First and foremost, thank you to all of our child care and early learning programs, which are doing heroic and important work under incredibly stressful conditions. We are working diligently to represent your urgent concerns to policymakers and advocate for Ohio’s myriad essential workers who need to know they’ll have access to quality child care in the coming weeks and months.
This morning a group of more than a dozen providers and advocates from across Ohio sent recommendations to State administrators offering suggestions on how to assist child care programs in this unprecedented health crisis, with a special emphasis on how we’ll ensure that doctors, nurses, first responders and others like them can be on the job. You can read a summary of those suggestions here, developed with feedback from programs and leaders who are on the ground. We will keep you informed as we hear more about decisions from State leaders and will work to support you in any way we can in the weeks and months ahead.
We know there are lots of rumors about “what’s next" and want to be a resource to you during these uncertain times. Join us and early learning leaders from across the state for webinars this week to hear how child care providers are responding to the pandemic and planning for their families and programs in the weeks to come. Check out the invitation here.
Join us for two upcoming webinars Wednesday, March 18th and Friday, March 20th from 1-2 PM with Learn to Earn Dayton, Groundwork Ohio, Ohio AEYC, OACCP, OCCRRA, and others as we share insights on what providers are currently doing to address COVID-19 in their settings, how to use the new small business loan opportunity and other business and workforce supports, how families are being impacted, and more.
Wednesday’s webinar will cover information on…
Small business loans
Utilizing pandemic days
Engaging in courageous conversations
Family child care provider response
Center-based child care provider response
Friday’s webinar will cover more in-depth technical support on…
Accessing unemployment benefits
Utilizing small business loans
Any updates on state and federal guidance
Ohio's Response to COVID-19 for Child Care Programs
Since our last COVID-19 update on Saturday, there have not been any new developments specifically relating to child care. However, Governor Mike DeWine rolled out new regulations pertaining to business closures, unemployment, and small business loans. Below are a few updates on Ohio's child care programs we have received over the past week.
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 instituted temporary measures to address the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Mass Gatherings
In accordance with CDC guidelines, Governor DeWine indicated that Ohio will follow the guidelines banning all mass gatherings of over 50 people.
Expanded Unemployment
On Saturday, Governor DeWine announced new rules pertaining to unemployment compensation. Due to many businesses closing operations, Governor DeWine signed an executive order to suspend the one week waiting period so that employees can immediately begin receiving compensation and allowed employees to tap into unemployment compensation if their employer does not offer paid leave. Click here for the press release and here for FAQs.
Closure of Restaurants and Bars
ODH Director signed an order to close dine-in services at all of Ohio's restaurants and bars. However, the order to provide an exception to allow restaurants to provide carry out and delivery services for food and beverages. The order went into effect this past Sunday at 9 pm.
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).