Schools: K-12 FAQs

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• How can health care professionals, such as school nurses, sign up to administer vaccines?

  Individuals interested in volunteering to administer the vaccine can complete the online application at https://www.healthcarevolunteers.ca.gov. They are committed to processing applications as quickly as possible and will acknowledge applications within 24-48 hours. They will contact you directly with volunteer assignments. Please do not self-deploy to a site. Interested volunteers can also sign up via the San Diego Medical Reserve Corps here.

• How can a school district become a vaccine distribution site?

  Sites interested in administering the COVID-19 vaccine, that have equipment such as a temperature monitored refrigerator, must be enrolled in the federal COVID-19 Vaccination Program. Vaccines and ancillary supplies will be procured and distributed by the federal government at no cost to enrolled, approved COVID-19 vaccination providers. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is coordinating enrollment for the region.

  • Potential vaccination sites will need to meet all requirements before enrolling. This includes being actively listed in the San Diego Immunization Registry (SDIR).
  • If you are not already enrolled in SDIR, please email  SDIR.HHSA@sdcounty.ca.gov , or call the SDIR Help Desk at (619) 692-5656 for assistance.
  • For additional information, please visit the California COVID-19 Vaccination Program website.
  • If you have questions about this enrollment process or need technical assistance, please contact the County of San Diego’s COVID-19 Vaccine Branch at COVIDVaxEnrollment.HHSA@sdcounty.ca.gov or (858) 569-3300.
• If an educator has had COVID-19, does this impact their ability to get the vaccine?

  Persons who have been infected with COVID-19 may wait up to 90 days after infection to get vaccinated. Current evidence suggests that reinfection is uncommon in the 90 days after initial infection. Thus, persons with a history of COVID-19 infection in the preceding 90 days may delay vaccination until near the end of this period, if desired. Persons who received monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma should wait 90 days before vaccination.

  Data from clinical trials indicate that mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are safe in persons with a history of COVID-19 infection. Vaccinations should be offered to persons regardless of history of prior symptomatic or asymptomatic infection. Vaccination of persons with known current COVID-19 infection should be deferred until the person has recovered from the acute illness (if the person had symptoms) and criteria have been met for them to discontinue isolation. This recommendation applies to persons who develop COVID-19 before receiving any vaccine doses as well as those who develop COVID-19 after the first dose but before the second dose. For more information, visit the CDC’s Considerations for Use of COVID-19 Vaccines.

• If someone experiences symptoms after receiving the vaccine, how is it determined if it is a reaction to the vaccine, or symptoms of a COVID-19 infection?

  It is not uncommon to have mild to moderate reactions following any immunization. Common side effects after COVID-19 vaccinations include local soreness, itching and/or swelling at the injection site, fever, fatigue, headache nausea, chills, muscle and joint aches. Most of these post-vaccination symptoms are mild to moderate in severity, occur within the first three days of vaccination (the day of vaccination and following two days, with most occurring the day after vaccination), resolve within 1-2 days of onset, can be treated with acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen, and are more frequent and severe following the second dose and among younger persons compared to those who are older (>55 years). However, cough, shortness of breath, rhinorrhea, sore throat, or loss of taste or smell are not consistent with post-vaccination symptoms, and instead may be symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 or another infection. Those experiencing these symptoms should be medically evaluated and tested for COVID-19 and/or other infections. SDCOE has posted a letter with more information on this topic available here.

• If an individual has been vaccinated, do they still need to isolate if they are symptomatic?

  Someone who is symptomatic should not be at school. They should isolate themselves and follow the COVID-19 Decision Tree and be tested. Your immune system is most prepared to fight COVID-19 about two weeks after two doses of the vaccine. No vaccine is 100% effective at preventing infection. MRNA vaccines do reduce the risk of illness, but we still do not know yet how well they reduce transmission.

• If an individual has been vaccinated, should they still participate in routine testing?

