TK-12 Schools

• All schools in California must comply with policies established by the State Public Health Officer and the California Department of Education. In Los Angeles, schools must also be in compliance with the employee and student safety and infection control outlines in the Reopening Protocols for K-12 Schools in order to move towards in-person instruction.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Safe Schools for All information page outlines the current requirements for reopening schools for in-person instruction. These requirements are in line with the State of California Safe School for All Initiative which provides a path for a phased return to in-person instruction, followed by ongoing safe in-person instruction. The Safe Schools for All framework replaces the prior elementary school waiver application and approval process, which is now permanently retired. Note: all waiver approvals previously granted by Los Angeles County Department of Public Health still remain in effect.

• Small cohorts of students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), children who are English Learners (EL), and students needing assessments and/or specialized services can be served in-person. Complete the TK-12 Education in Person Support and Services Notification Form prior to start of services. Instructions on how to complete the form are here.
• Guidance is available on the California Department of Public Health website for important additional details for the implementation of cohorts.
• TK-12 schools that have submitted their Specialized Services Notification Form are listed here.

• The protocol for programs providing day care for school-aged children applies to all programs, including Early Care and Education Programs (ECE) programs, and other programs providing day care for school-aged children before, during or after normal school hours. Any site providing child care to school-aged children that is not already licensed to do so, must contact the California Department of Social Services Child Care Regional Office to confirm their exemption from licensure requirements or to request a waiver of licensure. Search for your local Child Care Regional Office here. Find additional information about conditions to qualify for a waiver from child care licensure requirements in the recent Provider Information Notice. Schools that are currently offering child care services for school-aged children or are planning to start must file a notification with Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

• The requirements in this guidance are specific to Youth Sports Programs permitted to be open by the Order of the State Public Health Officer. In addition to the conditions imposed on these specific programs by the Governor, these types of programs must also be in compliance with the conditions laid out in this Reopening Protocol for Youth Sports Leagues. This protocol applies to recreational youth sports leagues, club sports, travel sports, and sports sponsored by private and public schools serving students in TK-12 schools.

• The requirement that schools provide oral health assessments prior to school and vision and hearing screening and referrals, as needed, continue to be in effect for the 2020–21 school year. The Onsite School Health Assessments document offers guidance on how to provide on-site assessments in a manner which will help to keep staff and children healthy and prevent the spread of infection.

• This Exposure Management Plan (EMP) for K-12 Schools details action steps to take after you have identified a COVID-19 positive case in your facility. Immediate implementation of an exposure management plan after identifying a single case of COVID-19 at the TK-12 campus can accelerate the ability to contain spread of COVID-19 and prevent that single case from becoming an outbreak at the site. This short training video walks you through the elements of COVID-19 exposure management in your facility.

K-12 School Institutions are required to notify the Department of Public Health of employees and students with confirmed COVID-19 at the site. To complete this education sector reporting requirement, the K-12 Institute should use the reporting method described below to provide information on (1) students and staff with confirmed COVID-19 who were on campus at any point within the 14 days prior to the illness onset date and (2) persons at the institution who were exposed to the infected person during the infectious period. The illness onset date is the first date of COVID-19 symptoms or the COVID-19 test date, whichever is earlier. All case notifications should be submitted within 1 business day of being notified of the case.

• Online reporting: Secure online reporting is the preferred method for notifying the Department of Public Health of COVID-19 exposures and can be done on a computer or mobile device with access to the secure REDCap web application: http://www.redcap.link/lacdph.educationsector.covidreport.
  
  • This training video walks you through the process of submitting an online report for COVID-19 cases and contacts at your Institution.
• Excel line list: If online reporting is not possible, reporting can be done manually by downloading and completing the COVID-19 Case and Contact Line List for the Education Sector and sending it securely to ACDC-Education@ph.lacounty.gov.
  
  • This training video walks you through the process of filling out the Excel COVID-19 Case and Contact Line List for reporting to DPH.
• Data dictionary
• This data dictionary describes each of the variables being collected as part of the education sector reporting requirement.

• Notification Letter Guides
  • These model letters are designed to assist with communication to parents, students and staff following identification of a COVID-19 positive case or a person with suspected COVID-19 in your facility. The three template letters can be tailored to your facility's needs. The first is a general notification letter to the school community notifying of a positive case at the site. This letter is not required but recommended to keep the community informed. The second is a notification letter to close contacts of an individual with confirmed COVID-19. It is required to notify close contacts (or a parent/guardian of a child who was a close contact) of their exposure. The third is a notification letter to close contacts of an individual suspected of having COVID-19 based on symptoms but is awaiting confirmation of disease. This letter is not required but can be used should you choose to notify individuals (or a parent/guardian of a child who was a close contact) of their potential exposure.
• Exposure Notice
  • This exposure notice is intended to make people identified as a close contact of a person with COVID-19 aware that they have been in close contact with a person positive for COVID-19.

