American Rescue Plan (ARP): Safe Return and Continuity of Services Plans
The U.S. federal government 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 that must be approved by the U.S. Department of Education before the remaining one-third of the federal funds can be allocated. As such, school districts and community schools receiving ARP funding are required to make public their plan for the safe return to in-person instruction for the 2021-2024 school year. Plans must include mitigation strategies that include:
• Universal and correct wearing of masks;
• Physical distancing
• Handwashing and respiratory etiquette;
• Cleaning and maintaining healthy facilities, including improving ventilation;
• Contact 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 school communities;
• Appropriate accommodations for children with disabilities with respect to the health and safety policies;
        and,
• Coordination with State and local health officials.

Each plan must also ensure continuity of services that address academic needs, and student and staff social, emotional, mental health, and other needs such as health and meal services.