DeWine: Child Care Providers May Return to Normal Class Sizes
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Governor DeWine announced that child care providers in Ohio may return to their normal, statutory ratios and class sizes beginning on August 9, 2020.
Child care providers have a choice to increase the number of children and staff members to the normal statutory ratios or to maintain their current, lower ratios to help slow the spread of COVID-19. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) is structuring a financial incentive to providers that maintain smaller ratios and classroom sizes.
“Children cannot learn unless they are safe and cared for, and without access to child care, parents may resort to less-than-ideal options for their child’s care, such as relying on an elderly grandparent who is at greater risk for contracting COVID-19. By allowing normal ratios to resume, we’re giving parents more options,” said Governor DeWine. “We will continue to closely monitor reports of COVID-19 in child care, as well as compliance with rules and best practices, so that we can respond as needed to keep our children, families, and teachers safe.”
All child care providers must comply with stringent health and safety requirements including:
- Face coverings for all staff and children over 10, unless they have a health exemption;
- Symptom and temperature checks when staff and children arrive;
- Washing hands throughout the day, including upon arrival and before departure;
- Frequent cleaning of high-touch surfaces; and
- Regular deep cleanings.
Additionally, providers must report any COVID-19 cases to ODJFS and their local health department.