Coronavirus Response and School Reopening Guidance
Information and resources regarding CDE's COVID-19 response efforts, including the guidance document for safely reopening schools.The California Department of Education (CDE) is monitoring the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and working closely with agency partners. Local educational agencies (LEAs) are encouraged to follow California Department of Public Health recommendations. LEAs should identify plans for communicating with families and consider learning supports for school closures.
New Safe Schools for All Hub Offers Updated Health Guidance
The State has formally launched a new Safe Schools for All Hub , a one-stop shop for state guidance and resources on safely resuming in-person instruction.
The Hub provides the most updated guidance for all schools to follow, directives for reporting data, and links to for additional resources, including how to implement school-centered testing.
The Hub will continuously be updated with additional guidance, resources and information.
U.S. Health and Human Services Agency
Letter on COVID-19 Vaccination for Children
(PDF)
A joint guidance letter from U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel A. Cardona, Ed. D. regarding information and resources on pediatric vaccine efforts to help families learn about the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11 years old.
California Department of Education (CDE)
From Tony Thurmond, SSPI (Updated 22-Nov-2021)
One place for COVID-19 news releases and correspondence from Tony Thurmond, State Superintendent of Public Instruction (SSPI).
AB 86
Other Key Resources
Heal, Recover, and Thrive: The Needed Resources for California Schools (PDF; Added 07-Jan-2022)
This document outlines State Superintendent Tony Thurmond’s recommendations to support the transformation of California schools. Superintendent Thurmond and the California Department of Education will work on legislation to implement the recommendations listed in this document. This legislative effort will support schools in healing from the trauma of the pandemic, making progress toward learning recovery, and striving toward future student progress.
Assessments
Accountability
- Learning Continuity and Attendance Plan
- COVID-19 Accountability FAQs
- Changes to the Local Control and Accountability Plan Process and Timelines (PDF)
Child Care and Student Supervision
Distance Learning
Early Learning and Care
Funding
- Guidance Letter: 2020–21 Requirements for Collecting Free and Reduced-Price Meal Eligibility Data Used to Determine Supplemental and Concentration Grant Funding
- CARES Act Funding
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) Federal Funding Flexibility
Mental Health
School Meals
Special Education
California Department of Public Health (CDPH)
Public health experts have issued guidance on safe returns to in-person instruction since May 2020, and have updated and expanded since then. CDPH will not release updates to the 2021-22 school year’s K-12 School Guidance until the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updates their guidance. This will allow coordination between guidance documents. Learn more about key prevention and mitigation measures .
Additional information related to schools can also be found here:
Outdoor and Indoor Youth and Recreational Adult Sports
Individuals should continue to wear a mask indoors in public settings. For more information, see CDPH’s updated Face Covering Guidance and its associated Face Mask Q&A . Additional Youth Sports guidance may be provided, pending operational guidance from the CDC.
Child Care Programs and Providers
COVID-19 Update Guidance: Child Care Programs and Providers (June 29, 2021)
California Office of Governor Gavin Newsom
Executive Order N-73-20: Bridging the Digital Divide by Mobilizing Across State Government
Executive Order N-56-20: Empowering Schools to Focus on COVID-19 Response and Transparency
Executive Order N-47-20: Expand Support for Vulnerable Populations
Executive Order N-30-20: Suspend Standardized Testing for Students in Response to COVID-19 Outbreak
Executive Order N-26-20: Ensuring State Funding for Schools Even in Event of Physical Closure
Governor Newsom Declares State of Emergency to Help State Prepare for Broader Spread of COVID-19
Joint K-12 and Higher Education California Agencies
Information on College Admissions, Grading, and Graduation Requirements