State Actions

Our lead allies in Alabama are Alabama Partnership for Children, Alabama School Readiness Alliance, and Voices for Alabama’s Children.

Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education (ADECE) Remote Instruction Guidance Plan (8/1) — First Class Pre-K Remote Instruction Guidance: First Nine Weeks and Beyond

Alabama Declares Emergency, Closes Schools (3/16) –  The Governor declared a state of emergency and closed public schools for two-and-a-half weeks as the state reported its first known case of coronavirus.

Our ally in Arizona is Children’s Action Alliance.

Governor Announces Child Care Relief Program (8/13) — Governor Announces Nearly $100 Million For Child Care Programs, Small Business Relief

Our allies in Arkansas are Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families and Forward Arkansas.

Arkansas Department of Human Services (6/21): COVID-19 Guidance for Child Care Facilities

Provider Emergency Assistance (6/1) – Short-Term Child Care Assistance for Essential Workers

Arkansas Early Childhood Association Letter to the Governor (3/31) – “Child Care During and After the Pandemic”

Schools to Close for On-Site Instruction (3/16) – Media reports current plan is reopen Monday, March 30

Our lead allies in California are Advancement Project and Children Now. 

Child Child Care Resources and Referral Network (9/29) – Despite Pandemic Majority of Surveyed Parents Work Outside of the Home, Need Childcare

Child Care Law Center (6/12) – For Providers: Questions and Answers on Providing Child Care During Coronavirus

California Child Care Resource and Referral Network (3/20) – This extensive update includes a readout of a community care licensing information call.

Statewide Waivers for Licensing Requirements (3/19) – Details are in this state Provider Information Notice.

Survey to Match Displaced Workers with Centers (3/19) – CDSS created this survey to offer assistance to those individuals that are interested in offering services for those child care settings that are in need.  

Alternative Payment (AP) Programs (3/19) – The California Department of Education (CDE) Early Learning and Care Division has issued reimbursement guidance.

Registration for San Francisco Emergency Child & Youth Care is by Invitation Only (3/19) – City has announced the process, and invitations to register for emergency child and youth care were sent to health care workers and city and county employees who have been activated as disaster service workers. 

San Francisco Mayor Opens Libraries and Recreation Centers for Emergency Care Worker Child Care (3/14) – The Mayor announced that the San Francisco Public Library will begin to operate libraries and indoor recreation facilities as emergency care facilities for children of parents on the front lines of the COVID-19 outbreak and low-income families. 

Our lead allies in Colorado are Clayton Early Learning and Colorado Children’s Campaign.

Cost Modeling (3/25) – Colorado Emergency Child Care Cost Model

New Public-Private Partnership on Emergency Child Care (3/23) – This is the web page for the innovative new Colorado Emergency Child Care Collaborative. 

Guidance to Governor (3/20) – This letter (3/17) from advocates with guidance to the Governor and relevant state agency leaders outlines strategies to pursue at the state level. The next day (3/18), the Colorado Department of Human Services sent guidance to counties highlighting flexibility in the child care subsidy program to support providers including increased absence payments, waiving parent fees, and other supportive strategies. The Governor’s school closure Executive Order, (3/18), spoke to several child care issues. (More here) 

Early Intervention Resource Page (3/20) – Updated information, including the announcement that Early Intervention Colorado is discontinuing in-person visits. 

Early Childhood Resource Page (3/20) – Early Milestones has created this page on practice and policy to help lessen the spread of coronavirus. The page will be updated daily. 

Announcement of School Closure (3/13) –Media reports that school districts are extending their spring break by a week or more in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus. 

Proposed Childhood Workforce Legislation (3/11) – The Colorado Legislature is considering three bills that would, together, support the recruitment, compensation, and retention of Colorado’s early childhood workforce.

Paid Sick Leave for Child Care Workers (3/10) – The governor signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency and requesting certain actions, including directing the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) to engage in emergency rule-making to ensure workers in food handling, hospitality, child care, health care, and education can get paid sick leave. (More here)

Colorado Already Uses Telehealth in Part C Early Intervention (3/10) – This 2019-updated ZERO TO THREE paper describes this EI approach to address the shortage of personnel.

