The American Academy of Pediatrics released guidance this morning that encourages schools nationwide to enforce universal masking requirements claiming that children will be susceptible to Covid19 come fall and that schools have no way of verifying their vaccine status.
"AAP recommends universal masking because a significant portion of the student population is not yet eligible for vaccines, and masking is proven to reduce transmission of the virus and to protect those who are not vaccinated,” the AAP wrote in a statement. “Many schools will not have a system to monitor vaccine status of students, teachers and staff, and some communities overall have low vaccination uptake where the virus may be circulating more prominently."
Meanwhile, Saturday night, LA County reinstated its mandate that masks be worn by everyone indoors regardless of vaccination status. The county representatives point to concerns about rising positive Covid test results and a need to avoid another surge.
“Masking indoors must again become a normal practice by all, regardless of vaccination status, so that we can stop the trends and level of transmission we are currently seeing,” county officials said in a Thursday newsletter announcing the mandate.
With the school year beginning within weeks in some districts, families are again left to decide the best school choice for their children. While all public school children will be required to mask up, these latest mandates may lead to masking for children as young as two years-old. This would present a new obstacle for children in daycare centers.
Charter Schools, as a part of the public school system, will require their students to wear masks when on campus. While private schools may be immune to these requirements, the cost and impacted enrollment will leave most families struggling to make the leap into a private school seat.
Public schools will still offer distance learning as an alternative to on-campus programs.
However, the quality and effectiveness of virtual schooling has been a serious issue for many students and their parents.
Independent homeschooling remains the most viable alternative for parents who wish to avoid masking their children while also ensuring that their students have a high quality, lively, and student-focused education. By forming co-ops with other families, joining together for park days, field trips, and sports, as well as sharing ideas and curriculum, independent homeschool families offer generous opportunities for academic, social, and physical growth without masking their kids for hours each day.
Organizations such as the California Homeschool Network and the Homeschool Association of California are there to support families new to homeschooling. Blogs such as the Homeschool Mom and Hip Homeschool Moms (and Dads) are constantly updating their sites with resources to help launch a successful year homeschooling. And, of course, the Talega Preparatory Academy is here to serve as your Independent Private School. We make sure that you are meeting all the legal requirements to homeschool in California, provide recommendations for curriculum and other resources, and even offer personal consultations to help you on your way.
Parents, you got this! And, you’ve got lots of help and support too.