The Child Care Council, Inc. would like to share these important guidance documents created and circulated by the Department of Health and the Center for Disease Control. If we all do our part and follow these guidelines and safety requirements we will help mitigate the spread of COVID19 and other illnesses and communicable diseases.
“INTERIM GUIDANCE FOR CHILD CARE AND DAY CAMP PROGRAMS DURING THE COVID-19 PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY”: Lists recommendations and requirements based on DOH & CDC guidelines. Also includes an AFFIRMATION page you need to sign off on stating you have read and understand the NYS guidance. https://www.governor.ny.gov/sites/governor.ny.gov/files/atoms/files/Child_Care_Daycamps_Detailed_Guidelines.pdf
“Reopening New York, Child Care and Day Camp Program Guidelines” – This is a summary page of all of the CDC and DOH guidelines that are Mandatory VS Best Practice. Very easy to read and understand. https://ocfs.ny.gov/main/news/2020/COVID-2020Jun08-Day-Camp-Summary.pdf
“NY FORWARD SAFETY PLAN TEMPLATE” – All programs of every modality are required to complete and fill out a SAFETY PLAN for their program. This does not need to be approved by your local or state registration or licensing agency. However, it needs to be posted in your program. https://ocfs.ny.gov/main/news/2020/COVID-2020Jun08-Guidance-Reopening-Plan-Template.pdf
All programs are also required to post DOH/CDC COVID19 signage around their program space as per the guidance below:
• Responsible Parties must post signs throughout the site, consistent with DOH COVID-19 signage. Responsible Parties can develop their own customized signage specific to their workplace or setting, provided that such signage is consistent with the Department’s signage. Signage should be used to remind individuals to:
o Cover their nose and mouth with a mask or cloth face-covering.
o Properly store and, when necessary, discard PPE.
o Adhere to physical distancing instructions.
o Report symptoms of or exposure to COVID-19, and how they should do so.
o Follow hand hygiene and cleaning and disinfection guidelines.
o Follow appropriate respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette.
Here is a link to the CDC website where you can find and print appropriate signage to place around your program space:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/communication/print-resources.html?Sort=Date%3A%3Adesc
Also reminding you that you must keep a “DEEP CLEANING” log to document and record how you are cleaning and disinfecting effectively throughout the course of the day. This should include sanitizing and disinfecting frequently used surfaces and areas such as doorknobs, countertops, play areas, and the bathroom.
OCFS did not come up with these rules, these are EXECUTIVE ORDERS from the GOVERNOR of NY and they must be followed. All providers are required to wear face coverings at all times they are caring for children. Refusal to follow these rules would be placing others at risk and your program out of compliance.
Thank you for your continued efforts and support throughout this challenging time
