Schools and Day Care
The information below is intended for school administrators. Parents, families and school staff should contact their school district directly with any questions about their own schools. We do have a parent/guardian tool to help you decide if your child should attend school or day care every day, but otherwise please contact your school district with school-related questions.
If you work at a school or childcare center and want to ask questions about coronavirus symptoms, safety protocols, isolation, quarantine or screening, or you want to report cases or an outbreak please call our school strike team line at 503-846-5404.
Public and Private Schools
In-Person Instruction
As of January 1, 2021, the metrics for in-school instruction are no longer mandatory. It is up to the school or district to determine if in-person instruction is safe and the right fit for their students. It is still recommended, however, that transition to in-person instruction does not occur until Washington County meets the metrics set forth by the governor and the Oregon Health Authority (metrics subject to change).
View the current guidance for limited in-person instruction during comprehensive distance learning.
ODE has developed several FAQs that cover physical distancing, transportation, hygiene, instructional models and more.
What to do when someone tests positive or is exposed to someone who is COVID+
ODE has developed 12 scenarios regarding exposure and testing which can provide guidance for your situation.
When can a COVID+ student or staff member return?
People who test positive for COVID-19 are directed to stay home until the following things have happened:
- They have had no fever for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicine; and
- Other symptoms have improved; and
- At least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.
People who DID NOT have COVID-19 symptoms, but tested positive and have stayed home may leave home under the following conditions:
- At least 10 days have passed since the date of their first positive test for COVID-19, and
- They continue to have no symptoms (no cough or shortness of breath) since the test.
Face Coverings Required
Face coverings are required for all students in grades kindergarten and above along with all staff. Use of face coverings does not change physical distancing requirements. Learn more.
Sports and activities
View the current guidance for school sports and activities. Under this guidance, K-12 sports are allowed. However, with the high case counts, Washington County recommends limiting in-person activities of any kind as much as possible.
Non-compliance
If you believe a school is not in compliance with the Ready School, Safe Learners guidance you can file a complaint with Oregon OSHA at 1-833-604-0884 or online. If you would like to file a confidential complaint, select "yes" on the online form in response to the question, "Do you want to keep your identity confidential?"
Day Care
Health and Safety Guidelines for Child Care and Early Education
Emergency Childcare Guidance FAQ and toolkit
Reporting an Outbreak
If you work at a school or child care center and want to report a suspected case or outbreak, or ask questions about coronavirus symptoms, safety protocols, isolation, quarantine or screening, please call our school strike team line at 503-846-5404.
When do we need to report a case or outbreak?
- If the staff or student is confirmed COVID+ and was in the school either:
- Two days prior to their symptom onset or any time after symptom onset OR
- Two days prior to their positive test collection or any time after positive test collection, if non-symptomatic.
- If the staff or student is a presumptive case (per Oregon’s Investigative Guidelines) and has been in the school during the two days prior to symptom onset or any time after symptom onset.
Immunization Reporting
- Schools that anticipate they will reopen (at least partially) later in the school year when it’s possible should plan on collecting immunization records, notifying parents of missing immunizations, and participating in immunization reporting and exclusion.
- Schools that are planning on exclusive online learning for the full school year will be able to count these students in the “not counted” category of the immunization report. They are still encouraged to collect immunization records in preparation for in-person learning next school year.
Colleges and Universities
The Higher Education Coordinating Commission and OHA put out this Facebook video on going back to university or community college during the pandemic.
COVID-19 Guidelines for Higher Education Establishments
To connect with Washington County Public Health, email eoc-liaison@co.washington.or.us.
Resources Created by Washington County Public Health
Environmental Health Checklist for Sanitation and Disinfection
COVID School Respiratory Illness Log (Line List)
COVID School Reporting Form (for reference)
Resources Created by ODE
Ready School, Safe Learners Guidance for School Year 2020-21 and companion documents
Resources for implementing comprehensive distance learning
Comprehensive Distance Learning Requirement Overview
New ‘Scenarios Document’ for ODE's K-12 protocol — Released Sept. 14, 2020
Operational Blueprint Template (assessment) Click 'Operational Blueprint Template' in the School Leaders Box.
Sample Plans (Ready Schools, Safe Learners)
General Resources
CDC Cleaning and Disinfection Guidance for Schools
Testing sites in Washington County
Washington County Health Care Resource Guide
Oregon Department of Education COVID-19 Page
Oregon Health Authority COVID-19 page
Operating schools during COVID-19: CDC's Considerations
Disinfecting your Non-Emergency Vehicle
Contact Us
If your question is not covered, email ODE at ReadySchools@ode.state.or.us and also cc Washington County at ReadySchoolsSafeLearners@co.washington.or.us.
