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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated guidelines for the operation of child care programs in several areas, including detailed information on what is known about COVID-19 and transmission in childcare facilities, recommendations for mask use, and information for children with special needs and disabilities.
The new focus, which is aimed at all types of child care programs including daycares, family day care, Head Start programs and other preschool programs, marks the first update since July.
Walensky said the pandemic posed a challenge for daycares.
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“Throughout the pandemic, parents and caregivers have faced the difficult task of balancing childcare responsibilities with work responsibilities often operating in a virtual environment with limited childcare options.” CDC director Dr Rochelle Walensky said in a White House COVID-19 briefing Friday. “We know that child care programs and early childhood education are essential for healthy childhood development. The services these programs provide are important to working parents and provide children with a safe, stable and nurturing environment to prepare them for school and develop critical social and social activities. emotional skills. “
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Walensky said the pandemic posed a challenge for daycares and that over the summer, as more information on the virus became available, the CDC updated the guidelines on several occasions.
“Today, the CDC is once again releasing updated guidance based on the most recent scientific data,” Walensky said. “This science includes additional evidence showing that when used consistently and correctly, prevention strategies such as wearing a mask, staying home when sick, and good hand hygiene can help. child care programs to operate safely and reduce the spread of COVID-19. “
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The updated guidelines also stress “the importance of wearing a mask for children over 2 and all staff except when eating and sleeping,” Walensky said.
The update, which coincides with the lifting of mask mandates by several states, recommends that staff “teach and reinforce the consistent and correct use” of masks, and that masks do not replace physical distancing.
“Wearing a mask is particularly important indoors and when physical distance is difficult to implement or maintain when caring for young children,” says the guide.
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It also discourages the use of face shields or glasses in place of masks and reminds that face shields or plastic masks should not be placed on newborns or infants.
Walensky said the updates include toolkits and information on ventilation recommendations and should serve as a one-stop-shop for child care providers.
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