DepEd prepares for the pilot implementation of limited face-to-face classes
By MELANIE Y. PADILLA
Teacher III
With the pilot implementation of the limited face-to-face classes for basic education on November 15, 2021, schools that are part of the implementation have underwent preparations in accordance with the standards set forth in the Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 1, s. 2021 by the Department of Education (DepEd) and Department of Health (DOH).
Said JMC or the Operational Guidelines on the Implementation of Limited Face-to-Face Learning Modality provides insights and experience on implementing face-to-face classes while adhering to the minimum health and safety protocols to prevent the transmission of COVID-19.
Per DepEd Memorandum No. 085, s. 2021 issued by Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones, DepEd also issued Memorandum No. 071, s. 2021 titled Preparations for the Pilot Face-to-Face, Expansion, and Transitioning to the New Normal, which instructed schools to conduct self-assessment using School Safety Assessment Tool (SSAT) to assess their readiness for face-to-face classes and to identify areas of support for the expansion of the implementation of face-to-face classes and towards the transition to the new normal.
Secretary Briones in the memorandum states that as part of the further preparations for the implementation of the expanded phase of face-to-face classes targeted to commence in early 2022, all public and private schools nationwide shall start preparations for face-to-face classes.
Schools shall prepare all the requirements for the safe implementation of limited face-to-face classes in line with the standards set in DepEd-DOH JMC No. 1, s. 2027; set up the physical structures, WASH facilities and supplies, personal protective equipment (PPEs), health and safety protocols, learning materials, class programs, and human resource requirements as required in the JMC; conduct coordination meetings at the local level with concerned government agencies, partners and community members to discuss their respective participation in the limited face-to-face classes; and secure free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) with necessary documentation for schools in IP communities.
Also, schools shall involve the community in the school reopening process and ensure local coordination mechanisms with Barangay Health Emergency Response Team (BHERT) and Local Government Units (LGUs) for referral system, contact tracing, school traffic management, disinfection, contingency school lockdown, among others; coordinate with LGUs to fast-track vaccination of teachers, school personnel, and eligible learners and their household members; strengthen advocacy and campaign programs for vaccination of teachers, and eligible learners; adjust class programs according to their Alternative Work Arrangements (AWA) and conduct an orientation of teaching personnel on possible changes in their AWA; set up mechanisms to respond to mental health concerns of learners and teachers; plan for the orientation of learners, parents, guardians, teaching and nonteaching personnel, external stakeholders and LGU of the eligibility for participation, existing protocols, mechanisms, and procedures needed in conducting face-to-face classes. Orientation shall take place at least two weeks prior to the conduct of face-to-face classes to allow parents/guardians help children to mentally and emotionally adapt and cope with the transition. During the orientation, the school shall observe the health and safety protocols; and simulate the implementation protocols among school personnel to identify possible implementation issues and discuss possible scenarios during the actual conduct of face-to-face classes. ###
