DESCRIPTION
The Health & Safety Guidebook is designed for school and district leadership teams planning a safe return to on-site, in-person instruction in a way that maximizes future equity outcomes and addresses the diverse needs of California’s students while continuously adapting to the challenges posed by COVID-19.
The guidelines and considerations presented in the Health & Safety Guidebook are based on the COVID-19 and Reopening In-Person Instruction Framework & Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools in California, 2020-21 School Year, issued by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) on January 14, 2021, and supersedes the COVID-19 Industry Guidance for Schools (August 3, 2020). We have updated the Guidebook to best reflect available public health data at this time, international best practices currently employed, and feedback from school and district leaders on the practical realities of managing school and district operations.
The purpose of this guidebook is to provide rationale, tools, and resources for LEAs to use or adapt in planning for, implementing, and communicating a safe reopening of schools. All decisions about following this guidance should be made in collaboration with local health officials and other authorities. Implementation of this guidance should be tailored for each setting, including adequate consideration of instructional programs at each school site and the needs of students, families, and staff.