• Isolation
  • Health Officer Order
    • When someone has been diagnosed with COVID-19 they are required by law to isolate themself to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The legal authority to require isolation as well as immediate actions to take after a diagnosis are described in the Health Officer Order for Isolation. Additional languages can be found here.
  • Isolation Instructions
    • The steps required to comply with the Health Officer Order concerning isolation after a COVID-19 diagnosis is discussed in the instructions for home isolation. Public Health specialists will call each person diagnosed with COVID-19 to explain the isolation order and answer questions.
• Quarantine
  • Health Officer Order
    • When someone has been in close contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19 (or has symptoms but has not yet been tested or does not yet have test results) they are required by law to quarantine themself to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The legal authority to require quarantine as well as immediate actions to take after having close contact with a COVID-19 positive person is discussed in the Health Officer Order for Quarantine. Additional languages can be found here.
  • Quarantine Instructions
    • When someone has been in close contact with a person with COVID-19 they are required by law to quarantine themself to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The steps to take following close contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19 are outlined in the instructions for home quarantine. Public Health specialists will call all close contacts to explain the quarantine order and answer any questions.

• COVID-19 Vaccine
  • This Los Angeles County Public Health website provides information on the COVID-19 vaccine, including how to get the vaccine in Los Angeles County, vaccine safety, authorized vaccines, data, and information for providers.
• Employee and Student Screening
  • This screening guidance from Los Angeles County Public Health describes actions to take after an employee or student is determined to have symptoms during the screening process or develops symptoms while at the school facility.
  • This document on Screening K-12 Students for Symptoms of COVID-19 from the CDC provides guidance to TK-12 schools on COVID-19 symptom screening as part of a school reopening process. Additional languages are available to choose from at the top of the document.
• Guidance for Masks
  • This guidance for masks provides public health information on how members of the general public can effectively use masks when they need to leave their home to obtain essential goods or services. It is important to note that face coverings must be paired with physical distancing and frequent handwashing – they are not a substitute for the additional measures.
• Physical (Social) Distancing
  • Public Health protocol calls for the practice of social distancing (also known as physical distancing) outside the home. This means making changes in our daily lives, outlined in this guidance, to protect ourselves and others, including those who are most at risk.
• Traveling During the COVID-19 Pandemic
  • This travel advisory provides up to date travel information during the COVID-19 pandemic. Travel increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19. Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. If you must travel, don't travel if you are sick or if you have been around someone with COVID-19 in the past 14 days. Don't travel with someone who is sick. For international travel visit the CDC COVID-19 Travel Recommendations by Destination before planning your trip.
• Air Quality and Outside Activity
  • This guidance from the EPA lists considerations for outdoors activities at each air quality index rating. Current air quality information can be found here.

• Caring for Children with COVID-19
  • This guidance is for people caring for children who have symptoms consistent with COVID-19. Your child may or may not have been tested for the virus and if they were tested, you may or may not yet have the results. Even so, given the number of people who are infected, a child with symptoms like those of COVID-19 should be cared for just like a confirmed case.
• Maintaining Your Immunization Scheduling During the COVID-19 Pandemic
  • This resource, in the form of frequently asked questions, provides information about how to ensure children receive their routine immunizations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• COVID-19 Information for Individuals and Households
  • This resource provides guidance for individuals and families to follow to prevent exposure to COVID-19. It includes tips for families with children as well as resources for food and other necessities available to all during the pandemic. Additional languages can be found here.
• Access to Healthcare Services
  • Families who need health benefits can learn about comprehensive free and low-cost health coverage here.
• LA County COVID-19 Supportive Services
• LA County is committed to supporting vulnerable communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The resources here include programs for rental relief, food assistance, access to healthcare and other services.
• LA City COVID-19 Services for LA City Residents
• This resource provides the latest information and resources available to Los Angeles City residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Resources for supportive programs for residents, families, workers, renters, immigrants, businesses and other services are listed here.
• Information for Immigrants
• The Los Angeles County Department of Immigrant Affairs provides answers to common questions regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Since some immigrants are afraid that getting tested or treated will affect their immigration status, this site provides guidance on testing and treatment, regardless of immigration status.

• Cleaning and Disinfection Matrix:
  • It's important to ensure that cleaning practices in your facility are sufficient to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This guidance provides recommendations on the cleaning and disinfection of rooms or areas. These guidelines are focused on non-healthcare facilities such as schools, institutions, offices, daycare centers, businesses, and community centers that do not house persons overnight.
• Guidance for Custodial Staff
  • This guidance is for custodial staff providing cleaning services in public places. It does NOT replace routine cleaning and disinfection procedures but provides additional information to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses like COVID-19. Following cleaning guidelines assures that the facilities are cleaned effectively, while properly protecting custodial staff.

