March 20, 2020
Child Care Guidance in Response to COVID-19
While not often included with first responders, the service you provide is critical. Thank you for your public service. We appreciate child care providers staying open to provide quality, safe care to Iowa’s children during this critical time.
The updated guidance has been developed in close consultation with the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH). The health and safety of children, family, staff and child care providers is of the utmost importance. Child care programs provide an essential support for working families. We need to ensure child care for essential workforce, including healthcare, first responders, critical infrastructure—which includes food service and grocery workers.
The Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) encourages parents who telecommute to keep their children home with them.
DHS also encourages child care settings to limit rooms to 10 individuals per room when possible, and to increase space between children. Recess, activities and hallway passing should be staggered to limit interactions.
To remain open during this time, we insist all child care centers follow practices outlined below.
HYGIENE AND CLEANLINESS
HEALTH
SOCIAL DISTANCING
REPORTING
Tags: dhs , covid-19 , coronavirus
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