Our lead ally in Connecticut is the Connecticut Association for Human Services.

Connecticut Department of Education (8/3): Connecticut’s Schools Re-opening Guidance

Connecticut Voices for Children Report (4/2020) – The State of Early Childhood—Can Connecticut’s Struggling Family Child Care Providers Fill a 50,000 Child Care Gap Amidst the Coronavirus Recession?

Child Care Opening Guidance (6/10) – Connecticut Office of Early Childhood Development “Guidance for Child Care” 

State Child Care Policy Memos (5/2) – This site lists the latest memos issued by the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood regarding waivers and modifications.

Funding to Continue Through June 30 (3/26) – The OEC announced a commitment to pay state funded providers through the end of the fiscal year. 

Connecticut Child Care Rules Waivers (3/14) – The Governor signed his third executive order since the enactment of the emergency declarations, which authorizes the Commissioner of Early Childhood to waive certain licensing and other requirements to maintain and increase the availability of child care.

Our lead ally in Delaware is Rodel.

Rodel and the Delaware Readiness Teams (7/2020): Delaware Parent Survey Findings

Our lead ally in DC is DC Action for Children.

New Resources Page (3/25) – DC Action for Children created this resource for local policy, agency guidance, and resources for organizations in the District that serve children, youth and families.

Our lead ally in Florida is the Children’s Movement of Florida.

Results from Child Care Survey of Families (5/30) – Florida’s COVID-19 Child Care Survey Report

Editorial from Florida Chamber and Children’s Movement of Florida (4/20) – A Too-Hidden Key to a More Rapid Recovery: If We Want People Back to Work Quickly after COVID-19, Child Care Must Become a Priority

Editorial from Florida Chamber and Children’s Movement of Florida (4/20) – A Too-Hidden Key to a More Rapid Recovery: If We Want People Back to Work Quickly after COVID-19, Child Care Must Become a Priority

Recommendations on Child Care and COVID-19 (3/23) – Children’s Movement of Florida Recommendations

FAHSC Guidance for MIECHV to Prevent Spread of COVID-19 (3/16) – The Florida Association of Healthy Start Coalitions has put together this guidance on virtual home visits and staff working remotely during COVID-19.

Our lead ally in Georgia is the Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students (GEEARS). 

Assistance for Child Care Programs (4/30) – Georgia has announced the Short Term Assistance Benefit for Licensed Entities (STABLE) program.

Guidance to Governor (3/21) – GEEARS and other early childhood leaders sent this letter to the Governor. 

Pre-K Guidance (3/16) – Guidance for providers; there is no mandate to close. 

Child Care Payment Policy Modifications (3/15) – The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning issued these policy modifications to ease the financial burden for programs that offer Georgia pre-k and that serve children on Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) scholarships.

Our lead ally in Idaho is the Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children.

New Child Care Emergency Grants (5/1) – The Idaho Child Care Program (ICCP) helps parents and caretakers pay for a part of their child care. Eligible families receive a portion of child care costs paid to the provider.

Idaho AEYC Child Care Survey Results and Statement (3/26) – “Coronavirus Pandemic Highlights Importance of Child Care in Idaho: Survey Demonstrates the Tenuous Nature of Child Care Facilities in the State.”

Guidance to the Governor (3/18) – Idaho Voices for Children sent this letter urging action related to child care, health care, housing, and family financial security, and Idaho AEYC and partners sent this memo outlining guidance to address specific and urgent needs of child care programs across Idaho.

Letter and FAQ for the State’s Providers (3/16) – The state is reaching out to providers with this letter and FAQ.

Our lead ally in Illinois is Ounce of Prevention Fund. 

Demand Research (5/31) Restore Illinois: Demand for School-Age Child Care

Child Care Opening Guidance (5/22) – Restore Illinois: Plan for Reopening Child Care

Illinois Early Intervention Program (4/6) – Policy and procedures for “live video visits” with families in the Part C Early Intervention program 

Governor’s Statement on ECE Response (3/30) – Illinois’ early childhood care and education responses and supports 

Updates to Child Care Guidance (3/22) – Letter, FAQs, and Guidance

Statewide school closures for both public and private schools (3/14) – FAQs and additional guidance that clarifies that this applies to PK programs.

