Schools and Child Care

Schools and Child Care: COVID-19

It is important that everyone in the school community take steps to reduce COVID-19 transmission, particularly to those at high risk, while balancing the need to maintain a strong education system that effectively supports staff, students, and communities.

More information is available:

On this page:
Child care and K-12 programming
Safety and well-being
Cleaning and disinfecting
CDC guidance and resources
Additional resources and print materials

Child care and K-12 programming

2020-2021 Planning Guide for Schools: Health Considerations for Navigating COVID-19 (PDF)
This document provides parameters for schools to use in their planning for possible reopening in fall 2020-2021. Additional guidance will be determined as the COVID-19 response evolves through the summer months and into the fall.
Updated 8/12/20

Data for K-12 Schools: 14-day COVID-19 Case Rate by County (PDF)
This document provides data that can be used by schools in making decisions about their safe learning model.
Updated: 8/13/20, updated every Thursday.

Guidance for Delivering Direct Student Support Services: Staff Protective Equipment (PDF)
This document provides direction to school staff on the type of protective equipment that will be needed to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission when delivering direct student support services.
Updated 8/5/20
Guidance for Providing Nebulization Treatments in Schools (PDF)
This document provides guidance on the use of nebulizers and peak-flow meters in schools and other educational venues.
8/12/20
COVID-19 Prevention Guidance for Youth and Student Programs (PDF)
This guidance outlines prevention strategies to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in youth and student programs.
Updated 7/31/20
COVID-19 Prevention Guidance for Overnight Camps (PDF)
Supplemental guidance for overnight camp operations. Overnight camps can start planning to operate beginning in July.
Updated 7/22/20
Playground Guidance for Schools and Child Care Programs (PDF)
5/28/20

See Communities: Sports and Activities for sports and pool guidance.

Safety and well-being

What To Do When Notified of a Lab-Confirmed Case of COVID-19 in a School or Child Care Setting (PDF)
Resources and instructions to protect staff and children in your child care, school, or camp community if notified of a confirmed case of COVID-19.
7/13/20
Decision Tree for People with COVID-19 Symptoms in Youth, Student, and Child Care Programs (PDF)
MDH exclusion guidance for youth, student, and child care programs.
Updated 8/6/20
Masking Requirements for Child Care
Recommendations for those caring for children of essential workers (child care providers, family child care providers, and school-age care).
Food Service Worker Safety Information (PDF)
Guidance for school food programs.
Updated 7/22/20
Supporting Mental Well-being during COVID-19
- Tips and Resources for Children and Parents During COVID-19

Cleaning and disinfecting

COVID-19 Cleaning and Disinfecting Guidance for Schools and Child Care Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About COVID-19 for Facilities Service and Cleaning Staff
Supplies for Schools: COVID-19
Cleaning supplies for students and staff, including the health services and custodial teams.

CDC guidance and resources

K-12 Schools and Child Care Programs
FAQs for administrators, teachers, and parents.
Guidance for Child Care Programs that Remain Open
Childcare, Schools, and Youth Programs
Guidance documents to plan, prepare, and respond.
Print Resources
Materials are free for download. Includes fact sheets, posters, flyers, and posters.
Stay Home If You're Sick (PDF)
CDC poster.

Additional resources and print materials

Guidance Library: COVID-19
Cleaning & Disinfecting for COVID-19 (PDF)
Materials and Resources for COVID-19 Response
Video PSAs, print materials, and translated documents to assist with responding to COVID response.
Hand Hygiene
Video, posters, teaching materials, and more related to handwashing.
- Hand Hygiene for Schools and Child Care
  Hand hygiene information, research, and guidelines for schools and child care.
Infectious Diseases in Childcare Settings and Schools Manual
Hennepin County infectious disease manual.
Institutes of Higher Education (IHE)
Planning guidance for mitigating COVID-19 spread on campus and other interpretive guidance.