While traditional in-person instruction may still be weeks, or even months away for many districts in Arizona, the governor's recent executive order requires districts across the state to provide in-person support and services for students in need, starting August 17.
FULL COVERAGE: Safely Back to School in Arizona
Those services are required for districts to be eligible for additional funding from the CARES Act, to help bridge the five percent gap in how online students are funded, compared to students attending schools in person.
On Monday the Arizona Department of Education released updated guidance for districts, as they work to figure out what services they can offer and who will be eligible.
The guidance points to services for students with disabilities, medical and mental health services, support for English learners, literacy skills, children in foster care and providing a space to supervise young students who do not have a caregiver at home during school hours, among others.
Districts do not have to open every school site, or entire school campuses. They can also partner with community organizations who can provide a space to offer these services. In the event of extreme spread, where it is unsafe to reopen any facilities, districts can apply for a waiver.
During all of this schools and partnering organizations must follow CDC guidelines to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and post mitigation plans on their websites before those services start.
For a more in-depth look at the guidelines, click here and here.
