Safe and Healthy Schools
As we learn more lessons from the COVID-19 crisis, we know much more about how to keep students and families safe from all types of serious illnesses. This page includes guidance and resources from our public health partners so we can keep building safe and healthy communities.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Guidance for COVID-19 Prevention in K-12 Schools
CDC - What You Should Know About COVID-19 Testing in K-12 Schools
Public school districts and charters on or adjacent to tribal lands and those with staff and students affiliated with Arizona’s federally recognized tribal nations are encouraged to honor tribal public health orders.
The Arizona Department of Education (ADE) encourages schools to remain flexible with sick leave and absence policies. To keep everyone in our school communities safe, individuals who test positive for COVID-19 should stay home and be quarantined following CDC guidelines.
ADE encourages schools to consider leveraging funds from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Act (ESSER) funds to pay for sick leave for staff who have tested positive or were exposed to COVID-19.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “achieving high levels of COVID-19 vaccination among eligible students as well as teachers, staff, and household members is one of the most critical strategies to help schools safely resume full operations.” Public schools are encouraged to promote vaccinations in your community to regularly educate your community about the benefits of vaccination. Public schools can use federal recovery dollars like Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds to provide and incentivize COVID-19 vaccinations for teachers, staff, and eligible students.
Learn more:
American Rescue Plan and COVID-19 Vaccination Incentives FAQ
Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) school immunization resources
In addition to the COVID-19 vaccines, schools play an important role in promoting regular childhood vaccines. Find free informational materials that schools can post around campus and share with families. Parents and caregivers can learn more about ADHS immunization requirements for children to attend school and child care.