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Considerations for Schools: General Readiness Assessment
Use the following tool when making initial preparations to promote healthy behaviors, environments, and operations that reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Policies and Procedures
Point Person(s): _________________________________
Review relevant local/state regulatory agency
policies and orders, such as those related to events,
gatherings, and travel.
Consult local health officials about the school's
approach to planning for COVID-19.
Designate a staff person responsible for responding to
COVID-19 concerns. Make sure other staff, parents,
and students know how to contact this person.
Develop policies that encourage sick staff members
to stay at home without fear of job loss or other
consequences and protect their privacy, particularly
for those with underlying medical conditions and at
higher risk for severe illness.
Offer options (e.g., telework or virtual learning
opportunities) for staff and students at higher
risk for severe illness.
Offer flexible sick leave policies and practices.
Offer options for flexible worksites
(e.g., telework) and flexible work hours
(e.g., staggered shifts).
Develop a plan to monitor absenteeism of students
and staff, cross-train staff, and create a roster of
trained back-up staff.
Monitor absenteeism of students and staff, cross-
train staff, and create a roster of trained back-up staff.
Develop a plan to conduct daily health checks (e.g.,
temperature screening and/or symptom checking) of
staff and students, as possible, and in accordance with
any applicable privacy laws and regulations.
Facilities and Supplies
Point Person(s): _________________________________
Obtain supplies including:
soap
hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol)
paper towels
tissues
cleaning and disinfection supplies
cloth face coverings (as feasible)
no-touch/foot pedal trash cans
no-touch soap/hand sanitizer dispensers
disposable food service items
other: __________________________________
Develop a schedule for increased routine cleaning
and disinfection in collaboration with maintenance
staff, including areas such as the following:
buses or other transport vehicles
frequently touched surfaces (e.g., desks,
door handles, railings)
communal spaces (e.g., restrooms)
shared objects (e.g., gym equipment,
art supplies, games)
other: __________________________________
Assess the ability of staff, students, and families to
obtain cloth face coverings for everyday use.
Education and Training
Point Person(s): ____________________________
Educate staff, students, and their families
about when they should stay home if they have
COVID-19 symptoms, have been diagnosed
with COVID-19, are waiting for test results, or
have been exposed to someone with symptoms
or a confirmed or suspected case, and when they
can return to school.
Educate staff on flexible work and leave
policies that encourage sick staff members to
stay at home without fear of job loss or other
consequences.
Teach the importance of handwashing with
soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Teach the importance of social distancing and
staying with small groups, if applicable.
Identify who should wear cloth face coverings,
and communicate the importance of wearing
them. Cloth face coverings should not be
placed on:
Children younger than 2 years old
Anyone who has trouble breathing, or is
unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise
unable to remove the cover without help
Provide information on proper use, removal,
and washing of cloth face coverings.
Train staff on all safety protocols.
Conduct training virtually or maintain
social distancing during training.
Other: _________________________________
