Safety and Security Guidelines for K-12 Schools 5th Edition. At a minimum, the assessment process will address the following: Safety and Security of Buildings and Grounds School Procedures/Guidelines Additionally, some children may develop the rare but serious condition associated with COVID-19 called Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C). Pursue options to convene sporting events and participate in. If you have a concern about your child's safety in school, raise it to your child's teacher and principal. Advise students, teachers, staff, and families of home isolation and quarantine criteria. Review your family's walking safety rules and practice walking to school … Examine the accessibility of information and resources to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and maintain healthy environments and determine whether they are culturally relevant, in plain language, and available in appropriate languages and accessible formats. Leave policies should also account for employees who need to stay home with their children if there are school or childcare closures, or to care for sick family members. Back-to-school doesn't have to mean back-to-worrying. Use them with care. As our knowledge and understanding of COVID-19 evolves, this guidance may change. Keep each child’s belongings separated from others’ and in individually labeled containers, cubbies, or areas. Clear masks are not face shields. If disposable items are not feasible or desirable, ensure that all non-disposable food service items and equipment are handled by staff with gloves and washed with dish soap and hot water or in a dishwasher. Whether children walk, ride their bicycle or take the bus to school, it is extremely important that they take proper safety precautions. Actively encourage staff and students who are sick or who have recently had. Image source: Pixabay 11. Serve individually plated or pre-packaged. Step 2: Define Behaviors. should be involved in the development of the Emergency Operations Plans (EOP). (15, 16) There are several mitigation strategies that schools may implement while providing this critical service to their students. Further open minimum outdoor air dampers to reduce or eliminate HVAC air recirculation. proper use, removal, and washing of masks. The risk for hybrid and in-person learning can be lowered depending on the mitigation strategies put in place and the extent to which they are followed. Schools share many of the same hazards commonly seen in … Develop a schedule for increased, routine cleaning. Encourage students, faculty and staff who use public transportation or ride sharing to follow CDC guidance on how to protect yourself when using Additionally, encourage them to commute during less busy times and clean their hands as soon as possible after their trip. Pupils should be safe in school and when undertaking out of school activities. For service dogs, however, the benefits of having the dog in the classroom for a particular student or staff member can outweigh the risks for infection. Students, teachers, and staff with severe asthma or other breathing difficulties. Carry pens, pencils and other sharp objects down and be protected. Students, teachers, and staff who have been close contacts (within 6 feet for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a period of 24 hours) of someone with COVID-19 should not return to in-person school until they have completed their quarantine. For information about who is at increased risk, visit People at Increased Risk. This plan should be developed in collaboration with state and local public health departments; school nurses, parents, caregivers, and guardians; student leaders; community members; and other relevant partners. The considerations detailed here are intended only for students in K-12 school settings. Ensure adequate supplies to minimize sharing of high touch materials to the extent possible (e.g., assigning each student their own art supplies, equipment) or limit use of supplies and equipment by one group of children at a time. The many benefits of in-person schooling should be weighed against the risks of spreading COVID-19 in the school and community. These critical communications should be accessible to individuals with disabilities and limited English proficiency. Don't let the school year end without knowing the answers to these 2 important questions. The virus that causes COVID-19 can sometimes be spread through the air by airborne transmission or through touching contaminated surfaces or objects. If you feel your child is being bullied—or bullying—make sure to also get the name of the school's Respect for All (RFA) representative. Check filters to ensure they are within service life and appropriately installed. Monitor absenteeism of students and employees, cross-train staff, and create a roster of trained back-up staff. As communities in the United States consider how to safely re-open K-12 school buildings for in-person learning and activities and keep them open, CDC offers updated considerations for mitigation strategies that school administrators can use to help protect students, teachers, and staff and slow the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19. Administrators can discuss with student’s parents or guardians or the staff member, as well as teachers, the school nurse and the staff or student’s healthcare provider, and make decisions to allow service dogs in the classroom on a case-by-case basis. Back to School Safety Tips for Drivers Head Up, Phone Down School days bring congestion: School buses are picking up their passengers, kids on bikes are hurrying to get to school before the bell rings, harried parents are trying to drop their kids off before work. These critical communications should be accessible to individuals with disabilities and limited English proficiency. The safety committee should include the Principal/Head Master, PTA authority, staff and student representatives and ward members. CDC’s, Conduct training virtually or ensure that. This means that students, families, teachers, school staff, and all community members take actions to protect themselves and others where they live, work, learn, and play. In addition, behavioral therapists or local mental health or behavioral health agencies may be able to provide consultation for specific concerns. Receive book suggestions, reading tips, educational activities, and great deals. While the number of children who have been hospitalized with COVID-19 has been low compared with adults, one-third of hospitalized children with COVID-19 have been admitted to the intensive care unit.6 Most deaths in the U.S. from COVID-19 are among adults; however, children in the United States have died from COVID-19.7. School officials should make decisions about school opening and about staying open for in-person learning based on CDC’s Indicators for Dynamic Decision-making. Consider ventilation system upgrades or improvements and other steps to increase the delivery of clean air and dilute potential contaminants in the school. 