Local EC Leaders Make Recommendations to Governor (3/13) – A letter to the governor, led by Protect Our Care Illinois (POCIL) and signed by the Ounce, with recommendations regarding Medicaid and other health programs.

Temporary Assistance Grant Application for Child Care Providers (3/19) – OECOSL with CCDF quality dollars is offering this opportunity to apply for temporary grants or assistance to impacted providers to retain the child care supply during periods of closures.

School Closures Annoucement (3/13) – Reporting on Indiana schools 20-day break to stem virus.

Our lead ally in Kansas is Kansas Action for Children.

Kansas Department of Health and Environment (9/16) –  KDHE Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response & Recovery Center 

State Recommending Continuity of Operations for Child Care at This Time (3/19) – Interim Guidance for child care facilities licensed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment recommending continuity of operations for child care at this time. However, local public health officers may implement more restrictive guidance and provisions for child care facilities, up to and including closure, within their jurisdiction.

Our lead ally in Louisiana is the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children.

Opening Guidance (5/14) – Planning Guide for Early Childhood Communities and Providers 

New Cost Modeling (5/1) – Modeling Child Care Center Costs and Revenues in Louisiana

Survey Results (4/9) – Results of the survey of child care providers conducted March 16-30

Webinars for ECE Industry (3/27) – The Louisiana Department of Education is posting the slides from its webinars to educate and inform the early care and education industry.

FAQs for Child Care Centers and Providers (3/27) – Latest guidance from the department of education. 

Louisiana Statewide Child Care Survey (3/16) – Louisiana Policy Institute for Children is fielding a a statewide survey to learn how the COVID-19 outbreak is impacting child care providers in Louisiana, with the ultimate goal of creating a dataset that encourages policy that supports the sector. This is their survey instrument.  

ECE Centers to Stay Open (3/15) – The Louisiana Department of Health issued this guidance on the Governor’s school closure proclamation, which closes programs administered by the Department of Education, but not private programs.

Our lead ally in Maine is Maine Children’s Alliance. 

COVID-19 Resource Page (4/7) – Updated responses and resources from Maine regarding Child and Family Services COVID-19 

Supplemental Guidance from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Child Care (4/2) – The Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS) received updated guidance, specifically for child care providers, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

Radio Segment Features Maine Allies (3/23) – Maine advocates appeared on a special two-hour Maine Public Radio program in response to the pressing issues facing Maine during the coronavirus crisis.

Passed Emergency Legislation to Support Workers and Businesses (3/17) – Unemployment Insurance FAQs regarding COVID-19

Child Care COVID-19 Protocol for Licensed Child Care Programs (3/16) – Recommendations, including guidance for capacity increase.

Maine DHHS Child Care Emergency Plan (3/16) – This plan is now in effect.

Recommendations and Emergency Proclamation (3/15) – The Governor’s proclamation was accompanied by significant recommendations.

Our lead ally in Maryland is Maryland Family Network.

Provider Survey Results (6/2020) – Caring During COVID: The Impact of the Pandemic in Maryland Child Care Providers

New Child Care Recovery Plan (5/20) – State DOE issues new child care recovery plan; expands essential personnel child care.

New Division of Early Childhood Coronavirus Resource (3/29) – Information about child care for essential employees, early childhood grants, programming, and initiatives on COVID-19. 

Child Care Closed, Except for Essential Personnel (3/26) – Announcement that non-emergency child care providers are to be closed.

Emergency Order to Expand Access to Child Care for Critical Personnel (3/14) – The Governor enacted an emergency order to expand child care access for critical personnel during the state of emergency. (More here)

Our lead ally in Massachusetts is Strategies for Children, Inc. 

Beacon Research (9/18) – Early Childhood Education in Massachusetts 

Harvard School of Education Family Study (8/1) — 
How are they Faring? Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Lives of Families and Young Children in Massachusetts 

Harvard School of Education Provider Study (8/1) —
Pandemic Meets Preschool: Impacts of the COVID-19 Outbreak on Early Education and Care in Massachusetts

Commonwealth of MA Supplemental Budget for FY20 (7/24) — Strategies for Children Summary. 

