Before Heading Back to Child Care, Talk With Your Provider to Ensure They are Following Guidelines
As Georgia businesses start reopening and residents begin heading back to brick and mortar work locations, there will be an increase in the demand for child care. As of now, approximately 45% of Georgia’s child care programs are still open.
If you are considering your child’s return to a child care program, you will want to check the guidelines from Georgia’s Bright from the Start: Department of Early Child and Learning (DECAL) as well as from the Centers for Disease Control so that you are informed on what you need to know and what to expect from your child’s care taker.
Here’s a few highlights from Bright from the Start:
Only 10 people, including instructors are allowed in a room.
There will be no field trips or program provided transportation.
Child drop-off and pick-up will restrict parents to saying goodbye at the front door of the facility and in some cases, the child’s classroom.
Children will receive a temperature check upon arrival; Staff also will have a health check each day.
o Staff and children will be sent home if they have a:
fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit
shortness of breath
cough
Meals must be served in the class room and should not be served family style.
You can expect child care providers to continue their rigorous cleaning and disinfecting as well as increase their attention on special high-touch areas, toys and etc.
Before returning to, or when finding a new, child care program, ask your child care provider if they are following the safety guidelines from Bright from the Start, as well as if they have had any staff sick because of COVID-19, and any other questions that will help you choose the right care for your child.
If your normal child care program cannot accommodate your needs at this time, you can call (877) ALL-GA-KIDS (877- 255-4254) to speak to a live referral specialist for free to help you find a safe, high-quality program for your child. Or, you can search for care yourself at QualityRated.org.
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