In-person learning not an option for all families

With fears of students falling behind and parents needing to get back to work, sending children back to school is a needed relief for many families, but for some, that isn’t an option.

“I love making new friends,” said Leah Shwedel, who will be going into the first grade.

Making friends is one reason Leah can’t wait for her first day.

“And at some point, I’m going to jump out of my seat and rush out of the class and make a new friend,” she said.

But in the age of social distancing, Leah’s mom Jessica worries that her daughter’s extroverted nature puts her at risk.

“They want to touch each other, they love being near one another. Especially my daughter,” Jessica said.

That’s not the only reason she worries.

“Our daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of five.”

Because of that, “I’m staying home, staying home, staying home, staying home,” Leah said.

“Because she is vulnerable, we just felt like at this time, it’s not worth the risk of sending her back to school,” Jessica said.

Lee Health pediatrician Dr. Thomas Schiller agrees.

“If you have a child who has a higher risk of COVID-19, being hurt from it, take the option of staying home if you’re able to,” he said.

Schiller said he believes that if you can’t keep your child home, the odds are still in your favor.

“In general, when kids get COVID, it’s much more mild, even if they have asthma or diabetes or a chronic disease.”

The Shwedels won’t play the odds.

“The good reason is that I’m home and safe from the coronavirus. And the bad reason is I’m kind of going to miss seeing my friends,” Leah said.

When it’s safe, Jessica promises Leah can see her friends again.

The decision of whether to send your child to school isn’t only for their safety. Schiller said if you have a vulnerable adult living at home, you should factor that into your decision-making as well.