  Vaccinated individuals should still participate in routine staff screening and testing for COVID-19. While we know that current COVID-19 vaccines are effective in reducing illness and hospitalizations from this virus, we do not yet know how well they prevent those immunized from becoming infected or transmitting the virus, if they do become infected. Until that is understood, immunized individuals should participate in school screening programs and should also get tested if they develop symptoms suggestive of COVID-19. 

• Do I have to wear a mask or socially distance if I'm vaccinated?

  Review the CDPH Guidance for the Use of Face Coverings, which applies to all settings, including schools. For more information, visit the CDPH Face Covering Q&A Page. 

• Do minors need to show proof of eligibility for a vaccine?

  Items required at the time of vaccination depend on a person’s age. For minors (12-17 years old), requirements will vary based on whether or not an adult (18 years and older) will be present when they receive the vaccine. Visit the County’s Vaccine Website for more details on the different scenarios for minors. 

• Do you recommend requiring volunteers to be vaccinated?

  The CDPH Guidance states that “Schools should limit nonessential visitors, volunteers, and activities involving external groups or organizations with people who are not fully vaccinated, particularly in areas where there is moderate-to-high COVID-19 community transmission.” It is recommended that all eligible individuals get vaccinated. Anyone involved with K-12 schools (volunteers, contract workers, etc.) should consider being vaccinated. Cal/OSHA Emergency Temporary Standards do not specifically address volunteers. It is recommended that a school contact their HR department. 

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• What guidance documents do schools need to follow?

  K-12 Schools must follow the CDPH COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools in California, 2021-22 School Year. Schools must also comply with the Cal/OSHA Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS) for employers.

• How does the Yavneh-Stipulated order Impact San Diego County Schools?
  • The Yavneh stipulated settlement merely confirmed the state’s Cohort Guidance and Places of Worship Guidance are applicable to private schools. 
  • The settlement agreement restated that the Cohort Guidance does not put a cap on the number of cohorts at a given school, public or private. 
  • The settlement also confirms that religious schools may follow the Places of Worship Guidance for in-person religious services and cultural ceremonies.
  • Finally, it confirms that a county, when acting under its own authority, can choose to be more restrictive than state guidance.
• Do schools need to update and post their Safe Reopening Plans on their website, in addition to posting the COVID-19 Safety Plan (CSP)?

  Schools are encouraged to post their Reopening Plans, but it is not required. 

• Does the COVID-19 Safety Plan (CSP) have to be site-specific, or can it be consolidated for the district?

  If there is anything unique to an individual school site, then that school site must have its own plan. If there are no differences across schools in a district, then a district can post a consolidated plan. 

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• What steps will a school need to take if there is a confirmed positive case at a school of a staff or student? Will the entire school be required to close for a period?

  Schools are required to report to the local health office the presence or suspected presence of any communicable diseases. If a child, staff or facility contact has tested positive for COVID-19 please contact the Epidemiology Unit by phone at 1(888) 950-9905 or via the online report form. Schools should develop a plan for when a staff member, child, or visitor becomes sick. Schools can review this document for the process of reporting a case.

  1. Notify the local public health department using the online report form. Please be ready to provide the following information:
     • Caller’s name and contact number,
     • Name of business or entity, and
     • Individual’s name, date of birth, and contact number.
  2. Isolate the case and exclude the individual(s) from school for 10 days from symptom onset or test date.
  3. Identify contacts (†), quarantine, and exclude exposed contacts (likely the entire cohort (††)) for 10 days after the last date the case was present at school while infectious.
  4. Recommend testing of contacts, prioritize symptomatic contacts (but will not shorten 10-day quarantine).
  5. Disinfect and clean the classroom and primary spaces where case spent significant time.
  6. The school remains open
  7. The school community must be notified of a known case

  (†) A close contact is defined as someone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period starting from 2 days before illness onset (or, for asymptomatic patients, 2 days prior to test specimen collection) until the time the patient is isolated. In some school situations, it may be difficult to determine whether individuals have met this criterion and an entire cohort, classroom, or other group may need to be considered exposed, particularly if people have spent time together indoors.(††) A cohort is a stable group with fixed membership that stays together for all courses and activities (e.g., lunch, recess, etc.) and avoids contact with other persons or cohorts.

