Child Care COVID-19 Guidance FAQs

Can child care providers request a waiver due to COVID-19?

Yes. Information on waivers allowed under Executive Order 2020-39, including how to request a waiver, and which centers currently have a waiver, is available on the Department of Health Services website.

Are there any sign-in/sign-out process changes?

The Child Care Licensing Regulations are still in effect. The Department of Economic Security and the Department of Health Services require a parent/guardian signature for signing a child in and out of child care. This is a critical safety measure to protect children, and also allows for child care centers to accurately submit payments. At this time, there is no policy change to this procedure. Centers should check with DHS prior to usage of additional process measures to verify compliance with regulations.

If a child care provider has to close, where should families go to search for care?

A search of licensed child care facilities, along with recent inspection reports are available at azcarecheck.com. Families in need of child care can contact the CCR&R Child Care Information Line at 1-800-308-9000 or conduct an online search at www.azccrr.com. Child Care Information Line business hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00am to 6:00pm and Saturday, 8:00am to 12:00pm.

Are there any changes to DES child care reimbursement as a result of COVID-19?

Child care providers contracted with DES will continue to receive emergency child care reimbursement payments which are based on January 2020 units billed and paid. DES will communicate to providers prior to the end of the emergency reimbursement payments.

Do you have a checklist we can use for cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting?

Yes, you can find a sample checklists here:

• Sample COVID-19 Health Schedule for Child Care Providers and Caregivers
• Sample Daily COVID-19 Health Checklist for Child Care Providers and Caregivers

Will masks be required in child care centers and homes?

Arizonans are doing their part to stop the spread of COVID-19, and this includes wearing a mask when physical distancing is not possible. It is advised that child care providers consult with their local city or county ordinance for specific requirements for children. View Local County Health Department information.

Additional guidance is provided on the ADHS website including an FAQ: Face Covering Guidelines in Child Care Settings.

As of July 6, 2020, the following counties have provided DES and DHS with additional information on guidance for young children:

Maricopa County: Per Maricopa County Order dated June 26, 2020, Section II, subsection A,ii, "... all persons in Maricopa County who do not qualify for an exemption described in Section III of these regulations must wear a Face Covering under the following circumstances: … (ii) All patrons age six and over are required to wear Face Coverings while inside the enclosed area of any Place of Public Accommodation."

Pima County: "Section 1 of this Resolution does not apply to: a. Children under the age of 5. Parents or guardians are responsible for ensuring that children between the ages of 5 and 17 wear appropriate face coverings when required under this Resolution."

Are there any resources for providers to get additional COVID-19 information and training out to staff and families?

Yes, through funding from DES, the Association for Supportive Child Care is hosting a free, virtual training on COVID-19. To register, please click here: AZ Registry or here: https://asccaz.org/covid-19-training-schedule/.

The Arizona Association for the Education of Young Children also offers the AZToolkit, where childcare providers can access templates for updated policies and procedures, staff training, and templates for parent communication regarding COVID-19.

Please also see the Additional Resources section below, including information and supports for families.

Are there business-specific recommendations related to COVID-19 Health & Safety?

Child Care providers must follow existing regulations. DHS has developed COVID-19 Outbreak Guidance for Child Care Facilities. Local city or county ordinances may also apply.

If someone tests positive who has entered a child care facility, does the provider need to shut down?

The provider will receive guidance from the local County Health Department.

What should I do to get the cleaning and other supplies I need to reopen?

Local County Health Department recommendations must be followed.

In addition, providers who serve as Arizona Enrichment Centers may submit requests through their weekly report.

For providers with an AZToolkit membership, discounted childcare supplies can be ordered through the "Save Money" section of AZToolkit. Providers can access local and national discounts (as available) on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), cleaning supplies, furniture, toys and supplies, and business purchases like credit card/payroll processing and childcare management systems.

How can we support staff and families who may be hesitant to return to work and care, because they are concerned they may contract COVID-19?

Staff are encouraged to review the guidance and information created by the Arizona Department of Health Services and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Guidance for Child Care Programs.

It may also be helpful to speak to other programs that remained open and who provided safe and healthy care for essential workers' children through the Arizona Enrichment Centers. Partner organizations are also offering training and support. Please visit these sites and organizations for more information and resources:

• Arizona Early Childhood Workforce Registry
• Arizona Association for the Education of Young Children (AzAEYC)
• Association for Supportive Child Care (ASCC)
• Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R)
• First Things First

How should we help maintain and practice physical distancing?

While it is more difficult to maintain six feet of separation within a group of children, there are other aspects of the recommended health guidance to mitigate physical distancing when this is not possible:

• Placing children head-to-toe for sleeping or resting (reference A.A.C. R9-5-511.C).
• Cleaning requirements of common spaces (e.g. outside play area, bathrooms, gross motor room, cafeteria) required to be completed when one group leaves the area and before another group enters (reference A.A.C. R9-5-512).
• Children and staff with signs and symptoms of any illness remain home.

Children are hearing a lot about the coronavirus. These messages are everywhere. Whenever possible, use healthy developmental lessons. For example, continue to promote healthy boundaries for children by teaching them to ask permission before they touch other people or other people's belongings. Teach children how to wave "Hi or Bye" to others, how to blow kisses, and the sign language sign for "I love you."

There are also videos for reference that a center may consider sharing with children and families, including:

• CDC - What You Need to Know For Kids
• Proper Hand Washing (for kids)
• Cartoon Network - Handwashing (for kids)

What do I do if a child or team member becomes sick while in care?

In accordance with CDC Guidelines, it is recommended that child care centers:

• Require sick children and staff to stay home (reference A.A.C. R9-5-515.A, C);
• Have a plan of action if someone is or becomes sick

What should I do if I have questions about how to provide regulated child care and/or school age care?

Call DHS and speak with your assigned Bureau of Child Care Licensing Surveyor, or the Bureau’s “Surveyor of the State” who is available Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.