COVID-19 Information
This page is updated frequently to provide parents and educators with information and resources during the COVID-19 health crisis. Additional information is available on the Arkansas Ready for Learning page.
Additional Information Regarding COVID-19 Guidelines and Impact on School Events
During a press conference on February 26, 2021, Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced changes to directives that have been in place. In summary, the directives that have been in place with the exception of the mask mandate are now guidance and are to be used as guidelines in planning events such as prom, graduation, etc. The Department of Education strongly encourages schools to continue to follow the guidelines provided by the Department of Health, not only for everyday operations, but also for academic and extracurricular activities. For more information, please read Commissioner's Memo COM-21-090.Resources for Return to On-site Instruction
Parents
The Kids Guide to the Coronavirus
Posted August 28, 2020
Help Slow the Spread
Designed for PreK-4 education, Help Slow the Spread features a series of activity sheets and talking points for teachers, parents, and students to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
Designated Hotlines
- Ready for School Resource Call Center: 1-833-353-6050 (English), 1-501-218-4015 (Spanish). For more information, visit http://adecm.arkansas.gov/ViewApprovedMemo.aspx?Id=4496
- MAIN COVID-19 Hotline: 1-800-803-7847
- Arkansas Children’s Hospital Hotline: 1-800-743-3616
The State's COVID-19 Response, Department of Health Updates & Resources
Sign up for Gov. Asa Hutchinson's COVID-19 updates, access health department updates (for best results, avoid using Internet Explorer), and get other information by clicking on the buttons below. View the COVID-19 update recordings at http://bit.ly/2xTvAu2, You can also access health care resources and ADEM COVID-19 Information.
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Learning Resources for Arkansas Students
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Arkansas Wi-Fi Map
The Arkansas Department of Education is working with the University of Arkansas CAST team on building a map to display all free and public access Wi-Fi for our state. View the map:
https://ar-wifi-map-uark.hub.arcgis.com/app/3de10c8bfdd448a9942256c6227a14f3.
This tool only improves with participation. This link allows for submission of additional sites:
Frequently Asked Questions About COVID-19 and Other Resources
Educators
COVID-19 District and School Information
For resources about the return to on-site instruction, please visit COVID-19 District and School Information.
Guidance for Arkansas Schools Regarding COVID-19
Gov. Asa Hutchinson released an executive order (revised 2/26/21) that details action to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) is the lead agency to work in concert with other state agencies to respond to the COVID-19 virus.
Commissioner's Memo released February 26, 2021: Additional Information Regarding COVID-19 Guidelines and Impact on School Events.
(For details on prior guidance for Arkansas schools during the COVID-19 pandemic, go to Commissioner's Memo LS-20-089 Guidance for Schools Regarding COVID-19).
Additional COVID-19 Data
Posted August 27, 2020
- Arkansas Center for Health Improvement school district boundary data
- Arkansas Department of Health school district-related data (Scroll down to Educational Institutions)
Child Nutrition Waivers Overview
The following document features a list of child nutrition waivers granted to the Arkansas Department of Education’s Division of Elementary and Secondary Education. These waivers give flexibility in providing meals during COVID-19: Child Nutrition Waivers Overview. You may also view Commissioner’s Memo CNU-21-008.
Digital Learning Resources in Response to COVID-19
In response to COVID-19 concerns, the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education - Research and Technology team worked with state partners to create a list of digital learning resources that may assist schools with potential closures. Please visit Digital Learning Resources - COVID 19.
Designated Hotlines
In an effort to field concerns related to school closures and school/student-related concerns of potential positive COVID-19 cases, the Arkansas Department of Health has designated a hotline for school personnel to utilize to report concerns. For all other concerns, individuals should use the MAIN COVID-19 Hotline number. These pertinent numbers are listed below:
- School Personnel Designated COVID-19 Hotline: 1-833-504-0155
- Ready for School Resource Call Center: 1-833-353-6050 (English), 1-501-218-4015 (Spanish). For more information, visit http://adecm.arkansas.gov/ViewApprovedMemo.aspx?Id=4496
- MAIN COVID-19 Hotline: 1-800-803-7847
Questions? Districts can email education questions to ade.communications@ade.arkansas.gov.
Special Education Guidance and Considerations
Updated September 4, 2020
Additional Guidance, Considerations and Supports
- Career and Technical Education Guidance
- School Counseling Considerations for AMI
- School Health Services COVID-19 School Closure Guidance
- Child Care Facilities-ADH DHS Guidance (DOCX).
- COVID-19 Information and Resources for Schools and School Personnel
- AMI Resources for Computer Science
- Arkansas Advanced Placement (AP) Updates
- Gifted Education Considerations
- English Learner Considerations
- English Learner Supports