• Is there a template schools can use to notify parents of a positive COVID-19 case?

  SDCOE template letters can be found here: https://covid-19.sdcoe.net/District-Resources.

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• Can children get tested at public testing sites?

  Children 6 months and older can be tested at any of the County-coordinated public testing sites.

• Can we require students to be tested before coming back on campus?

  Public schools cannot require testing. Private schools may be able to but should consult with their legal team.  

• How long after a positive test should a staff member refrain from routine surveillance testing?

  A staff member who tests positive should be taken out of the rotation for surveillance testing for 90 days. Retesting is not recommended within three months of their initial COVID-19 infection because highly sensitive PCR tests can remain positive many weeks after the person is no longer infectious. After 90 days, they can resume surveillance testing. 

  However, they are not exempt from symptomatic testing during this period and if COVID-19 symptoms develop they should work with their healthcare provider to rule out other possible sources as well as potentially test for COVID-19.

• Should students and teachers be screened before entering campus?

  Daily screening for COVID-19 symptoms and for exposure to someone with COVID-19 is a best practice recommended for everyone. This practice can prevent some people with COVID-19 from coming to school while infectious, thus preventing in-school transmission. Screening does not prevent asymptomatic cases from being at school and spreading COVID-19. Parents may be provided with the list of COVID-19 symptoms and instructed to keep their child at home if the child is feeling ill or has symptoms of COVID-19, even if symptoms are very mild, and to get their ill child tested for SARS-CoV2. Staff members may also be provided with the list of COVID-19 symptoms and be instructed to call in sick and stay home if they are having symptoms of COVID-19 and to get tested for SARS-CoV2. Even previously positive or vaccinated individuals can get COVID-19 and spread it, so any symptoms should be referred to a medical provider.

• Who should be tested and how often?

  Schools are subject to the minimum testing requirement standards established by Cal/OSHA. These standards include response testing for exposed cases and weekly outbreak testing for everyone until no longer considered an outbreak. Please refer to Cal/OSHA guidance for complete details and the Safe Schools for All Hub for K-12 testing strategies. 

• What is the process to receive the BinaxNOW antigen test?

  Interested schools may visit the CDPH Lab Field Services page here to find guidance for antigen testing. After reviewing the information, schools can contact the County’s Medical Operations Center at LOGS.TESTING.HHSA@sdcounty.ca.gov for more information on how to apply for available test kits.

• Do schools still need to follow the Decision Tree?

  Yes, schools should continue to use the COVID-19 Symptom Decision Tree which is based off of the current CDPH Public Health Guidance for Schools. 

• Are schools required to collect medical releases for all students who have tested positive for COVID-19 before they participate in sports and/or PE?

  Districts may ask parents if their physician has cleared the student for athletics and/or PE. Parents should also be made aware of the myocarditis risk. Regular sports physicals include questions about myocarditis, so physicians completing sports physicals should ask those questions and note if the student has a history of COVID-19. Physicals are typically valid for one year, so if a student develops COVID-19 after their annual test, they should return for another physical. 

• Is the CUE (Rapid PCR) test approved to clear a student or employee for return to school?

  The CUE test is authorized for testing for COVID-19. While it is not as accurate as a PCR test, it can still be used, and the results do not need to be confirmed.

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• What are the recommendations for after-school groups?

  Cohorts should be maintained to the best of a program's ability. For example, students who are together in a classroom during the day could be kept together in the after-school program. Those who are not together in a classroom during the day could be put into a cohort that remains stable each day in the afterschool program. View the COVID-19 and Reopening In-Person Instruction Framework & Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools in California for more information. 

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• Where are the recommendations for cleaning and sanitation in schools?