Results of Child Care Survey of Families (6/1) – Early results and Final Family Perspective Overview  

Child Care Opening Guidance (6/6) – State Department of Early Education and Care Reopen Approach

Letter to Reopening Advisory Board (5/7) – Requests from the Massachusetts TOGETHER coalition

Child Care Provider Survey Results (4/17) – Strategies for Children Childcare Provider COVID-19 Survey, March 26–April 10, 2020

Editorial Calling for “Child Care Sector Bailout” (3/24) – A Boston Globe editorial argues “The coronavirus puts child care sector in need of a bailout – the closure of child care centers due to COVID-19 has forced a profound reckoning about the state of the American child care system.”

Guidance on Emergency Child Care Programs (3/21) – New guidance about opening up emergency drop-in childcare in Massachusetts.

Child Care Programs to Close (3/18) – Exempt Emergency Child Care Programs will be available regionally to provide care for emergency workers and others. Here are the guidance documents.

New Early Care and Education Measures (3/15) – The Department of Early Education and Care and the Department of Public Health are instructing organizations and providers to take new steps to limit crowds and disinfect. The state’s EC guidance can be found here.

Department of Early Education Posts FAQs (3/14) – EEC answers questions about its to support providers, families, and communities, including exercising its authority to vary from its regulations.

Our allies in Michigan are Michigan’s Children and the Michigan Council for Maternal and Child Health.

Michigan COVID-19 Task Force on Education Return to School Advisory Council (6/30) “MI Safe Schools: Michigan’s 2020- 21 Return to School Roadmap“

Our lead allies in Minnesota are Children’s Defense Fund-Minnesota and West Central Initiative.

Minnesota Department of Education 2021 Planning (6/18)  — Guidance for Minnesota Public Schools 

Community Resiliency and Recovery Overview (5/5) – The state is tracking data to measure how systemic disparities make communities of color and indigenous communities more susceptible to get infected, and more susceptible to die from COVID-19.

Child Care Theory of Change (4/21) – First Children’s Finance Multi-Level Approach Theory of Change

Online Resource Center (4/21) – The state has posted child care resources for both families and providers. 

Peacetime Emergency Grants for Child Care Providers (4/4) – Governor has proposed $30 million in funding for emergency grants for licensed child care providers serving essential workers during the COVID-19 public health emergency. 

Emergency Child Care Grants (3/27) – Governor’s Supplemental Budget Recommendations include funding.

Child Care Provider Resource (3/24) – This site for providers also includes an interactive map of the state’s providers for emergency workers. 

Child Care Update (3/23) – Update from the Governor’s Children’s Cabinet, including emergency child care proposals.

Our lead ally in Mississippi is Mississippi First.

Results of Child Care Provider Survey (5/30) –  Impact of COVID-19 on Mississippi Child Care Centers  

Op-Ed on Inequities in Child Care Voucher System (5/7) – Mississippi child care centers in financial crisis, state needs to adjust vouchers

Our lead ally in Missouri in Kids Win Missouri.

Comprehensive New Child Care Reopening Guide (5/20) – A coalition including Kids Win Missouri has issued a new guide for providers.

Letter to the Governor (3/20) – Kids Win Missouri sent this letter (3/19) urging action related to child care, health care, SNAP, and WIC flexibility being given to states during this time of emergency.

New Child Care and COVID-19 Resource Page (3/20) – DHSS has posted this page to provide communications to child care facilities from the Section for Child Care Regulation (SCCR), as well as guidance from the department and other resources.

Missouri Child Care Licensing Authority Provider Communications (3/16) – Missouri’s child care licensing authority at Health and Senior Services has created this website with all its communication to providers and also has a survey on the link for providers who are impacted/closed by COVID-19. (If area schools close in Missouri it is being considered an “Emergency School Closure,” and child care providers are given relaxed licensing rules by increasing their capacity by 1/3.) 

