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Unlocking the Potential: Improving COVID-19 Safety in Schools for Children with IDD

Unlocking the Potential: Improving COVID-19 Safety in Schools for Children with IDD
The COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant challenges for schools, especially those catering to children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). A recent study titled "SARS-CoV-2 Screening Testing in Schools for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities" sheds light on effective strategies to mitigate virus transmission in these specialized educational settings. This blog aims to guide practitioners on how to leverage the study's findings to improve safety and outcomes for children with IDD.

Key Findings from the Study

The study, conducted in six schools within the Special School District (SSD) of St. Louis County, found no elevated SARS-CoV-2 positivity rates among staff and students compared to community rates. Here are the key findings:

Effective Mitigation Strategies

The study highlighted several mitigation strategies that contributed to the low transmission rates:

Implementing the Findings

Practitioners can implement these strategies to improve safety in schools for children with IDD:
  1. Encourage Mask Compliance: Use positive reinforcement, modeling, and consistent reminders to encourage mask-wearing among students.
  2. Optimize Room Capacity: Maintain smaller class sizes and ensure social distancing wherever possible.
  3. Adopt Phased Reopening: Gradually increase in-person attendance to manage risks effectively.
  4. Provide Adequate PPE: Ensure that staff and students have access to necessary protective equipment.
  5. Improve Ventilation: Open windows and use air purifiers to enhance room ventilation.

Encouraging Further Research

While the study provides valuable insights, more research is needed to understand the long-term impact of these strategies. Practitioners are encouraged to:

To read the original research paper, please follow this link: SARS-CoV-2 Screening Testing in Schools for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.


Citation: Sherby, M. R., Walsh, T., Lai, A. M., Neidich, J. A., Balls-Berry, J. E., Morris, S. M., Head, R., Prener, C., Newland, J. G., Gurnett, C. A., & COMPASS-T Study Group. (2021). SARS-CoV-2 Screening Testing in Schools for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Research Square. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8312901/?report=classic

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