Department of Children and Families — Because of the restrictions placed on many child care programs from COVID-19, the Department of Children and Families, Office of Child Care Regulation, will temporarily modify the 480-hour work experience required to obtain a staff credential. The Department will allow up to 120 hours to be obtained virtually. The virtual experience must include interaction with children in any of the following ways:
- Story time (including discussion with children about the story).
- Participation in art projects and other activities that require directions be given (the teacher in the classroom will facilitate the projects with the children and will share the instructions with the student ahead of time so they can be a part of the process)
- Participation in Circle Time activities.
- Participation in Music and Movement activities.
- Participation in virtual mealtime so they can facilitate discussion with the children around mealtime behavior and healthy eating.
For the staff credential candidate to make the most of this virtual experience, it is suggested they participate in a combination of the above listed activities. The remaining 360 hours of work experience MUST be completed in person.
All virtual hours must be identified as virtual hours with a description of how the student interacted with the children in the child care program. These hours must also include a signature from the provider indicating that the hours were fulfilled accordingly.
CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have any questions or need clarification regarding this guidance, please contact the Child Care Training Information Center at 888-352-2842.