What does the American Academy of Pediatrics and CDC say about school reopenings? Californians say YES to masks
American Academy of Pediatrics Advice
They have agreed that it's very important for the kids to return to the classroom but have recommended that any child over 2 and any teachers should both be wearing masks to ensure the environment is as safe as possible.
“We need to prioritize getting children back into schools alongside their friends and their teachers ... and we all play a role in making sure it happens safely,” said Sonja O’Leary, chair of the AAP Council on School Health
They have stressed that combining layers of protection, masks, washing hands, vaccinations, and an overall increase in personal hygiene, will make in-person learning safer for everyone.
CDC Requirements in California as of July 20, 2021
Some good news first, vaccinated people do not need to wear masks as often as unvaccinated people.
For vaccinated people in the following settings, they are still required to wear a mask; when on public transit, in healthcare settings (including long-term care facilities) indoors in K-12 schools, childcare, and other youth settings.
For unvaccinated people, wearing masks is still mandatory in all of the above-mentioned areas, but the requirement to wear masks also extends to; public areas, restaurants, theaters, family entertainment centers, and public local government offices.
CDC Exceptions in California as of July 20, 2021
The following individuals are exempt from wearing masks at all times; children under two years old (due to the risk of suffocation).
Those with a medical condition, a mental health condition, or a disability that precludes wearing a mask, including those where wearing a mask could obstruct breathing.
Further exceptions include those who are unable to remove a mask without assistance, people for whom seeing the mouth is essential for communication, and people for when wearing a mask would create risk as they work.
California Mom: Jenny, SF
"I've been really worried about my daughter going back to school. However, the report from the CDC, and then the American Academy of Pediatrics agreeing with it has really put my mind at ease!
When she goes back to school, all the teachers and students will now be wearing masks around her. If they weren't, I would have been very worried!
For back-to-school masks, my favorite has to be Crayola! They come in cute little packs of 5 which makes. They are super easy to clean and comfortable on her face."
California Mom: Jenny, SF
"I've been really worried about my daughter going back to school. However, the report from the CDC, and then the American Academy of Pediatrics agreeing with it has really put my mind at ease!
When she goes back to school, all the teachers and students will now be wearing masks around her. If they weren't, I would have been very worried!
For back-to-school masks, my favorite has to be Crayola! They come in cute little packs of 5 which makes. They are super easy to clean and comfortable on her face."
California Mom: Emily, LA
"My family means everything to me. The health of my boys has really been playing on my mind since the beginning of this. I've been hoping the CDC keeps measures in place to ensure they are safe.
When the CDC confirmed, and the American Academy of Pediatrics released its advice too, it certainly made the thought of sending the kids back to school [knowing there would be stricter measures] much less concerning!
For back-to-school masks, we bought Crayola last year in the beginning and have continued ever since. They had a great 3D fit, fun colors, and soft ear loops!"
California Mom: Emily, LA
"My family means everything to me. The health of my boys has really been playing on my mind since the beginning of this. I've been hoping the CDC keeps measures in place to ensure they are safe.
When the CDC confirmed, and the American Academy of Pediatrics released its advice too, it certainly made the thought of sending the kids back to school [knowing there would be stricter measures] much less concerning!
For back-to-school masks, we bought Crayola last year in the beginning and have continued ever since. They had a great 3D fit, fun colors, and soft ear loops!"
6 Advised Mask Features
Nose Clip
Soft and Breathable
Name Tags
Adjustable Beads
Stretchy Ear Straps
Butterfly Stitching
A Secure-fit and Adjustable Design Prevents Fidgeting
When a kid's mask doesn't fit properly (ie. too loose), kids are likely to get distracted by trying to fix it. This means during school hours, your kid's focus might be more on their mask staying on their face than the lesson at hand.
Masks such as Crayola have adjustable ear straps, a 3D face shape, and nose wire, these 3 design elements work together so your child can customize their fit to their comfort level. A secure fit means the mask will stay in place, instead of falling off their nose and face.
The ear straps are also adjustable, this means kids can also loosen them to relieve ear tension at any point during the day.
A Secure-fit and Adjustable Design Prevents Fidgeting
When a kid's mask doesn't fit properly (ie. too loose), kids are likely to get distracted by trying to fix it. This means during school hours, your kid's focus might be more on their mask staying on their face than the lesson at hand.
Masks such as Crayola have adjustable ear straps, a 3D face shape, and nose wire, these 3 design elements work together so your child can customize their fit to their comfort level. A secure fit means the mask will stay in place, instead of falling off their nose and face.
The ear straps are also adjustable, this means kids can also loosen them to relieve ear tension at any point during the day.
A Color-Coded, Daily System Ensures Good Hygiene
Having a mask system that includes 5 unique-color kid's masks, so you can easily tell which masks have already been worn, and which masks are still clean is the safest way to avoid cross-contamination. Each mask should also include a spot on the inside of the masks for kids to write their names, so they don't mix them up with others.
For ease of care, the masks should come comes with a mesh laundry bag, that can be used to store worn masks until they're ready to be cleaned. You can then, simply toss the laundry bag into the wash and wash normally to clean them for the next week.
The combination of all ensures great fit and protection for the wearer.
A Color-Coded, Daily System Ensures Good Hygiene
Having a mask system that includes 5 unique-color kid's masks, so you can easily tell which masks have already been worn, and which masks are still clean is the safest way to avoid cross-contamination. Each mask should also include a spot on the inside of the masks for kids to write their names, so they don't mix them up with others.
For ease of care, the masks should come comes with a mesh laundry bag, that can be used to store worn masks until they're ready to be cleaned. You can then, simply toss the laundry bag into the wash and wash normally to clean them for the next week.
The combination of all ensures great fit and protection for the wearer.
