Schools, childcare, and youth programs during the coronavirus pandemic

All schools must stop holding classes at physical locations within San Francisco. Schools must not have drive-in graduation ceremonies.

Schools and other education programs can provide distance learning to their students. Teachers can go to work to prepare distance learning.

Schools are offering all children free meals. Find out how to pick up free meals.

Childcare programs may enroll all children starting June 1, 2020. See what childcare providers need to reopen.

Summer day camps may open for all children on June 15, 2020. Sign up at Rec and Park. (See what summer day camps need to reopen.)

At-risk children and youth, and families of essential workers may receive priority enrollment.

To keep children and staff healthy, facilities serving youth must do the following, if possible:

• Keep a maximum of 12 children in the same groups each day (10 for state licensed childcare serving children aged 0 to 5 years) 
• Keep groups of children separate from each other in a different room or space
• Have providers stay with the same group of children
• Summer day camps must have a 3 week minimum session length
• Children and youth can enroll in only 1 summer camp at a time
• Follow SFDPH guidance for administrators of youth programs
• Remind parents and caregivers they must wear face coverings while at these facilities, including dropping off and picking up children
• Prohibit face coverings for children ages 2 and under, due to risk of suffocation
• Consider face coverings for children between 3 and 12, and only with adult supervision 
• Have children over 13 wear a face covering

If you need childcare, see the Department of Children, Youth and their Families for information about free, emergency childcare.

Babysitters and nannies can come to your home to care for your children.

You should hire someone you trust to be following the Stay Home order and staying safe when outside their home.

Caregivers should be extra careful about staying healthy, if anyone in your family is over 60 or has a pre-existing health condition.

You cannot take your children to the playground, or arrange playdates. It is hard for children to keep 6 feet apart from each other.

Entertain your children with games, reading, puzzles, and videos at home. Engage them in education using online tools. 

Take children to trails and open parks near your house. Encourage them to stay active during the coronavirus outbreak.

See official guidance from the Department of Public Health for schools and childcare facilities.

If you have questions:

• Call 415-554-2830 (press 1 for COVID-19, then press 6 for schools) 
• Email schools-childcaresites@sfdph.org