Students who have had anxiety and depression even pre-pandemic, particularly those with autism and other disabilities, may feel safer when they are given opportunities to feel in control.

Here are 5 ways to help students—and staff—have less anxiety about returning to school buildings

Interventions may include meeting with the student and parent, letting the student fidget, asking the student for help, offering incentives, and helping find an outside therapist if needed.

Special education teachers, including subs, must meet certain state-set qualification standards, making planning for classroom coverage during COVID particularly challenging.