GUIDANCE FOR SCHOOLS, EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION & CHILDCARE
Considerations for keeping children safe

Children have different needs than adults due to their ongoing physical, mental, and emotional development.
While COVID-19 initially appeared not to pose as many risks for children, the physical risks are still largely unknown yet it is important to help prevent the spread of illness among this population so as to help mitigate community spread. The resources on this page relate to helping create safer, cleaner spaces for this vulnerable population while they are in school, pre-school, or daycare.
Guidance Resources
Web Resources
- Interim Guidance for Administrators of US K-12 Schools and Child Care Programs (CDC)
- Cleaning and Disinfecting (CDC)
- Supplemental Guidance for Child Care Programs That Remain Open (CDC)
- Guidance for Administrators in Parks and Recreational Facilities (CDC)
- Considerations for Schools (CDC)
Guidance Documents
- Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfection Plan Development, Implementation and Maintenance (CDC)
- ReOpening America Cleaning & Disinfection Decision Tool (CDC)
- Routine Schedule for Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfecting (NRC)
- ReOpening Schools Decision Tool (CDC)
- ReOpening Camps and Youth Programs Decision Tool (CDC)
- ReOpening Childcare Facilities Decision Tool (CDC)
– Let us not grow weary of the struggle or surrender to the pressure –
Together we stand, press on, and lead the charge of supporting and promoting the health of the nation.
The road continues to be arduous, and the potholes are abundant.
Every employee of our association continues with our commitment to bring the full measure of our capabilities and resources to your support.
This is the moment for which we were trained.
Let us continue to bring a contemporary interpretation to the art of practice. Let our face be one of kindness and empathy. Let our science continue to drive our community’s recovery and resiliency. Let this be the moment we can one day look back on with the knowledge that we worked with all our capacity to safely shepherd the frightened public through the uncertainty and difficult hazards faced.
The time in history that puts us—environmental health professionals—at the intersection of COVID-19 is just ahead.
We will mediate society’s return to normalcy.
Over the next few weeks, environmental health professionals, like Atlas of Greek mythology, will be asked to hoist many burdens upon their shoulders.
Let our science drive our community’s recovery and resiliency. Let this be the moment where we safely shepherd the frightened public into the future.
Let’s create a profoundly memorable moment, one that undeniably demonstrates the value of our profession to the health and prosperity of the communities we serve.
How Do I Create a Household Plan?
This interim guidance is based on what is currently known about the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). The CDC will update this interim guidance as needed.
What If Someone Is Sick at Work?
Close off areas used by the sick person. Open outside doors and windows to increase air circulation in the area. Wait 24 hours (or as long as possible) before you clean or disinfect.
How Do I Prepare My Restaurant?
When packing foods for delivery or takeout, minimize barehanded contact with food containers and delivery bags. Continue reading to find out more.