On March 8, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a new Toolkit to provide educational leaders at schools and in child care programs with ideas and materials to communicate COVID-19 vaccine information to staff. The Toolkit contains resources, such as:
Tips and strategies
PowerPoint presentations
Information about the benefits, safety, side effects, and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine and printable fact sheets
Printable COVID-19 vaccine stickers
Template letters and emails
Vaccine promotion posters and infographics
Sample social media messages
Further, on March 12, 2021, the CDC updated its Guidance for Operating Child Care Programs during COVID-19. Some of the updates include guidance for mask use, ventilation and water systems, children with special needs and disabilities, cohorting and staggering strategies, communal spaces, food service, playgrounds and play space, recognizing signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and screening, and protecting people at higher risk.
When reviewing CDC guidance, California schools and child care providers should keep in mind that any applicable state or local requirements, laws, regulations, or orders, such as that from the CDPH, Cal/OSHA, California Department of Social Services, or local public health department, are controlling and take precedence over guidance from the CDC. Accordingly, schools and child care providers are not legally permitted to follow less restrictive or contradictory guidance from the CDC in lieu of following state or local requirements, laws, regulations, or orders.