Each day we will share with Ohio Child Care Providers the latest information we have about COVID-19 and give you helpful resources that support you, your program and the families and children in our region as we navigate the days to come. This information is accurate as of 2 p.m. on 3/19/20.
New ODJFS Webpage
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) has created a new Coronavirus Pandemic Child Care webpage dedicated to sharing information about child care and COVID-19. The site includes direct links to all temporary rules that have been instituted in response to the pandemic, relevant applications and enrollment forms, and an FAQ section on pandemic child care programs.
We encourage you to use the website as a primary resource as updates will be added as they become available.
Food Distribution to Families
If you participate in the 4C for Children Child Nutrition Program and your program closes, please refer families to a local school district to see if the school is providing meals. Currently programs are not able to send meals home with families. For more guidance and information regarding USDA Food and Nutrition Service programs and the pandemic’s impact on them, click here.
Virtual Professional Development Opportunities
The Ohio Child Care Resource and Referral Association (OCCRRA) has approved converting face-to-face training to online/webinar formats that will only be in effect during the COVID-19 Social Distancing directive. According to a release sent out today, OCCRRA is encouraging participants to take PD if their program has closed or they are working reduced hours.
4C for Children staff are working on our plan to deliver training opportunities under these new guidelines. We will communicate our plan as soon as established.
You Are Not Alone
We remain committed to helping all providers–center-based and family child care-navigate through this uncertain time in our community and in our country. Please reach out to us if you have any questions or needs and we will do our best to connect you with a helpful resource. You can also check our website for the latest information.
Together, we will get through this.