The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated the guidelines for managing childcare programs in several areas, including extensive background on what is known about COVID-19 and transfer to childcare facilities, recommendations for mask use, and information for children with special needs. needs and disabilities.
The new guidance, intended for all types of child care programs, including child care centers, family homes for child care, Head Start programs and other nursery school programs, is the first update since July.
Walensky said the pandemic is a challenge for child care centers.
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“Throughout the pandemic, parents and caregivers have been given the challenging task of balancing childcare responsibilities with work responsibilities that often operate in a virtual environment with limited childcare options,” said Dr. Rochelle Walensky, CDC director, said in a letter from the White House COVID-19. Friday. “We know that childcare programs and early childhood education are essential for the healthy development of children. The services these programs provide are important for working parents and provide a safe, stable and nurturing environment for children to prepare for school and to critical social and emotional skills. ‘
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According to Walensky, the pandemic is a challenge for child care centers and that the CDC has updated the guidance several times as more information on the virus becomes available.
“Today, CDC is releasing updated clues based on the most recent science,” Walensky said. “The science contains additional evidence showing that preventative strategies such as wearing a mask, staying home when you are ill and good hand hygiene can ensure that child care programs work safely and reduce the spread of COVID-19 when used consistently and correctly.
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The updated guidance also emphasizes the “importance of wearing masks for children older than 2 years, and all staff except when eating and sleeping,” Walensky said.
The update, which coincides with several statements to lift mask commands, recommends that staff should teach and reinforce ‘the consistent and correct’ use of masks, and that masks are not a substitute for physical distance.
“Wearing a mask is especially important indoors and when it is difficult to use or maintain physical distance when caring for young children,” it is said.
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It also discourages the use of face shields or glasses as a substitute for masks, and reiterates that plastic face shields or masks should not be placed on newborns or babies.
Walensky said the updates include toolkits and information on ventilation recommendations, and that it should serve a one-stop shop for childminders.