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I posted a version of this in the current events forum. I wanted to get input from folks here since y'all have an understanding of my fear related to this damn virus.
I work in the school system as a counselor for at risk kids. When the schools moved to distance learning in March we started providing services virtually. Well, students are going back to school. The agency I work for is fine with us continuing to "see" kids virtually. I hit three high risk categories.
Part of me wants to continue virtually. Kids are walking germ factories and have horrible personal hygiene.
An equally sized part of me wants to go into the schools and see my kids face to face. I haven't seen them in person for five months.
Other considerations....
Staff at some of the schools is terrible about social distancing and wearing masks. Kids are not required to wear masks. My state is a current hotbed for the virus. Because of the shutdown the agency is not meeting its contract requirements which puts our jobs at risk. We need to make contact with school personnel to generate referrals and income.
Here is the plan I've come up with. Tell me what you think. The first couple of weeks of any new school year are crazy. This year is worse than usual. I've been reaching out to school contacts by phone and email to let them know I am available. I plan on physically going to the schools the second week of classes. The chaos should be somewhat under control by then. I'll assess whether kids and staff are social distancing, wear masks etc. If things look safe I'll continue school visits. If not it's back to virtual. If things look outlandishly noncompliant I'm going to turn around and leave the building.
Sorry this is so long. Thoughts anyone?
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