Crisis Response

PCOE Public Facing Web Site

To better align state COVID-19 guidance with the most current federal recommendations, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is ending COVID-19 policies that required weekly COVID-19 testing for unvaccinated individuals in high-risk workplaces and schools. Read the press release from CDPH.

As required by law, schools are required to follow guidance from CDPH and the Emergency Temporary Standards from the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board (Cal/OSHA) to limit the spread of COVID and safeguard public health. Read more about the COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools to Support Safe In-Person Learning, 2022-2023 School Year.

For general questions about COVID-19 and precautions currently recommended by Placer County Public Health, residents may call the county’s coronavirus information line at (530) 886-5310. Current information about the coronavirus is available at placer.ca.gov/coronavirus and on the CDC website.​

​The following information is intended for families of students enrolled in a PCOE school or programs such as Pathways iCARE Charter, Court & Community Schools or state preschool.

Current Update

On June 30, 2022, the California Department of Public Health released the COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools to Support Safe In-Person Learning, 2022-2023 School Year. The guidance is effective July 1, 2022.

• CDPH strongly recommends that all eligible individuals get vaccinated against COVID-19 and remain up-to-date to protect themselves and reduce transmission of the virus.

• Unless otherwise directed by local health departments or local educational agencies, students and staff should follow CDPH masking guidance for the general public. No person can be prevented from wearing a mask as a condition of participation in an activity or entry into a school unless wearing a mask would pose a safety hazard (e.g., watersports).

• CDPH recommends that antigen tests be considered the primary option for detecting COVID-19 in schools, compared to PCR tests.  For more information, see the Preliminary Testing Framework for K-12 Schools.

• K-12 schools are encouraged to develop standard criteria for managing students who develop symptoms of infectious diseases, including COVID-19.  In most situations, any student who develops new, unexplained symptoms should not return to campus until it is clear that symptoms are mild and improving or are due to a non-infectious cause (e.g., allergies).  This includes waiting until 24 hours have passed since the resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications. 

• Additionally, if symptoms are concerning for COVID-19, it is strongly recommended that students wear a mask and get tested immediately.  Students should also follow CDPH recommendations for retesting and/or isolating if the results are positive.

PCOE is committed to providing a safe and in-person learning environment for staff and students enrolled in our direct-service programs. Please contact your school principal or Program Coordinator regarding health and safety protocols.

The following information is intended for school district administrators. 

​The following information is intended for childcare providers in Placer County.

Current Update

On June 30, 2022, the California Department of Public Health released the COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools to Support Safe In-Person Learning, 2022-2023 School Year. The guidance is effective July 1, 2022.

Every child care program is expected to continue to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and to ensure the safety of children, providers, and families. If there are different requirements between the most current CDPH, CCL, Cal/OSHA, and local health department guidance or health orders, licensees and providers should follow the strictest requirements.

Additional Links

• COVID-19 Stimulus Bill Updates and Business Resource for Early Childhood Programs​
  

• First Five Years Fund Website - Information Regarding SBA Loans Available to Child Care Providers​
  

• Small Business Association Website - Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources​ 
  

• List of California Essential Infrastructure  Workers 
  

• Grab, Adapt and Go - COVID-19 Resources for Child Care Programs​
  

• Child Care Law Center - Corona Virus Resource Page​ 
  

• Placer County COVID-19 Directive​
  

• ELCD Management Bulletin 20-04 Guidance on Apportionment, Attendance and Reporting Requirements​
  

• PIN 20-04-CCLD Governor's Proclamation of a State of Emergency to Address the Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in California​
  

• PIN-20-04-CCP Statewide Waivers for Licensing Requirements Due to COVID-19 , and Prevention, Containment, and Mitigation Measures​
  

• PIN 20-05-CCLD Dedicated Link to Community Care Licensing Division E-Mail Address for COVID-19 Related Questions​
  

• Previous PINs on the CCLD website​
  

• Public Health Placer County​
  

• Stop the Spread of Germs Information Flyer​
  

• California Department of Public Health COVID-19 - Information on Guidance for a Child Care and Preschool Setting
  

At this time, there is not a PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) scheduled to impact Placer County. Conditions may change and updates will be provided as we learn new information. We will continue to monitor the situation in partnership with the Placer County Health & Human Services department and the Placer County Office of Emergency Services.  

The decision to operate schools during a PG&E PSPS is made at the local school district level. In many cases, school may continue as scheduled with additional contingency plans regarding safe food handling, hydration of students and modification of activities to ensure student safety.

​When gusty winds and dry conditions occur, combined with a heightened fire risk, PG&E may need to turn off power for public safety. This is called a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS).

In the event a planned PSPS may impact a PCOE site, you can expect an email, voicemail and text message from our emergency all-call system called School Messenger. Please ensure your emergency contact information is updated in EPIC. You can access EPIC through the “MyPCOE” portal online.

Standard Communication Protocol

48-Hours Prior

Early notification that PCOE is aware of a potential PSPS. We will continue to monitor the situation. Unless otherwise notified by your supervisor, please plan to report to work as scheduled.

24-Hours Prior

Additional updates regarding the potential PSPS. In many cases, school and business operations may continue as scheduled with additional contingency plans. Even during an extended power outage, some functions of business will continue and you may be expected to report to work. You will be notified no later than 5 p.m. if PCOE is planning to close a school or office location for the following day. Unless otherwise notified by your supervisor, please plan to report to work as scheduled. Conditions may change and updates will be provided as we learn new information.

During the PSPS

Daily updates will be provided until power is restored and school or business operations are back in session. PCOE staff at school-based locations should observe the school closure protocol of the school sites where they are located. Unless otherwise notified by your supervisor, please plan to report to work as scheduled. Conditions may change and updates will be provided as we learn new information. Updates will also be posted to this webpage during the power event.

PCOE employees affected by a power outage at home are expected to be prepared to attend work as regularly scheduled. All absences must be approved by a director supervisor and reported in the absence management system.

The Placer County Superintendent of Schools annually allocates resources to support safety initiatives of the Countywide District Safety Committee.  The committee is made up of representation from all 16 school districts, law enforcement jurisdictions, fire department jurisdictions, the Office of Emergency Services, and Pacific Gas & Electric.  The committee meets at least quarterly to review countywide safety concerns, Comprehensive Safe School Plan updates, and initiatives that serve all school districts.  The committee supports initiatives under 3 major safety categories:  Prevention/Planning, Response, and Recovery.

​Common emergency response language is reviewed across the county with first responders:

Lockout (Response to possible threat to students and staff and to prevent perpetrator from entering building)

Lockdown/Barricade (Imminent deadly threat to students and staff and more active measures are taken to limit access to students and staff)

Shelter in Place (Response to keep students and staff indoors to provide greater level of protection from airborne contaminants)

Evacuation (Immediate response when it is determined it is unsafe to stay in the building)