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Keeping Healthy and Safe: Smaller Group Sizes

Young children are attending programs that may have smaller groups or different groups. Adults can support them with simple explanations, visual supports, and practice.

  • Provide a Simple Explanation
    Use simple phrases, such as “Your group is smaller or different now so that people can have room to spread out. This helps us keep our germs to ourselves.”
  • Use Visual Supports
    Post individual pictures of all the children in a class or group.
  • Set Them Up for Success
    Support children who talk about friends who are no longer in their group. Encourage them to draw pictures for them or write letters to them.
  • Provide Practice and Encouragement
    Play name games to help children learn the names of everyone in the current group.
  • The opinions, resources, and referrals provided on the IEL Web site are intended for informational purposes only and are not intended to take the place of medical or legal advice, or of other appropriate services. We encourage you to seek direct local assistance from a qualified professional if necessary before taking action.

Reviewed: 2020