Our lead ally in Montana is Zero to Five.

State of Montana Office of Public Instruction (7/2) “Reopening Montana’s Schools Guidance”  

Family Impact Survey Report (4/30) – Zero to Five Montana surveyed families across Montana to gather information on their experiences. 

New Child Care Guidance (4/1) – The Governor has issued this directive and announced additional guidance on child care facilities to ensure access for Montana’s essential workers.

New COVID-19 Resources Page (4/1) – This page contains the latest nationwide and Montana COVID-19 resources for child care providers, communities, and families.

Order Extending Closures (3/25) – Governor’s directive to extend closures of public schools and dine-in food service and mandate social distancing measures.

Our lead ally in Nebraska is First Five Nebraska.

Buffett Early Childhood Institute (8/2020): Nebraska COVID-19 Early Care and Education Provider Survey II

Relief Funding for Providers (6/2) – CARES Act funds will support Nebraska’s child care system as state moves toward economic recovery

Survey Results (4/10) – Summary highlights from the Nebraska COVID-19 Early Care and Education Provider Survey

Formation of the Nebraska Child Care Provider Relief Fund (4/7) – The recent formation of the Nebraska Child Care Provider Relief Fund created through a partnership of the Nebraska Children and Families Foundation and the Nebraska Early Childhood Collaborative with funding from the Buffett Early Childhood Fund.

Daily Digest (4/7) – A daily digest from First Five Nebraska is posted each afternoon with links to important COVID-19 resources and information on early childhood from the last 24 hours.

Letter to the State Leaders (3/20) – First Five Nebraska, Buffet Early Childhood Fund, and other state early childhood leaders sent this letter to leaders at the state’s  DHS, DOE, DOL, and legislature calling out the urgent needs of the early childhood system.  

Our lead ally in Nevada in Children’s Advocacy Alliance.

Child Care is an Essential Business (3/26) – Nevada DHS press release and guidance.

Recommendations Sent to the Governor’s Office (3/17) – Advocates sent this letter with specific, actionable recommendations for child care.

Our ally in New Hampshire is New Futures.

List of Essential Businesses (3/29) – List of industry sectors that provide essential services and support to COVID-19 and the core missions of the State.

Flyer for Families (3/29) –Contact list for emergency child care COVID-19 support

Letter to the Governor (3/27) – Coalition of New Hampshire Early Childhood Advocates issued this letter.

State Stay at Home Order (3/27) – The text of the Governor’s order.

Extension of Unemployment Benefits to the Self-Employed (3/15) – In this letter, the Governor announces extension of unemployment benefits to the self-employed, which should include many child care providers.

Our lead ally in New Jersey is Advocates for Children of New Jersey.

Joint Statement and Framework for Reopening Child Care (5/27) – Advocates for Children of New Jersey and NJAEYC worked together to interview providers and create this recommended framework for reopening.

Statement on COVID-19 (3/22) – Advocates for Children of New Jersey Child Care Statement on COVID-19.

Emergency Payment Changes for Child Care (3/18) – New Jersey Division of Family Development has posted this Emergency and Disaster Child Care Policy.

Our lead ally in New Mexico is the Southwest Women’s Law Center.

Editorial from Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and Mark Shriver (5/14) – COVID-19 Is Threatening the Child Care Industry. We Must Save It

Economic Development Department Response (5/12) – Economic Recovery for Child Care Facilities Webinar

State Medicaid Plan Amendment (4/24) – New temporary policies for the period of the Presidential and Secretarial emergency declarations. 

Child Care Provider Announcements Page (3/29) – Support information for child care providers.

Surveys for Child Care Providers and Responders (3/29) – A survey for child care providers (asking them about their plans to stay open or close and to ask about their needs) as well as a survey for first responders, health care professionals, and essential employees. 

Free Treatment Coverage for Child Care Workers Who are Diagnosed with COVID-19 (3/25) – Order from Governor

FAQ for Child Care Providers (3/24) – Resources and Frequently Asked Questions for Child Care Providers

A Slate of Temporary Family and Child Care Supports (3/16) – The state has made a series of temporary changes to New Mexico’s early childhood policies, including expanding child care for first responders and health providers; enabling family, friends, and neighbors (FFN) to deliver paid child care services; protecting CYFD assistance benefits for families; partnering with the Public Education Department to provide child care; among others.  

