Visitor's Policy

Currently New York City is at a high level of COVID-19 transmission. During this time, schools should limit nonessential visitors coming into the building during the school day. Schools are encouraged, where possible, to address visitor and parent concerns by phone or computer. Principals and designated staff may conduct meetings remotely where possible.

In order to protect staff and students in DOE buildings, all visitors wishing to enter DOE buildings must show proof of having at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccination.

Acceptable proof of vaccination is one of the following:

• A CDC Vaccination Card; a photo or photocopy is also acceptable.

• A NYC Vaccination Record or other official immunization record from within or outside the US, including from a health care provider. A photo or photocopy of this card is also acceptable.

• NYC COVID Safe App on Android or iOS.

• Excelsior Pass or Excelsior Pass Plus.

• DOE COVID-19 Vaccine Portal.
   

An acceptable COVID-19 vaccination includes one dose of any COVID-19 vaccine fully authorized or authorized for emergency use by the FDA or WHO.

If a visitor wishes to enter a DOE building but is unable or unwilling to show proof of vaccination upon sign in, the visitor may not enter the building absent emergency circumstances. Additionally, any visitor to the building must show identification, complete the daily health screening and wear a face covering at all times while on DOE property.

Schools must make every effort to ensure unvaccinated individuals are able to still meet with teachers and attend meetings by offering virtual options. School Safety Agent should connect the visitor with the Parent Coordinator or other relevant staff.

Protocol for Visitors

Upon entry to a Department of Education building, a visitor must sign in and show photo identification, proof of vaccination, completion of health screening, and the visitor must be wearing a face covering.

If the visitor is unable to comply with one of the four requirements above, the School Safety Agent will do the following:

Photo Identification

Remind the visitor of the types of identification accepted, including the IDNYC.

Guardians who do not have acceptable photo identification shall not be denied access to their student’s school. Where acceptable photo identification cannot otherwise be made available and there is no other reason to deny access, the principal or designee (e.g., the parent coordinator), must be contacted. The principal/designee must then escort the parent to the office they are visiting and, following the meeting, escort the parent out of the building.

Proof of Vaccination

Remind the visitor of the types of vaccine records that are accepted.

Health Screening Clearance

Provide a paper copy of the health screening form and take the visitor’s temperature.

Face Covering

Provide the visitor with a face covering.

In order to enter the building, a visitor must have proof of vaccination, completion of the daily health screening form, and must be wearing a face covering. If the visitor cannot comply with those requirements, the School Safety Agent should provide the visitor with the phone number and email address of the Parent Coordinator or other relevant staff member so the visitor can make an appointment for a remote meeting at the school.

Exceptions to the Visitor Vaccine Mandate

On the first day of school, 3K/Pre-K guardians, in small groups, will be able to walk their students into the classroom and stay with them briefly without showing proof of vaccination.

Throughout the school year, the following exceptions to the visitor vaccine mandate apply:

• Any guardian needing to register their student for school may enter the building without showing proof of vaccination. All other entry requirements apply, including wearing a face covering at all times.

• Any individual seeking to get vaccinated against COVID-19 at a DOE vaccine site.

• Delivery personnel may enter the building to place items in a designated area without showing proof of vaccination. All other entry requirements apply, including wearing a face covering at all times.

• Should a student have a medical emergency or be in crisis, the student’s guardian will be allowed to enter the building, regardless of vaccine status.

• Law enforcement officials and emergency responders do not need to show proof of vaccination to enter when responding to an emergency.