Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
ODJFS has developed a Transitional Pandemic Child Care Toolkit to assist programs in their reopening efforts. The toolkit is located on the provider pandemic child care page: http://jfs.ohio.gov/cdc/CoronavirusAndChildcare/
- Using Dividers to Create Separate Spaces in Child Care Centers
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, child care ratio and group size requirements have been reduced. Programs may wish to divide large spaces or classrooms to accommodate more than one group of children in that space. Programs that use dividers should consider the following guidance, to ensure the safety of the children and to comply with fire and licensing regulations. - Responsible RestartOhio “Child Care Rules and Best Practices”
Please review the rules and regulations regarding reduced staff to child ratios, drop-off and pick-up restrictions, sanitation practices, and protocols to reduce the risk of spreading the virus. - Child Care, Mental Health and COVID -19 training slide deck (May 21, 2020)
This training focuses on strategies for child care professionals to deal with the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic including the COVID-19 Mental Health Toolkit, self-care strategies and support from Early Childhood Mental Health Providers. - Transitional Pandemic Requirements and Best Practices:
- Sample Parent Communication for Positive COVID-19 Test
For more information from ODJFS, go to: http://jfs.ohio.gov/cdc/CoronavirusAndChildcare/
Additional Tips and Resources
Webinar on Adapting, Evolving, and Thriving: Tools To Evolve Your COVID-19 Child Care Strategy – Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care
Returning to Child Care Post COVID-19 – The Columbus Foundation, Can’t Stop Columbus, Lextant, and the YMCA
Reopening Playbook – South Side Early Learning
This playbook was developed by Project NUDL, a South Side Early Learning initiative, in partnership with Future Ready Columbus to help providers safely reopen their center-based child care program.
Child Care Business Decision Tree – Ohio Association of Child Care Providers
This helpful infographic can help you make the best decisions regarding your child care business.
Webinar: Caring for Children in Group Settings During COVID-19 – Head Start | ECLKC
Early care and education (ECE) programs have many questions about how to keep children and staff healthy during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Guidance Related to Childcare During COVID-19 – American Academy of Pediatrics
This AAP guidance is based on what is currently known about the transmission and severity of coronavirus disease.
Infographic: Preparing to Reopen – Ohio Department of Health and Ohio Small Business Development Centers
Though your business may be closed, now is the time to start preparing for your next chapter. We recommend you develop a well thought out plan for when you can open again.
Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 – CDC
Follow these best practices from the Centers for Disease Control to keep your staff and the children in your care safe and healthy.
Action for Children is here for you every step of the way. If you have any questions or concerns regarding reopening or transitioning back to typical care, please contact your TA or reach out to Brittany Jackson at bjackson@actionforchildren.org or call 614-224-0222 ext. 157.