Our lead ally in New York is the Center for Children’s Initiatives. 

New Child Care Guidance (6/8) – Interim Guidance for Child Care and Day Camp Programs  

Family Poll Results (5/1) – Raising NY is a diverse statewide coalition that has released poll information on how parents in New York are dealing with COVID-19

$30 Million in Child Care Scholarships for Essential Workers and Supplies for Child Care Providers (4/23) – New York State Will Apply Federal CARES Funding to Provide Child Care and Keep Essential Staff on the Job

New COVID-19 Resource Page (4/1) – This page provides a range of resources to help parents, child care providers, and anyone concerned with the health and safety of a child in a day care program. 

Coalition Issues Call for Emergency Funding (3/31) – Emergency Funds Imperative to Support Child Care Programs and the Families of Essential Workers.

Relaxing Selected Child Child Care Licensing Standards (3/16) – The Governor, as summarized in this letter, has relaxed some child care licensing standards, including teacher/child ratios, to allow providers to serve more children, and will make it easier utilize substitutes. 

Streaming Access to TA and SNAP (3/16) – The New York Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance is temporarily issuing essential statewide waivers to certain eligibility requirements for the programs that the agency oversees.

Our lead ally in North Carolina is NC Child. 

Recommendations for the House Select Committee on COVID-19 (4/15) – This letter and recommendations come from the NC Child Child Advocacy Network and the North Carolina Early Education Coalition.

Request for Emergency Child Care Economic Support (3/29) – The North Carolina Early Education Coalition released this position and request for funding from the NC General Assembly.

New Emergency Child Care Operations and Financing Guidance (3/25) – The state released these guidelines and application to remain open or reopen.

New Guidance on School-Based Emergency Child Care  (3/20) – Joint Guidance for Superintendents from the NC Department of Public Instruction and the NC Department of Health and Human Services for the Operation of School-Based Emergency Child Care during the COVID-19 School Closure

New Online Resource Page from NC Child (3/20) – NC Child launched this page of early childhood resources, including a Spanish-language video.

Our lead ally in Ohio is Groundwork Ohio.

Ohio Capital Journal (10/10) – Editorial by Groundwork Ohio’s Shannon Jones: “Children of Working Poor Hit Harder by Pandemic. We Must Invest in Them and Their Families.“

New Campaign for Well Visits (6/1) – Groundwork Ohio #SafePedsHealthyKids Campaign Resource Toolkit and Webinar

Groundwork Ohio Issues Early Childhood Guiding Principles (5/10) –  Laying the Groundwork for Strong Kids and a Strong Economy During COVID-19 Recovery

Statement on the Recovery of the Child Care System (4/27) – Groundwork Ohio’s “Complex Considerations for the Recovery of
Ohio’s Essential Child Care System” 

Resources for Providers (3/31) – Groundwork Ohio’s page for COVID-19 Response Resources for Providers

Most Childcare Centers to Close (3/22) – Beginning on Thursday, March 26, 2020, all operating child care centers in Ohio must do so under a temporary pandemic child care license.  

Temporary Pandemic Child Care Licensure (3/18) – Here you can see the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services’ Application for Temporary Pandemic Child Care Center License and the license’s Rules and Procedures. 

Memorandum of Recommendations from State Early Childhood Leaders (3/17) – In this memo, the early childhood community recommends the creation of a “Critical Child Care” network. They also released these recommendations. 

Emergency Child Care Measures (3/17) – Emergency action to provide child care to families where parents work in the health, safety, and essential service fields.

Our lead ally in Oklahoma is Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness. 

Georgetown University and The University of Oklahoma-Tulsa (9/22) – Tulsa SEED Study

Child Care Provider Supports (3/25) –Oklahoma announces first phase of child care provider supports.