  According to the CDPH Public Health Guidance for Schools, cleaning once a day is usually enough to sufficiently remove potential virus that may be on surfaces. Disinfecting (using disinfectants on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency COVID-19 list) removes any remaining germs on surfaces, which further reduces any risk of spreading infection. For more information on cleaning a facility regularly, when to clean more frequently or disinfect, cleaning a facility when someone is sick, safe storage of cleaning and disinfecting products, and considerations for protecting workers who clean facilities, see Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Facility. If a facility has had a sick person with COVID-19 within the last 24 hours, clean AND disinfect the spaces occupied by that person during that time.

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• What are the guidelines for quarantine and isolation?

  Visit the Health Officer Order page for the Quarantine and Isolation order. And visit the COVID-19 Symptom Decision Tree (English | Spanish) for more details. 

• If an employee has been in contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case, how long do they have to wait before returning to work?

  Refer to the COVID-19 Symptom Decision Tree for details.  

• How should a school determine when a 10-day quarantine is appropriate, versus the full 14 days?

  Refer to the COVID-19 Symptom Decision Tree for details.   

• Are students and staff who have recovered from COVID-19 exempt from close contact quarantining?

  Refer to the COVID-19 Symptom Decision Tree for details.   

• Is 6-feet still being used to define a close contact now that schools may have only 3-feet of physical distancing in a classroom?

  The CDC definition of a close contact has not changed. This definition is based on the science of COVID-19 transmission which shows that the virus can be transmitted between people up to 6-feet apart.  

• Can K-12 school staff undergo a modified quarantine?

  The modified quarantine applies to students only. Unvaccinated staff who are exposed should follow Cal/OSHA Emergency Temporary Standards requirements for quarantine. The ETS states "persons who had a close contact but never developed any COVID-19 symptoms may return to work when 10 days have passed since the last known exposure." CAL/OSHA website with ETS resources. 

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• What is the face covering guidance for students and staff?

  Masks are optional outdoors for all in K-12 school settings. K-12 students are required to mask indoors, with exemptions per CDPH face mask guidance. Adults in K-12 school settings are required to mask when sharing indoor spaces with students. Review the CDPH Public Health Guidance for Schools and the CDPH Guidance for the Use of Face Coverings. For more information, visit the CDPH Face Covering Q&A Page. 

• What are the mask requirements for special needs students?

  If a student is exempt from wearing a cloth face covering, work with the parents to discuss an alternative such as a face shield with a drape. Plexiglass may also be used as a barrier between students and teachers. If a student cannot wear any type of facial covering, and a barrier is not possible, the teacher should wear a face shield and a face covering as an extra precaution. Teachers should only wear an N95 mask if the school has a plan in place for proper use, including fit testing and medical clearance. Regarding exemptions, the school health team (or IEP team) needs to determine if there is a valid medical exemption. If the child has an exemption then the team makes the decision on how to protect other people (e.g., shield & drape, more distancing, more ventilation, outdoor instruction, and keeping sub-optimally masked individuals in separate classrooms). An individualized plan needs to be created. Schools should also use 504 process for this. See the following resource for more information: CDE COVID–19: Students with Disabilities and Face Coverings

• What is the current face shield guidance for students and staff?

  Face shields are not an acceptable substitute for face coverings unless there is a special circumstance that is defined by the CDPH in the CDPH Guidance for the Use of Face Coverings or the CDPH Public Health Guidance for Schools. The face shields are most effective if also using a face covering. A face shield provides additional protection to a face covering or mask but should not typically be a substitute. Face shields should be in conjunction with a face covering, except for situations where coverings are not appropriate for pedagogical reasons. The Industry Guidance states, “In limited situations where a face covering cannot be used for pedagogical or developmental reasons, (i.e. communicating or assisting young children or those with special needs) a face shield can be used instead of a cloth face covering while in the classroom as long as the wearer maintains physical distance from others, to the extent practicable. Staff must return to wearing a face covering outside of the classroom and those specific situations. 

