Phase 1 Reopening Guidance for Child Care Programs – June 1

On May 15, Governor John Carney announced his Phase 1 plan. Child care providers must be designated as emergency child care sites in order to open during Phase 1. The requirements to be designated as an emergency child care site are the same requirements that have been in place during Delaware’s State of Emergency.

Here are the details for child care programs during Phase 1:

  • Employees of essential and/or reopened businesses who cannot work from home and do not have alternate care options may utilize child care. Child care should only be used when absolutely necessary.
  • Child care facilities must be designated as an Emergency Child Care Site (ECCS) to operate and follow specific requirements. These requirements for ECCS build on existing DELACARE regulations and address the face covering requirement, smaller group sizes and cleaning protocols, among other topics.
  • Any licensed child care facility that was previously closed that wishes to reopen as an ECCS may do so if they can satisfy the requirements set out for ECCS. Providers who would like to open should contact their licensing specialist.
  • Child care centers and homes, whether open or closed, will continue to receive enhanced reimbursement, and where applicable, Purchase of Care and STARS payments through Phase 1. You can apply for enhanced reimbursement here.

Read more about what the Phase 1 plan means for child care program.

Information for Families

If you are an essential employee or an employee of a reopened business who is unable to work from home and you do not have alternative child care available, your child can receive care at an Emergency Child Care Site.

Parents will need to fill out the below forms in order to enroll children in emergency child care. In order to use emergency child care, parents must certify that they work for an essential or reopened business and cannot work from home (see the DSCYF Essential Personnel form).

DSCYF Essential Personnel Form – Revised 5/5/20

Temporary Enrollment Forms

DSCYF Temporary Child Information Card

DSCYF Temporary Enrollment Form

DSCYF Temporary Health History Form

Emergency Child Care Options

If you are a worker who is eligible for emergency child care, enter your home or work address to see what emergency child care options are available near you. You can find options within 10 miles of your specific location. You can search for providers by using the magnifying glass at the top left side of the map. This map will be updated on a rolling basis as emergency sites are approved.

 

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Stats on COVID-19

For more data on Delaware COVID-19 cases including demographic breakdowns, go to My Healthy Community