The recently passed American Rescue Plan (ARP) provides substantial federal resources to support states and local school districts. Recent federal guidance clarifies expectations for states and districts, including the development of a state plan. The federal template also includes a requirement that districts and community schools receiving American Rescue Plan funds must publish local “Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services Plans” by June 24th, 2021 and publish it online.
The federal requirements further identify the elements of the most up to date Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance that must be addressed through local school policies and a description of each policy to include:
- Universal and correct wearing of masks
- Physical distancing
- Handwashing and respiratory etiquette
- Cleaning and maintaining healthy facilities including improved ventilation
- Contract tracing in combination with isolation and quarantine, in collaboration with the state, local, territorial or tribal health departments
- Diagnostic and screening testing
- Efforts to provide vaccinations to educators, other staff, and students, if eligible
- Appropriate accommodations for children with disabilities with respect to the health and safety policies
More details related to the Autism Model School policies addressing the above efforts can be found here:
Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services Plan
The Autism Model School will review this plan at a minimum of every 6 months for the duration of the ESSER grant period (i.e. through September 30, 2023) and revise the plan as appropriate.
Comments from stakeholders and the public can be sent to: autismmodelschool@gmail.com.