As you've seen and heard over the last couple of days, Governor Mike DeWine and the State of Ohio have taken steps to prevent the rapid spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Below are a few updates on Ohio's child care programs we have received this weekend.
Child Care (ODJFS)
On Friday, Governor DeWine signed an Executive Order allowing for the temporary change of some ODJFS licensed child care rules. On Monday, ODJFS will be instituting temporary measures to address the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Please note that these measures will not be official until posted by the state on Monday.
In response to questions about whether child care programs would be ordered to close, Governor DeWine today stated, "We are not closing them at this point, but it could happen in the future." Read the Governor's Friday press release here.
If you have any questions that you would like submitted to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services or the Ohio Department of Health regarding the implications of COVID-19, you can share those here. You will not receive a direct response to your question, but all questions will be submitted to the Administration to help inform their understanding of the challenges programs are facing during this difficult time. Submit your questions here.
Additional Information About COVID-19
Below you can find helpful resources from the Ohio Department of Health on what COVID-19 is and how you can help in containing the spread of the virus:
We will share any and all relevant information from the state regarding COVID-19 and early childhood programs as we receive it. In the meantime, please visit www.coronavirus.ohio.gov for daily updates and resources. If you have any questions regarding the virus, please call the Ohio Department of Health at 1-833-4ASKODH (1-833-427-5634).