Updates to the Continuity of Learning Website

• NYSED has updated the Continuity of Learning Website with the following: 

• Over 40 new resources in the Digital Content section
• Updated resources section for English Language Learners/Multilingual Learners, created in collaboration with the Office of Bilingual Education and World Languages and the NYS RBERNs
• A new section for Computer Science resources
• Updated PBS Live Broadcasting section with direct links to the nine NYS PBS Stations. The partnership between the New York State Education Department (NYSED) and New York’s nine public television stations will continue to offer PBS educational programming on-air for students from prekindergarten through grade 12 every weekday. 
• Update to the Digital Tools section that includes examples of tools that could be utilized for instruction and learning
• A section specifically for educator resources, including an entire section for CTE teacher resources, as well as links to resources on online learning and professional collaboration and learning opportunities from organizations including BOCES and professional organizations
• A District Planning section that includes considerations for leaders as they transition to digital learning, as well as examples of Continuity Plans sent from NYS districts

CDC Guidance for Schools and Child Care Programs Before and During an Outbreak

The updated guidance includes  FAQs, Cleaning and Disinfection Recommendations Talking With Children About Coronavirus Disease 2019, Checklist for Teachers and Parents, Tips for Parents While School’s Out, and Open Child Care Programs (CDC, 4/1/20)

CDC’s Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) guidance for schools and childcare programs now includes Supplemental Guidance for Child Care Programs That Remain Open.

Our Guidance for Schools and Childcare Programs page is based on what is currently known about the transmission and severity of coronavirus disease and is updated as needed and as additional information becomes available.

This advisory supersedes guidance from the New York State Department of Health issued on March 28, 2020, to clarify that this guidance applies to essential personnel who have been exposed to a confirmed OR suspected case of COVID-19.

It provides guidance under what conditions essential personnel who have been exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19 can be permitted to work in the required workplace setting.

The New York State Education Department (NYSED) has issued new guidance titled Provision of Services to Students with Disabilities During Statewide School Closures Due to Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak in New York State.  The “Questions and Answers” document is NYSED’s most-up-to date guidance regarding the provision of services to students with disabilities, including English Language Learners with disabilities. NYSED’s Office of Special Education will continue to provide updated guidance to the field, which will be posted on the Department’s dedicated COVID-19 web page when available.

The CDC  has released guidance based on available evidence on care of children. they do not appear to be at higher risk for COVID-19 than adults. While some children and infants have been sick with COVID-19, adults make up most of the known cases to date.  Learn more about Steps to protect children from getting sick

COVID-19 Release from Isolation (3/28/20)
The New York State Department of Health has released new guidance for release from mandatory home isolation which has been revised to use the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) non-test-based strategy. It includes guidance for those who were both symptomatic and asymptomatic and placed in isolation.

NYS Education Department Interim Commissioner, Shannon Tahoe shared Additional Resources and Guidance Regarding Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The updates include links to child care and provision of food, continuity of learning, and  the  #NYLearnsRemotely campaign on social media to provide remote learning ideas for kids. As part of the campaign, we are sharing high-quality resources, guidance, tips, and activities that can all be used at home. Follow us on social media ( Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn) for daily ideas.

The NYSDOH has created a "How You Can Help" page with information on how individuals and organizations can provide, time (including volunteer medical, nursing and mental health care), goods or monetary support. You can view it here.