COVID-19 School and Childcare Screening Tool
Who should complete the daily screening tools? The screening tools should be completed daily by any school-based staff or visitors and all students who are attending school in-person (or by the parent/guardian for each child).
Who does the screening criteria apply to? The screening tools are designed to determine whether staff and students should attend school each day. Individuals who do not work at or attend the school setting are encouraged to follow their individual workplace screening guidelines for COVID-19. Screening staff and students for COVID-19 symptoms and potential exposures every day before attending school is vital to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. All students/parents/guardians and staff should follow the directions provided in the screening tool including when to stay home from school and when it is safe to return to school.
Process Maps, Symptoms, Cases and Return to School
For instructions for school staff or students who are experiencing symptoms, have tested positive for COVID-19, or have been identified as a high-risk contact visit:
- What to do if you’ve been exposed to COVID-19
- Flow Chart: You have symptoms and are concerned you may have COVID-19. Now what? (updated August 9, 2022)
- Flow Chart: You’ve been identified as a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or someone with COVID-19 symptoms. Now what? (updated August 9, 2022)
School Resources
Please note that guidance is rapidly changing. When reviewing the websites and documents below be sure to verify the date.
- COVID-19 Integrated Testing & Case, Contact and Outbreak Management Interim Guidance: Omicron Surge
- COVID-19: Health, safety and operational guidance for schools (2021-2022)
- Ministry of Education: Before and After School Programs - Kindergarten – Grade 6
- Public Health Ontario School and COVID-19 Resources
- Preventing COVID-19: Presentations for Schools and Childcare Settings
- Childhood Illnesses Reference Guide for Schools and Child Care Centres
- COVID-19 Guidance for Schools - Additional tips for physical distancing
- COVID-19 Guidance for Schools - Additional tips for hand hygiene
- Mental Health Support for School Staff
- Signs and Posters
General Cleaning and Disinfection
- Public Health Ontario - Cleaning and disinfection for public settings
- Public Health Agency of Canada - Cleaning and disinfecting public spaces during COVID-19
- Health Canada - Hard surface disinfectants and hand sanitizers
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Putting on and taking off PPE
- How to put on PPE Poster
- How to Remove PPE Poster
- PPE Recommendations in Schools (WDGPH Guidance)
Parent/Caregiver Resources
- Supporting students and kids
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- Mental Health, Substance Use and Stigma
- Supporting Student Mental Health During COVID-19
- Mental Health and COVID-19 for Caregivers
- Kids Health First
- SickKids COVID-19 Vaccine Consult Service – The Hospital for SickKids is offering a confidential telephone service to help parents, caregivers and youth make informed decisions about the COVID-19 vaccination. Services available in multiple languages.
- How-to links and videos (mask, hand-washing, etc.)
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- Hand-washing Heroes Video (for younger children)
- Hand Hygiene How-To (for older children)
- Cover your coughs and sneezes (for younger children)
- Respiratory Etiquette (for older children)
- This video from the World Health Organization has tips on using masks correctly.
- FRENCH: How to Safely Use Reusable Cloth Masks and Face Coverings (Video)
- FRENCH: How to Use a Disposable Mask or Face Covering (Video)
- Non-medical Masks and Face Coverings
- Other measures to stay safe