The Florida Department of Children and Families shared, on June 5, guidance for child care providers:
GENERAL OPERATIONS:
Child care programs should adhere to the Governor’s Executive Order 20-131 Child care programs that remain operational and continue to provide services, should operate under the following conditions, to the extent possible, as outlined in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- Implement social distancing strategies; e.g. where possible, child care groups should remain in the same groups daily.
- Maintain an adequate ratio of staff to children to ensure safety.
- Children and child care providers shall not change from one group to another.
- If more than one group of children is cared for at one facility, each group shall be in a separate room and not mix or interact with each other.
- Intensify cleaning and disinfection efforts, including devising a schedule, and focus on toys, games, and other objects and surfaces that are frequently used.
- Modify drop-off and pick-up procedures to include thorough screening — all individuals entering a facility should be screened according to CDC guidelines.
The CDC guidance for child care programs that remain open is available for reference: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/guidance-for-childcare.html
CONFIRMED CASES OF COVID-19:
If there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 at the child care program, the local county health department will provide guidance and next steps. In addition, the facility should close temporarily and reopen at the direction of the local health department and notify parents and other relevant contacts.
- Coordinate with local county health department.
- Communicate with parents and providers.
- Dismiss children and child care providers in impacted spaces.
- Clean and disinfect thoroughly.
Cleaning and disinfecting after individuals confirmed to have COVID-19 have been in the facility:
- It is recommended to close off areas that the individual entered or neared.
- Open outside doors and windows to increase air circulation in the area. If possible, wait up to 24 hours before beginning cleaning and disinfecting.
- Staff should clean and disinfect all areas (e.g., offices, bathrooms, and common areas) used by the individual, focusing especially on frequently touched surfaces.
- Observe/evaluate staff and children who may have come into contact with the individual in question for early signs or symptoms.
Additional information may be found on the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/cleaning-disinfection.html.