Returning to School and the Community Safely
Updated December 28, 2021
Experts at Children’s Mercy are working with the community to help keep children safe during the 2021-22 school year as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.
Guidance for Keeping Schools Safe for Students and Staff
Information for educators and school health professionals
Children's Mercy is committed to helping children return safely to school during the COVID-19 pandemic. We have compiled resources for school health care professionals to keep students, families and school staff safe during the 2021-22 school year.
Masks help schools stay open
Keeping schools open and safe for all is a top priority for all of us. See how masks prevent infection and help keep schools open.
The importance of masks in schools
The American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) and the Missouri Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatricans explain the importance of masks in schools, along with other recommendations. See their statements.
Additional information for educators
Other resources to help with school reopening and operations.
National organizations:
- AAP: COVID-19 Guidance for Safe Schools and Promotion of In-Person Learning
- ABC Science Collaborative: COVID-19 and Schools Year in Review and Path Forward (PDF)
- CDC: Guidance for COVID-19 Prevention in K-12 Schools
- CDC: Schools and Child Care Programs
- National Association of School Nurses: Personal Protective Equipment Guide
- The American Association of School Administrators: The National COVID-19 School Response Dashboard
Local and regional organizations:
- Johnson County Department of Health and Environment: School guidance
- Kansas Department of Health and Environment: COVID-19 Cases in Kansas
- Mid-America Regional Council: Kansas City Region COVID-19 Data Hub
Contact tracing resources:
- CDC: Contact Tracer’s Interview Tool (PDF)
- Johns Hopkins: Contact Tracing
If you have any COVID-19 school re-entry questions or would like to request a consultation, please fill out and submit a COVID-19 School Assistance form. We will get in contact with you as soon as possible.
Information for families
Below are resources to aid you with the return of schools.
Read recommendations for a safe return to sport from Children's Mercy specialists.
Below are more resources to aid you with school re-entry.
Masks:
Cleaning and Disinfecting:
Test to Stay:
Sports:
- Information About COVID-19 from Children's Mercy
- COVID-19 Testing
- COVID-19 Vaccine Information
- What to Expect During Your Visit
- Returning to School and the Community Safely
- The School TLC Study
- Safe Return to Sport
- Helping Your Child Wear a Mask
- Visitor Guidelines
- COVID-19 Positive Testing Results
- Información sobre el COVID-19 en español