Note: Several materials on this site were not reviewed for Promising Practices because they were beyond the scope of the project or were not publicly available. This review applies only to materials specifically mentioned.
ReadyCASchools.org is an extensive collection of diverse materials for school pandemic preparedness. Multimedia training consists of an educational video, a tabletop exercise, and multiple links to other planning and preparedness tools. The clear and well-organized video nicely summarizes key pandemic issues for a public health and schools audience. A useful section approximately halfway through the hour-long video discusses preschool children and the spread of respiratory disease. Much of the material highlights the roles and responsibilities for pandemic response in California. Planners in other states may want to review the video to clarify any legal or response differences in their home state.
The tabletop exercise allows participants to collaborate on a "what if?" scenario. The exercise is geared toward strengthening partnerships, assessing strengths and weaknesses, examining key issues, and identifying next steps.
Other useful links on the site include: (1) The Moraga school district plan, which uses a brief but useful framework for school pandemic planning; (2) The Pandemic Influenza Continuity of Operations Guide & Template for San Francisco City and County Agencies, which highlights infection control, social distancing tactics, workplace cleaning, communication methods and audiences, and management of ill employees; (3) Childcare provider action steps for pandemic flu; (4) Red Cross efforts to help schools stock emergency supplies; and (5) Materials to enhance resiliency and speed recovery