• Can fully vaccinated employees remove their face coverings indoors when they do not work close to students (e.g., in the accounting office), or if all children have left campus?

  If students are not present, vaccinated employees do not need to wear a mask as long as they are compliant with their employer's plan and Cal/OSHA rules. If it is an area where kids may be coming in throughout the day, employees need to wear masks.

• When a student returns from a 10-day quarantine, do they still have to wear masks inside and outside for days 11-14 of quarantine?

  Yes, students should continue to wear masks both indoors and outdoors for days 11-14 of quarantine.  

• Are students in modified quarantine permitted to go outside for recess without a mask?

  Students that are in modified quarantine should wear a mask at all times, both indoors and outdoors. 

• What discretion do districts have in allowing mask choice according to current guidance?

  Everyone in the K-12 setting (students and adults) is expected to wear masks indoors regardless of vaccination status. Enforcing this mandate is not optional; how this mandate is enforced is at the discretion of the districts. 

• How should schools respond to a student and/or family that chooses to ignore the mask mandate, but is intent on attending school in-person?

  Independent study may be the best option. Seek legal counsel in such a scenario. In such cases you should attempt to provide a “reasonable alternative” such as distance learning, outdoor classrooms, and/or a combination of these alternatives.

• What will the penalty be should a district not enforce mask mandates?

  The County will bring it to the state’s attention and talk with the district in an attempt to gain compliance. The State/CDPH will ultimately be the lead for any compliance enforcement measures.

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• Do students need to remain in cohorts?

  They do not. However, maintaining cohorts and/or stable groups is a best practice and a strong component of a layered mitigation approach. Stable groups help minimize spread and facilitate contact tracing. This also reduces the number of students that may be required to quarantine. 

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• What are the recommendations for air filtration in classrooms?
  • Air flow and ventilation enhancements are recommended where practicable. 
    • Keep windows and doors open for cross ventilation. If this is not possible, make sure that Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems are operating to clear the air of small airborne particles.
  • The CDC has information about air filtration and ventilation, including considerations for operating schools during COVID-19, and indoor environmental quality.
  • Have a Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) specialist review your school’s system so that particulate matter (2.5 microns) is in acceptable range. This may include
    • Changing ventilation settings so that "air changes per hour" is set to a minimum of 5 changes per hour and/or
    • Use of MERV 13 filters if your HVAC system has the capacity for these filters or placement of one or more HEPA filter/air purifiers per room to filter the air of small particles.
  • Turn off classroom ceiling fans, and do not use desk or floor fans.
    • Even if a classroom has air filters, fans should only be used to exhaust room air out a window. Fans that merely circulate the air in a closed space are not recommended.
  • Use either carbon dioxide monitors or particle counters (2.5 microns) to measure the quality of the classroom's ventilation when it is occupied. If your system has MERV 13 filters or HEPA room air purifiers, then use particle counters, as carbon dioxide monitors are no longer a good proxy for the quality of the air, in terms of COVID-19. 
• What is the guidance for central heaters and space heaters?

  There is neither evidence of, nor any reason to believe that portable space heaters directly create any increased risk of COVID19. ASHRAE recommends that you continue to keep occupied spaces heated to normal levels, because spending time under thermal stress such as excessively cold spaces can lower resistance to infection. There are, however, other issues to consider when selecting and operating a space heater. Be aware that unvented combustion space heaters (e.g. using kerosene, propane, natural gas, etc.) release products of combustion into the indoor air. Without adequate ventilation, these contaminants can build up to unacceptable or even hazardous levels. Unvented combustion emits NO₂ which is a reactive oxygen species (i.e. a known breathing irritant,) and could increase susceptibility to respiratory infections, such as COVID-19. Unvented combustion-based heaters are banned in some jurisdictions. Electric space heaters do not pose those risks, but the placement of any portable heater requires some thought and care, to avoid overheating any nearby materials. See the resources from ASHRAE here.

