-a8d2-4d9e-89d3-b8911db7f95f) ## Allie Squires ![](https://blog.pcc.com/hubfs/Copied%20Assets/Pivot%20-%20Related%20Articles%20Slider/line-blog.png) Allie Squires is PCC's Marketing Content Writer. She received a Master's of Science in Professional Writing from NYU and resides in Vermont with her partner. She most enjoys writing stories that connect pediatricians' work with their goals for the future. ## You might also like ## [Boost Immunization Rates with Effective Pediatric Vaccine Recall ![](https://blog.pcc.com/hubfs/Copied%20Assets/Pivot%20-%20Related%20Articles%20Slider/line-blog.png) Pediatric practices are navigating a new and urgent challenge: massive shifts in federal Medicaid.. 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Allie Squires on Sep 18, 2024 [Read More](https://blog.pcc.com/the-doctor-will-text-you-now-best-practices-for-texts-dms-and-more)](https://blog.pcc.com/the-doctor-will-text-you-now-best-practices-for-texts-dms-and-more) ## [Using your EHR to Fight Absenteeism in Schools ![](https://blog.pcc.com/hubfs/Copied%20Assets/Pivot%20-%20Related%20Articles%20Slider/line-blog.png) [Up to 13% of all children](https://www.aei.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Long-COVID-for-Public-Schools.pdf?x91208) miss 15 or more school days each year. After the COVID-19 pandemic,..](https://blog.pcc.com/using-your-ehr-to-fight-absenteeism-in-schools) Allie Squires on Sep 04, 2024 [Read More](https://blog.pcc.com/using-your-ehr-to-fight-absenteeism-in-schools) ### Ready to improve your performance? Contact us today. You'll discover how easily your numbers can improve when you have the right EHR, and a dedicated pediatric-focused support team, on your side. 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