Place Holding Fees for Subsidy Families (3/24) – OKDHS has announced it will allow providers to charge an optional “place holding” fee for subsidy families who choose to keep their child at home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Adjustment to Eligible Providers for Children in Full-time Care (3/24) – For child care provided during March 2020, OKDHS announced it is making a one-time adjustment to eligible providers for children in full-time care who did not have enough days to receive the absent pay.  

Expanded Guidance to Child Care Centers (3/23) – OKDHS has issued expanded guidance to child care centers in response to COVID-19.

Our lead ally in Oregon is the Children’s Institute. 

Oregon Department of Public Education (7/29) Ready Schools Safe Learners: Guidance for School Year

Healthy Schools Reopening Council (7/7) – Governor Kate Brown’s Healthy Schools Reopening Council Holds First Meeting

Early Learners Council (7/6) Early Learners Council Will Advise Programs Serving Children, Birth to Eight, on Safely Reopening and Staying Open

Results of Child Care Provider Survey (5/27) – Update of Child Care Supply Pre- and Post- COVID-19

Updated Guidance and Temporary Rule Changes (5/14) – DOE Early Learning Division Updates

Continuation of Subsidy Payments (3/26) – Summary of DHS’s policy changes related to COVID-19 and subsidy providers. 

Emergency Child Care Guidance (3/25) – DOE Emergency Child Care Guide for School Districts

Temporary Changes to Child Care Rules (3/18) – For child care programs that choose to remain open, these changes are provided.

Child Care Centers to Remain Open, In Spite of School Closure (3/13) –  The Oregon Early Learning Division announced plans to keep child care centers open, with a focus on aggressively pursuing exceptions and flexibility to existing rules that do not compromise child safety.

Deadline Extension for Student Success Act Grants (3/13) – The Department of Education announced it is extending the deadline to apply for Student Success Act grants for its four early learning programs. 

Our lead ally in Pennsylvania is Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children.

Penn State University at Harrisburg Institute of State and Regional Affairs Child Care Study (8/1) — The Impact of COVID-19 on Pennsylvania Child Care

Start Strong PA and Pre-K for PA (4/23) – Call to utilize available federal resources and provide state support to enact emergency actions designed to stabilize and preserve capacity within the early care and education sector.

Philadelphia Emergency Fund for Stabilization of Early Education (PEFSEE) (3/31) – Philadelphia has stood up a $7 million privately financed fund for the early childhood community.

Recommendations to Preserve ECE Infrastructure (3/24) – Start Strong PA and Pre-K for PA have issued “The Essential Elements to Sustain the Early Childhood Education Infrastructure for Families to Rapidly Return to Work.“

Philadelphia Small Business Relief (3/24) – The Philadelphia COVID-19 Small Business Fund is designed to provide immediate relief – in the form of grants and zero-interest loans – to Philadelphia businesses negatively impacted by COVID-19.

Pennsylvania Child Care Shut Down (3/16) – The Governor has ordered a statewide shutdown of non-essential business. Under the Governor’s announcement, certified child care centers and group child care homes operating outside a residence shall cease operations effective midnight March 16, 2020 for a period of 14 days. The Governor, however, has said his administration will not enforce their closure. (More here)

Philadelphia Pre-K (3/15) – This memo outlines how the city of Philadelphia funded pre-k program is currently proceeding. There are some differences between how the local government is thinking about what’s going on versus the state, as described in this news article.

Child Care Works Payment Modifications (3/14) – This Office of Child Development and Early Learning announcement provides additional information to child care programs participating in Child Care Works and the Early Learning Resource Centers (ELRC) in response to COVID-19.

Operational Recommendations for Early Childhood Providers (3/13) – This Office of Child Development and Early Learning announcement provides Operational Recommendations for Early Childhood Providers Due to Coronavirus.

Our lead ally in Rhode Island is Rhode Island KIDS COUNT.

Rhode Island KIDS COUNT (6/19) – New Early Learning Fact Sheet: Funding Safe, Healthy, Quality Child Care

New Testing Protocol for Child Care (6/8) – State authorities have released plans for the Early Warning Testing System.

Reopening Recommendations (4/29) – Right from the Start has issued these reopening recommendations. 

