Important update: Healthcare facilities
CDC has updated select ways to operate healthcare systems effectively in response to COVID-19 vaccination. Learn more
UPDATE
Given new evidence on the B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant, CDC has updated the guidance for fully vaccinated people. CDC recommends universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status. Children should return to full-time in-person learning in the fall with layered prevention strategies in place.
UPDATE
The White House announced that vaccines will be required for international travelers coming into the United States, with an effective date of November 8, 2021. For purposes of entry into the United States, vaccines accepted will include FDA approved or authorized and WHO Emergency Use Listing vaccines. More information is available here.
UPDATE
Travel requirements to enter the United States are changing, starting November 8, 2021. More information is available here.

Decisions About School and Remote Learning

Decisions About School and Remote Learning
Updated Oct. 26, 2021

School and COVID-19

COVID-19 made schools close.

Some schools are open now.

Some children will learn at school.

Some children will have remote learning.

Some parents may choose learning at school.

Some parents may choose remote learning.

Choosing may be hard.

Schools Are Important

Schools help children learn.

Schools help children stay healthy.

Schools help children feel good.

School may provide meals.

School may provide child care.

School may provide learning supports.

School may provide behavior supports.

School may provide many services.

School may meet needs better than home.

Parents Are also Important

Parents must decide what is best.

Parents must think about work.

Parents must think about food.

Parents must think about health.

Parents must think about risks.

Learning at School

Learning at school can be good.

Children may learn more at school.

Children will see friends at school.

COVID-19 Makes Learning Different

Schools may have new schedules.

Remote learning may be safer.

Remote learning may make learning hard.

Remote learning may be lonely.

Choosing school or remote learning may be hard.

Children Can Get COVID-19

Some children with COVID-19 feel fine.

Some children with COVID-19 get sick.

Some children with COVID-19 get very sick.

Some children will have a fever.

Some children will have a cough.

Some children will have sore muscles.

Some children will have a headache.

Some children will have a sore throat.

Some children will have a runny nose.

Some children will have a stuffy nose.

Some children will have diarrhea.

Some children will need to see a doctor.

Some children will need to go to the hospital.

All children with COVID-19 must stay home.

Some People May Get Very Sick with COVID-19

People with disabilities may get very sick.

People with health problems may get very sick.

Children may get COVID-19 at school.

Children can spread COVID-19 to adults.

Children can spread COVID-19 to people at home.

Schools Should Have a Plan

Look at the plan for learning at school.

Wearing masks should be in the plan.

Small groups should be in the plan.

Washing hands often should be in the plan.

Keeping a safe distance should be in the plan.

Cleaning often should be in the plan.

Disinfecting often should be in the plan.

Communicating with families should be in the plan.

Remote Learning May be an Option

Some schools may offer remote learning.

Remote learning happens outside of school.

Some parents may choose remote learning.

Parents have to make a plan for remote learning.

Parents may have to help children with remote learning.

Parents may have to provide internet access.

Parents may have to provide a computer or tablet.

Parents may have to provide a quiet place.

Parents have to decide if remote learning is best.

Parents Have to Make an Important Decision

Parents have to think about many things.

Parents have to think about everyone who might get sick.

Parents have to think about their children.

Parents have to think about the whole family.

Parents have to think about everyone in the home.

Parents have to think about work.

Parents have to learn about the School plan.

Thinking and learning will help parents decide.


Development of these materials was supported by a grant from the CDC Foundation, using funding provided by its donors. The materials were created by the Center for Literacy & Disability Studies, Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation at Georgia Tech. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provided subject matter expertise and approved the content. The use of the names of private entities, products, or enterprises is for identification purposes only and does not imply CDC endorsement.

Project funding ended 9/30/2021. All edits after that date are completed solely by CDC.