Dallas County
Department of Health & Human Services
Updated on 7/20/20
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When can schools offer in-person instruction?
Schools may begin offering in-person instruction on September 8, 2020. However, Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) will monitor the COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and other data closely and may make additional decisions on when schools can offer in-person instruction in Dallas County based on the data and recommendations of an advisory group.
Does the Order only apply to schools within Dallas County or does it also apply to schools within the City of Dallas?
Since Dr. Huang is the Health Authority for the City of Dallas (as well as Dallas County), the Order applies to all public & private schools in the City of Dallas
How does this Order affect school districts with schools in multiple counties/cities?
If a school district has schools in multiple counties or cities, then all of the schools physically located in Dallas County must follow the Order and delay in-person instruction until September 8th.
Can a school host a virtual event?
Yes, schools may host and students may participate in events held entirely online, such as academic competitions held virtually. The Order only bans in-person activities.
Can a school host in-person summer camp programs?
No, schools cannot host in-person summer camp programs. These programs are considered school-sponsored events/activities and are prohibited.
Can a school still host their scheduled graduation?
Yes, graduation ceremonies are allowed under Governor Abbott’s Order (GA-28) and may proceed as scheduled. However, DCHHS advises against attending in-person graduation ceremonies at this time because gatherings of multiple households increases the potential for large spread of COVID-19. Additionally, schools must follow TEA guidance for health and safety protections at graduation events.
Can a school conduct in-person IEP evaluations for students with disabilities?
IEP evaluations may be conducted in-person in certain circumstances. Schools should make every effort to conduct IEP evaluations remotely, through videoconferencing or conference telephone calls, for the safety of the students and school staff. However, some students’ IEP evaluations may need to be held in-person for a complete assessment of the student. If the IEP team and student’s parent or guardian determine the IEP evaluation should be done in-person, then the IEP team must provide, in writing, the reasons for this determination. IEP evaluations conducted in person must comply with the following health and safety standards:
i. The IEP evaluation team and any other school staff must wear a face covering at all times.
ii. To the extent possible, students must wear a face covering at all times.
iii. The IEP evaluation team and any other school staff must maintain 6 foot distancing from the student and other staff at all times.
iv. Parents should not enter the school. Parents should drop students off outside the school and school staff should escort the student into the school for the evaluation.
i. The IEP evaluation team and any other school staff must wear a face covering at all times.
ii. To the extent possible, students must wear a face covering at all times.
iii. The IEP evaluation team and any other school staff must maintain 6 foot distancing from the student and other staff at all times.
iv. Parents should not enter the school. Parents should drop students off outside the school and school staff should escort the student into the school for the evaluation.
Does the ban apply to daycare and childcare services associated with public or private schools?
No, the ban does not apply to daycare or childcare services. But, the ban does apply to pre-K programs offered by public or private schools.
My child is enrolled in a pre-kindergarten program. Can my child continue to attend pre-K?
Pre-K offered through a public or private school cannot operate in-person classes. If your child attends pre-K through a private provider, they can continue to attend their pre-K program. Parents should contact their pre-K provider to ask if they are still providing in-person programs.
Our school offers both pre-k and childcare programs. How do we know which programs are allowed to operate in-person and which must stop in-person classes?
If a school has a pre-K program that is separately licensed as a childcare program, that pre-K program may continue to provide in-person services. However, if the pre-K program is licensed to the school as part of its academic system, then that pre-K must stop providing in-person services.
How can schools submit their safety plans to DCHHS?
Schools should email their safety plans to Philip.Huang@dallascounty.org, Joann.Schulte@dallascounty.org, and Katy.Womble@dallascounty.org.