In person schools are essential for meeting the social emotional needs of children during the pandemic. The AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) strongly advocates for schools to have students presently in school, as there is evidence that the academic, mental and physical benefits outweigh the risks of coronavirus. The risks have already been documented from children having classes at home rather than in person, including but not limited to social isolation, and they fall behind academically, as virtual learning often makes it difficult for teachers to adjust their teaching methods to fit the needs of children. Dr Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, also believes that closing schools is not always necessary. Children not in person schools lose access to socializing with peers, which puts them behind compared to children who are learning in person. They do not learn the necessary groundwork for learning how to process their emotions correctly, feeling and showing empathy for others, and establishing and maintaining positive relationships. This is especially true for young children, as preschool is especially important for assisting with early social emotional development.