November 18, 2020
Dear Child Care Providers,
First, we want to say "thank you" to each and everyone one of you for providing continued services and support to the children and families you serve. We know that the COVID-19 pandemic has required us to be flexible in how we safely serve our communities. We want to thank you for being flexible with us as we learn more about COVID-19, as guidance updates, and as our state determines the best way to meet the health and safety needs of everyone.
Iowa’s Child Care Guidance document is being updated to require all child care staff in licensed child care centers and child development homes to wear masks or cloth face coverings, as medically appropriate. Masks or cloth face coverings should not be worn by people who have trouble breathing or by people that are unable to remove the mask or cloth face-covering without assistance. For guidance on how to best choose and clean a mask or cloth face covering, please see this CDC guidance.
We are additionally updating our guidance to strongly recommend that children two years of age and older, wear masks. This change encourages young children about the importance of keeping each other safe and healthy. We also encourage you to communicate with the families you serve about your program’s expectations around mask-wearing and ask for their partnership and support in talking with their children about the importance of wearing masks to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus and other germs. Zero to Three has helpful information about masks and young children.
Again, we know that this pandemic has been demanding for everyone involved and we appreciate your diligence in mitigating risk, implementing guidelines, and supporting your community. Thank you for always rising to the challenge.
If you need support in accessing masks or other PPE equipment, please contact your local Child Care Resource & Referral.
Thank you for being part of our team.
Ryan Page, M.C.J. Child Care Regulatory Program Manager Team Lead, Child Care Bureau Division of Adult, Children & Family Services
Tags: dhs , guidance , covid , covid-19 , masks
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