12. For detailed information on when students who have symptoms of COVID-19 can return to in-person school, visit Screening K-12 Students for Symptoms of COVID-19: Limitations and Considerations. Ensure children do not share food or utensils. Behavioral techniques can help all students, adjust to changes in routines and take preventive actions. Most children and adolescents with the virus that causes COVID-19 have mild symptoms and some have no symptoms at all.2-4 The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar in adults and children and can look like other common illnesses, such as colds, strep throat, influenza, or allergies.2-4 Children, like adults, who are infected but have no symptoms can still spread the virus to others.5 For more information on symptoms of COVID-19 in children, visit COVID-19 in Children and Teens. Implementation should be guided by what is feasible, practical, acceptable, and tailored to the needs of each community. Social distancing and isolating at school may be difficult for many people with disabilities. Reference key resources on emergency preparedness while reviewing, updating, and implementing the EOP. The profile of symptoms associated with COVID-19 remains under study and will be updated as warranted by research findings. There is no single action that will, by itself, make our . If possible, install touchless payment methods (pay without touching money, a card, or a keypad). Provincial School-Police Guidelines School safety is a shared responsibility that requires cooperation, collaboration and communication. Implementing these actions in schools will reduce the risk of in-school spread of COVID-19 regardless of the underlying community burden – with risk being the lowest if community spread is low and proven mitigation strategies are implemented consistently. The temporary shutdown or reduced operation of schools and reductions in normal water use can create hazards for returning students and staff. Teachers should be able to take pupils on exciting school trips that broaden their horizons. Schools are essential to meeting the nutritional needs of children with many consuming up to half their daily calories at school. School Safety and Security Manual - Best Practices Guidelines The manual provides schools with additional guidance for establishing plans, procedures and mechanisms for responding to emergencies and crises, in accordance with N.J.A.C. Follow the school isolation protocol outlined in Screening K-12 Students for Symptoms of COVID-19: Limitations and Considerations when student develops symptoms of an infectious illness. In general, the risk of spread of COVID-19 in schools increases across the continuum of virtual, hybrid, to in-person learning. Services provided may include assistance with activities of daily living, access to health services, and more. Consider postponing or canceling upcoming. Notify health officials and close contacts, What to do if a Student Becomes Sick Flowchart, Plan for accommodations, modifications, and assistance for children and youth with disabilities and special healthcare needs. School nurses, teachers, staff, parents, student leaders, and other community stakeholders (e.g., youth service organizations, health centers, etc.) . That way, you eliminate any chance of a student falling while trying to reach an object. School Facility Checklist (PDF | Word) Revised: 2/1/19 Quick Tips #283 Keeping our schools safe is a high priority for everyone. To best prepare, schools should expect that students, teachers, or staff may become sick with COVID-19 or be exposed to someone with COVID-19, and schools must know what to do when this happens. Alternate the days when cohorts physically attend school. Among adults, older age and having underlying medical conditions increases the risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Additional flexibilities might include giving advances on future sick leave days and allowing employees to donate sick leave to each other, for example. Inspect and maintain local exhaust ventilation in areas such as restrooms, kitchens, cooking areas, etc. DSPs are essential for the health and well-being of the individuals they serve. Webpage walkthrough step screens. Consider participating with local authorities in broader COVID-19 community response efforts (e.g., sitting on community response committees). Another way to improve school safety is to keep your classroom, hallways and other school areas organized and free of hazards. Supplies include soap, a way to dry hands (e.g., paper towels, hand dryer), tissues, hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol (for staff and older children who can safely use hand sanitizer), disinfectant wipes, masks (as feasible) and no-touch /foot-pedal trash cans (preferably covered). For additional resources, refer to EPA’s Information on Maintaining or Restoring Water Quality in Buildings with Low or No Useexternal icon. Students may require assistance or visual and verbal reminders to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when they cough or sneeze, throw the tissue in the trash, and wash their hands afterwards. In order to enable in-person learning and assist schools with their day-to-day operations, it is important to adopt and diligently implement actions to slow the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 inside the school and out in the community. Consider posting signages for the national distress hotline: call or text 1-800-985-5990, Ensure continuity of mental health services, such as, Close off areas used by a sick person and do not use these areas until after, Wait at least 24 hours before cleaning and disinfecting. Guidelines for PE and CCA in the School Safety Handbook are followed. To clean school buses or other transport vehicles, see guidance for. Building safe schools will not only ensure safety of children in disasters, but will also promote faster rehabilitation post disaster. The risk management to keep them safe should be proportionate to the nature of the activities. Sexual harassment and violence affect learning environments negatively, creating an atmosphere of fear and aggression. If soap and water are not readily available, Anyone who has trouble breathing or is unconscious, Anyone who is incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance, Younger students, such as those in early elementary school (Pre-K through 3. Transparently communicate with staff, teachers, students, and families, including about mental health support services available at the school. 2020 Partner Alliance for Safer Schools. Students and teachers engage in virtual-only classes, activities, and events. Modify learning stations and activities as applicable so there are fewer students per group, placed at least 6 feet apart if possible. Consider options for limiting non-essential travel in accordance with state and local regulations and guidance. Students may require assistance or supervision. Cleaning products should not be used near children, and staff should ensure that there is adequate ventilation when using these products to prevent children or themselves from inhaling toxic fumes. Learn more. Develop a plan for staff who travel between schools (e.g., school nurses, psychologists, therapists). Implementation of multiple mitigation strategies can limit the spread of the COVID-19 in many settings.10,11 Application and adherence to multiple mitigation measures provided in this document help schools reopen and stay open safely for in-person learning. In this situation, consider using a clear mask that covers the nose and wraps securely around the face. The safety manual outlines specific guidelines on other issues including drug and substance abuse, disaster and emergency preparedness, school… Designate a staff person, such as the school nurse, to be responsible for responding to COVID-19 concerns. 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