Young Quebec Students Face New Reality as Schools and Daycares Reopen

“What model will the children learn, when teachers tell them not to share a toy, not to touch, another student or a friend”

The province, which accounts for over half of the country’s COVID-19 cases, is Monday morning reopening daycares and elementary schools outside the greater Montreal area.

The step is part of the gradual process of lifting restrictions imposed by the Quebec government to curb the spread of the Novel coronavirus pandemic.

Getting to school might take longer and seem lonelier than normal as school buses are allowed one child per bench with an unoccupied bench in front and behind.

Attendance is not mandatory, classes are limited to 15 students, each student will be assigned to a desk six feet apart, with their own personnel set of school supplies.

However, the young students might not have the same teacher, classroom, or classmates as they had before the shutdown recess period will likewise be staggered.

The students will spend most of their school day, including eating lunch,within the two meter zone as libraries, gyms, art classrooms, and music rooms, will remain shut.

If necessary, staff is only allowed to enter the protective space while wearing personal protective equipment.

While schools and daycares are required to follow public guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting, students will be asked to maintain social distancing and wash their hands frequently.

As young students face a very different ‘world’ when they return to class, parents are questioning the long term impact the new guidelines will have on their children.

“What model will the children learn, when teachers tell them not to share a toy, not to touch, another student or a friend,” asked a parent who requested not to be named. “I’m worried about the long term impact this will have on the children.”

The reopening of elementary schools, daycares and businesses in the greater Montreal area is scheduled for May 25.