• We have purchased air purifiers for use in our classrooms. The purifiers are more effective with doors/windows closed but health guidance suggests we keep doors/windows open. Is there any guidance as to whether doors/windows should still stay open if air purifiers are in use in classrooms?

  In-room/portable air cleaners should be used in rooms where adequate ventilation with outdoor air cannot be maintained. Purifiers work better when the fan is constantly running. Their noise may affect where they are placed in the classroom. EPA’s Technical Summary of Residential Air Cleaners states on page 37 that “the air cleaner should not be situated where walls, furniture, curtains, and other obstructions will block the intake and outlet. Manufacturer instructions may indicate that the air cleaner be placed a certain distance from any objects that might obstruct airflow. Additionally, a portable air cleaner will be much more effective for a specific room when any exterior doors and windows in a room are closed.” if you are concerned about your air filtration system, keep windows open. You can also test the air quality with a particle counter. 

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• What activities can I do with my child at home?

  The County launched the Live Well @ Home initiative, which provides free resources to help community residents find tips and strategies to stay healthy in both mind and body while staying at home. Visit livewellsd.org to learn more! You can pledge to stay home to keep residents safe and save lives.

  https://www.livewellsd.org/content/livewell/home/live-well-every-day/LiveWellatHome.html

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• What resources are available for childcare or placement during a crisis?

  Visit the YMCA Childcare Resource Services page for information on childcare placement in San Diego County. For additional information on childcare for essential works and at-risk populations seeking financial assistance for childcare, visit http://www.sandiegoforeverychild.org/covid19/. 

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• Are there resources available for students without computers?

  Computers2Kids San Diego is offering refurbished desktops and laptops with Microsoft Office software for $80 to $100 for qualified applicants. You can find out more information at: https://www.c2sdk.org/

  The San Diego Futures Foundation is offering low cost computers. The process is by appointment only and you can apply at: https://sdfutures.org/

• Are there resources for students without access to the internet?

  Cox Connect2Compete is offering free internet for three months for students who qualify for free lunch and/or are low income: https://www.cox.com/residential/internet/connect2compete.html
  
  Spectrum is offering COVID-19 Remote Education Credit: https://www.spectrum.net/support/internet/covid-19-internet-offer-students/
  
  Visit the California Department of Education for information on Telecom and Data Companies Extending Services and available plans:  https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/he/hn/availableinternetplans.asp

  The San Diego County Office of Education has connectivity resources to get students connected to the internet & plans have special promotional rates as part of COVID-19 response. Find out more information at their website here.

• What resources are available for distance learning/online learning?

  SDCOE offers Distance Learning Resources on their website: https://covid-19.sdcoe.net/educators

• How can students without printers at home make copies needed for school?

  Each district is taking a unique approach to providing resources to students. Reach out to your district for more specific information. Students attending Juvenile Court and Community Schools are provided with any materials they need.  You may also email COVID-Education@sdcounty.ca.gov for more specific information

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• What should I be telling my children about COVID-19?

  CDC has a one-sheet on speaking to children about COVID-19. Be calm and reassuring.  Make yourself available to listen. Avoid language that might blame others and lead to stigma. Take breaks from news or social media. Provide information that is honest and accurate and appropriate for the age of the child. Address any rumors or misinformation they child brings up. It’s important to teach children about the importance of proper hand washing and to cover their coughs and sneezes.

  CDC One pager

  San Diego County Office of Education: Reassurance, Routines, and Regulation. Link here

  CDC FAQs

  My Hero is You, Storybook for Children on COVID-19

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• If schools return as 100% distance learning, do children still need to be up to date on their immunizations?

  Yes. Children must be current on vaccinations by the first day of enrollment.

  Pediatricians are ready to provide these immunizations. It is recommended that families work with their pediatrician, family doctor, or medical home, to obtain their immunizations. Medical offices are making accommodations for children who need appointments. This may be the safest time to go because medical offices are taking extra precautions. Pediatric populations are also at lower risk for COVID-19.

