Coronavirus and Kids Resources

Our thoughts are with all who have been infected by COVID-19 and those whose lives have been disrupted by this pandemic. We are particularly concerned about the significant impacts this global pandemic is likely to have on our nation's child care and early learning programs, including educators, families, and children. We’ve compiled these online resources to provide information from the CDC, and other educational organizations.

Community Testing

Community-Based Testing Sites for COVID-19

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How to Talk to Kids About the Coronavirus

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Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope*

* Resource Description: Guide to Helping Families Cope (PDF)

Provides information for parents and caregivers about infectious disease outbreaks in your community. Knowing important information about the outbreak and learning how to be prepared can reduce stress and help calm likely anxieties. This resource will help parents and caregivers think about how an infectious disease outbreak might affect their family— both physically and emotionally—and what they can do to help their family cope. (NCTSN) The National Child Traumatic Stree Network.

Information from the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC)

How to Prepare Your Family >

Prevention information to share with the families of children.
Take steps to protect yourself and others during a COVID-19 outbreak.

Cleaning And Disinfecting Your Home >

If You Are Sick or Caring for Someone >

Guidance for School Settings >

Guidance for Schools and Childcare Programs

At all times…

Encourage your staff or community members to protect their personal health.

Post the signs and symptoms of COVID-19: fever, cough, shortness of breath.
Encourage people to stay home when sick.
Clean surfaces that are frequently touched – things such as shared desks, countertops, kitchen areas, electronics, and doorknobs.
Limit events and meetings that require close contact.
Stay up to date on developments in your community.
Create an emergency plan for possible outbreak.
Assess if community members are at higher risk and plan accordingly.

During an Outbreak in Your Area

Send home or separate anyone who becomes sick.
If you identify a case, inform people who might have been exposed.
Continue to safely clean and disinfect the person's area.
Connect with your local health departments.
Cancel large meetings or events.
Put your infectious disease outbreak plan into action.

Guidance for Administrators of US K-12 Schools and Child Care Programs to Plan, Prepare, and Respond to Coronavirus Disease

Who is this guidance for?

This interim guidance is intended for administrators of public and private child care programs and K-12 schools. Administrators are individuals who oversee the daily operations of child care programs and K-12 schools, and may include positions like child care program directors, school district superintendents, principals, and assistant principals. This guidance is intended for administrators at both the school/facility and district level.

Why is this guidance being issued?

This guidance will help child care programs, schools, and their partners understand how to help prevent the transmission of COVID-19 within child care and school communities and facilities. It also aims to help child care programs, schools, and partners react quickly should a case be identified. The guidance includes considerations to help administrators plan for the continuity of teaching and learning if there is community spread of COVID-19.

What is the role of schools in responding to COVID-19?

Schools, working together with local health departments, have an important role in slowing the spread of diseases to help ensure students have safe and healthy learning environments. Schools serve students, staff, and visitors from throughout the community. All of these people may have close contact in the school setting, often sharing spaces, equipment, and supplies. Information about COVID-19 in children is somewhat limited, but the information that is available suggests that children with confirmed COVID-19 generally had mild symptoms. However, a small percentage of children have been reported to have more severe illness. People who have serious chronic medical conditions are believed to be at higher risk. Despite lower risk of serious illness among most children, children with COVID-19-like symptoms should avoid contact with others who might be at higher risk, such as older adults and adults with serious chronic medical conditions.

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