Opening Schools Safely in the COVID-19 Era
As American schools shut down and moved into online learning as a response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, there was little information about how school social workers (SSWs or SSW) were responding to the crisis.
COVID-19 has presented a worldwide challenge for schools. Issues of safety, isolation, mental health, hunger, housing insecurity, and physical health are all amplified.
School Social Work Association of America
In this time of crisis, the critical services that school social workers provide are more important than ever. School social workers are
being called to the front lines to assist families with resources,
mental health supports, and trauma informed care during the current
pandemic.
School Social Work Association of America
Our nation is navigating two public health crises: the COVID-19 pandemic and police brutality. As school social workers, we are tasked with the responsibility of helping not only our students and families manage these crises, but also the staff with whom we work.
NASW Practice Alert, May 2020
During the COVID-19 public health emergency, school social workers are essential staff and continue to play a vital role in ensuring that students continue to receive much-needed mental health, education and other services despite school disruptions from the pandemic.
APA
This report is intended to complement a number of outstanding existing reports compiled by respected government, university, and association sources on how children can return safely to school during the coronavirus pandemic.
Additional Resources
Reopening Plan Types
School Districts' Reopening Plans: A Snapshot
After the coronavirus forced a mass closing of K-12 school buildings in the spring of 2020, district leaders had to decide how to provide instruction for 2020-21. From July to September, Education Week tracked the first-day instructional plans for over 900 of the nation’s 13,000 public school districts.
Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
Guidance for COVID-19 Prevention
Strategies to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and maintain safe operations in schools, child care programs, and institutions of higher education.