  It is critically important from a public health perspective that children receive these immunizations. Preventative services are still critical during this time, and immunizations are one of the most important public health interventions. Read more about the #CallYourPediatrician campaign.

• There is widespread concern that kids have fallen behind in their routine immunizations during COVID-19. Do the Office of Education's plans address providing "catch-up" immunizations at school, even at sites without school-based health centers?

  No, that is not the role of the County Office of Education. Immunization guidelines are state guidelines from the California Department of Public Health. Visit the CDPH Immunizations page for more information. 

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• What mental health and stress management resources are available for families during this time?

  Visit the County’s COVID-19 website for information on how to manage your mental health and cope during COVID-19: https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/hhsa/programs/bhs/covid19_resources.html

  • Maintaining mental health and wellness during the COVID-19 outbreak: Tips for maintaining mental health
  • Call the Access & Crisis Line (888-724-7240) for assistance finding mental health resources or for help during a mental health crisis. Available 24/7, answered by trained clinicians, and available in multiple languages
  • Coping with a Disaster or Traumatic Event: Coping with a disaster tip sheet
  • Mental Health America: COVID-19 Resources and Information: https://mhanational.org/covid19
  • Greater Good’s Guide to Well-being During Coronavirus: including resources for parents & educators (published by the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley): Visit here.

   

• How can the Crisis line be accessed?

  Text TALK to 741741, where you can text with a trained counselor for free.

  National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-8255 or visit https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

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• Besides school lunches, what resources are available for nutrition assistance?
  • Call 2-1-1 for help locating nutrition program and resources in your community
  • Visit the CalFresh website to learn more or to apply: https://www.getcalfresh.org/?source=sandiegoweb
  • San Diego Food Bank Neighborhood Distribution Program: https://sandiegofoodbank.org/programs/neighborhood-distribution-program/
  • Food Distribution Locator: https://feedingsandiego.org/get-help/
    
  • COVID-19 and Hunger Relief: San Diego Hunger Coalition: https://www.sandiegohungercoalition.org/covid19
  • SDCOE website: www.sdcoe.net/news/Pages/20-03-13-student-food-service-during-district-closures.aspx

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• How can we keep kids active during this time?

  Action for Healthy Kids has activities to do with kids at home: Activities for kids during COVID19

  The YMCA is currently offering virtual memberships for families: Virtual memberships

  The American Heart Association has ideas for Physical Activity Breaks: AHA resources for kids

  Other resources for physical activity include: Power up in 10, Instant Recess, and Go Noodle

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• Are there any websites, webinars or resources to help us prepare for recovery?

  Please San Diego County Office of Education has developed a Pandemic Response Planning tool.

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• How do we help ensure our students are safe from abuse while distance learning?

  Domestic Violence Prevention Amid COVID-19

  View the new website and read the recent announcement from the San Diego District Attorney’s Office.

  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 / TTY 1−800−787−3224 
  • Child Abuse Hotline: 858-560-2191 or https://www.preventdv1.org/
  • Message from the District Attorney’s Office: Read the message here
  • San Diego County Child Welfare Services: Visit their website here
  • Abuse reporting during COVID-19

   

• What resources are available for homeless youth?

  Resources for homeless youth include:

  • The Disaster Distress Hotline – call 1-800-985-5990, or text TalkWithUs to 66-746                                                    
  • The Trevor Project (for LGBTQ youth) – call 1-866-488-7386, or text START to 678-678
  • 2-1-1 (shelter and basic needs) & Access & Crisis Line: 888-724-7240
  • SDCOE Foster and Homeless Youth Resources

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• Who is eligible to receive school food?

  Any children 18 and under. If students have IEP/special needs, then 22 and under. https://www.sdcoe.net/news/Pages/20-03-13-student-food-service-during-district-closures.aspx

• Do children have to be present when picking up meals?

  Children do not have to be present for parents to pick up meals for their kids. No verification, ID, or registration needed.