Schools and Child Care Programs
Plan, Prepare, and Respond
Operational Strategy for Reopening Schools
Considerations for returning to in-person learning
Implementing Prevention Strategies
To prevent and reduce the spread of COVID-19
On March 2, President Biden announced he is directing all states to prioritize school staff and child care workers for COVID-19 vaccination. He is challenging states to get teachers, school staff, and workers in child care programs their first shot by the end of March. To help states do that, the federal pharmacy program will prioritize vaccinating all school staff and child care workers during the month of March. In addition to their existing state and local COVID-19 vaccination sites, by the end of the week, teachers and staff in pre-K-12 schools and child care programs will be able to sign up for an appointment at over 9,000 pharmacy locations participating in the nationwide program. Check back here for more information as it becomes available.
Returning to In-Person Learning
COVID-19 Mitigation Toolkit
To help schools plan for in-person instruction and ongoing operations: K-12 Mitigation Toolkit pdf icon pdf icon[2 MB, 36 pages]
Get Ready for In-Person Learning
Conduct a 5-step walkthrough with health officials to review mitigation plans: School Walkthrough Guide pdf icon pdf icon[1 MB, 30 pages]
Setting Up Your Classroom
How Do I Set Up My Classroom? pdf icon[1 MB, 7 pages]
Teacher and Staff Checklists
Teachers and Staff Resuming In-Person Learning pdf icon[115 KB, 3 pages] (print only)
- School Nurses and Healthcare Staff
Resources to support their new roles and responsibilities during COVID-19 - Teachers and Staff
Resources for in-person learning, supporting students, self-care, and more - School Nutrition Resources
Prevention tools and information for meal prep and distribution
- K-12 Schools Evaluation
Monitor and evaluate your prevention and control strategies - Case Investigation and Contact Tracing
Working with health departments
Frequently Asked Questions
For administrators, teachers and parents
Protect and prepare your community. Get a COVID-19 vaccine when it is offered to you.
Vaccination for CommunitiesScience Brief
Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 within schools can be limited with strict implementation of layered mitigation strategies, including universal and correct use of masks and physical distancing.
Scientific Brief: Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in K-12 schools