• COVID-19 Testing Guidance
  • This website provides information on the basics of COVID-19 testing, the different types of diagnostic viral tests and antibody tests, when testing is recommended, and what the results mean. It is important to note that this information will change and evolve so be sure to check this website for updates.
• COVID-19 County Testing Plan
  • The purpose of this document is to explain the County's strategy for testing to detect current COVID-19 infection. Note, it does not discuss the use of serology (antibody) tests which cannot be used alone to diagnose current infection.
• LA County Test Sites
  • Find out where you can access appointments for free testing in LA County.

• If shared rides are commonplace at your educational setting please refer to this guidance for steps to ensure that both drivers and riders remain healthy. You may also refer to the K-12 protocol for guidance assuring safety on school busses and for children using other modes of transportation to attend school.

• COVID-19 FAQs
  • These frequently asked questions provide background information about COVID-19 including how to identify symptoms, get tested and prevent the spread of the virus.

• School Reopening FAQs
  • The answers to these frequently asked questions address common concerns for planning and responding to COVID-19 in the education setting.
• School and Childcare FAQs
  • These frequently asked questions, aimed at administrators, teachers and parents provide information about COVID-19 and considerations for re-opening.

• Health and Safety During COVID-19
  • This web page provides helpful resources for districts and schools in preparing for and handling COVID-19.
• Strategic Communications Planning
  • The Los Angeles County Office of Education developed this toolkit to support the region’s 80 TK-12 districts in their communication with stakeholders. Included are templates for messages on a variety of topics pertinent to COVID-19 and school reopening.

• Emotional Wellbeing During a Pandemic
  • The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH) supports the wellbeing of every member of our communities. The COVID-19 information home provides mental health resources for LA County residents. LACDMH's 24/7 Help Line at (800) 854-7771 is available to provide mental health support, resources and referrals.
• Free Headspace Subscription
  • LACDMH has partnered with Headspace to offer a collection of mindfulness and meditation resources - for free - to all LA County residents. The free Headspace Plus subscription includes access to hundreds of science-backed guided meditations in English and Spanish, as well as movement and sleep exercises to help manage stress, fear and anxiety related to COVID-19.
• Free Mental Health Resources
  • LACDMH is also a part of PsychHub's COVID-19 Mental Health Resource Hub, which is dedicated to providing free resources to help people address their mental health needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• TK-12 Reopening Guidance
  • CDPH developed consolidated guidance for K-12 schools, the COVID-19 Reopening In-Person Instruction Framework & Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools in California. New evidence about COVID-19 transmission, including variations by age, and the effectiveness of disease control and mitigation strategies continues to emerge regularly. Recommendations regarding in-person school reopening and closure should be based on the available evidence as well state and local disease trends.
• California's Safe Schools for All Plan
  • In January 2021, the State of California launched their Safe Schools for All initiative to provide the support and accountability to establish a clear path to minimize in-school transmissions and enable, first, a phased return to in-person instruction, and then ongoing safe in-person instruction. The Safe Schools For All Hub consolidates key resources and information related to COVID-19 and schools. New resources will be added to the Hub on a routine basis.

• Coronavirus Response and School Reopening Guidance
  • This webpage provides information and resources regarding CDE's COVID-19 response efforts, including the guidance document for safely reopening schools for the 20-21 school year.
• COVID-19 School Closures and Services to Students with Disabilities
  • Governor Newsom signed Executive Order N-26-20 requiring the California Department of Education (CDE) to issue guidance on several topics, including ensuring students with disabilities (SWD) receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE) consistent with their individualized education program (IEP) and meeting other procedural requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and California law. This guidance provides additional information based on questions received by the CDE in recent weeks.

• This page provides links to general information about COVID-19 and resources and special educational supportive services for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

• Safely Making California
  • A partnership between the California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA), Autodesk, and the State of California has created the "Safely Making California" Marketplace to help fill a critical gap for all sectors during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program will connect CMTA member manufacturers and other manufacturers to employers who have the need to purchase non-medical grade Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

• Schools and Childcare Guidance Website
  • This link provides access to the CDC landing page for school and childcare guidance. From here, you can navigate to all available education and childcare related guidance that CDC offers.
• TK-12 Reopening Guidance
  • This guidance is intended to aid school administrators as they consider how to protect the health, safety, and wellbeing of students, teachers, other school staff, their families, and communities and prepare for educating students this fall.
• Coping with Stress
  • The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic may be stressful for students, staff and the school community. Fear and anxiety about a new disease and what could happen can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Coping with stress in a healthy way will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger.