On Dec. 30, Gov. Gavin Newsom released the state’s Safe Schools for All plan, California’s framework to support schools to continue operating safely in-person and to expand the number of schools safely resuming in-person instruction.

Informed by growing evidence of the decreased risks and increased benefits of in-person instruction – especially for the youngest students – Newsom said he was advancing a strategy that would help create safe learning environments for students and safe workplaces for educators and other school staff. The plan was developed in partnership with the Legislature, and the governor said he would propose an early action package to ensure schools have the resources necessary to successfully implement key safety precautions and mitigation measures.

Components of the plan will be launched in the coming weeks.

“As a father of four, I know firsthand what parents, educators and pediatricians continue to say: in-person is the best setting to meet not only the learning needs, but the mental health and social-emotional needs of our kids,” Newsom said. “In the midst of this pandemic, my administration is focused on getting students back into the classroom in a way that leads with student and teacher health. By focusing on a phased approach with virus mitigation and prevention at the center, we can begin to return our kids to school to support learning needs and restore the benefits of in-person instruction.

“It’s especially important for our youngest kids, those with disabilities, those with limited access to technology at home and those who have struggled more than most with distance learning.”

The administration’s strategy focuses on ensuring implementation and building confidence by bringing back the youngest children and those who are most vulnerable first, then phasing in other grade levels through the spring.

This phased-in return recognizes that younger children are at a lower risk of contracting and transmitting COVID-19. At the same time, distance learning will remain an option for parents and students who choose it and for those whose health status does not allow them to return to school in the near term.

For more information, visit cdph.ca.gov/programs/cid/dcdc/pages/covid-19/safe-schools-for-all-plan-rationale.aspx.