Child Care Access for Front Line Workers (3/25) – New Measures and Partnership

Child Care Centers to Close with Employee Assistance (3/15) – The Governor announced guidance directing all child care centers in Rhode Island to close, adding any day care employee or other Rhode Island workers impacted by a business closure can apply for Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI), Temporary Caregiver Insurance (TCI), or Unemployment Insurance (UI). The state is also waiving the seven-day minimum amount of time that claimants must be out of work to qualify for these benefits as a result of COVID-19.

Our lead ally in South Carolina is South Carolina First Steps.

Build it Back Better Survey Report (09/ 2020) — Understanding the Impact of COVID-19 on Young Children, their Families, and Child Care Needs in South Carolina

Our lead ally in Tennessee is Tennesseeans for Quality Early Education.

New COVID-19 Essential Employee Child Care Payment Assistance (4/23) – Through payment assistance and a network of temporary care locations, parents who work as essential employees can access child care at no cost.

Financial Aid Available for Families That Lost Employment Due to COVID-19 (3/25) – Emergency cash assistance applications are now being accepted online for qualifying families that lost a job as a result of the pandemic state of emergency.

New Grant Program (3/24) – $10 Million Grant Makes Financial Assistance Available to Tennessee Child Care Providers. Additionally, DHS has committed to continue to reimburse child care providers based on enrollment prior to the virus. However, it is unclear what the duration of this relief will be.

Our lead allies in Texas are Children at Risk and Texans Care for Children.

Revised Child Care Health Standards (5/18) – Minimum Standard Health Protocols: Checklist for Child Care Centers

Overview of Child Care Reopening and Concern (5/19) – Texans Care for Children, Big Back-to-Back Texas Decisions on Child Care and COVID-19. 

Free Online Training for Child Care Providers (4/29) – Governor and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Announcement 

Letter from a Coalition of Texas Organizations (4/8) – 45 Texas Groups Call for Supporting ECI During Pandemic

Summary of TWC Child Care Actions (4/2) – Texans Care for Children has compiled this new summary of he COVID-19 response from The Texas Workforce Commission, which oversees the state’s child care subsidy system. They have taken many significant steps to support family access to subsidized child care during the crisis. 

New Funding for Emergency Child Care (3/26) – Announcement from the Texas Workforce Commission.

Our lead ally in Utah is United Way of Salt Lake.

Juvenile Justice System COVID-19 Resources (4/7) – This COVID-19 resource page has links to evolving documents from state agencies that deal with children in state custody, in community placement, on probation, and in unique welfare/family situations. 

Our lead allies in Vermont are Let’s Grow Kids and Voices for Vermont’s Children.

New Child Care Guidance (5/28) – Health Guidance for Child Care and Summer Programs

Letter to State Leaders (5/1) – Investing in Vermont’s Early Care & Education System to Support Vermont’s Economic Recovery

Guidance Documents for Child Care Providers (4/14) – Information for Child Care, Preschool, and After-school Programs 

Financial Support Information (4/14) – Frequently Asked Questions about Child Care COVID-19 Financial Support Programs 

Update of Stabilization Payments (4/10) –  Plans to pay for the state’s Child Care Stabilization Payment Program

Closure Period Extended (3/27) – Update from Let’s Grow Kids on Executive order an impact. 

Child Care Stabilization Payment Program for Private Tuition (3/26) – FAQs about COVID-19 Child Care Stabilization Payment Program for Private Tuition

Vermont Actions (3/20) – Comprehensive update from Let’s Grow Kids on Vermont child care policy decisions including:

• a definition of essential workers
• a survey instrument for essential workers to request child care
• an update that the state will continue to pay child care subsidies for enrolled children even if the program closes — as long as they pay staff

Child Care Programs to Close (3/17) – More information in the executive order and guidance from the state’s Child Development Division (CDD)

New Child Care and Early Ed Guidance (3/10) – The Vermont Department of Health has developed this revised guidance to assist child care, Head Start, and public and private pre-k education programs with their response to COVID-19.

New Directive on Provision of Services to Children of Essential Persons (3/17) – This directive provides emergency operating guidelines and applies to all schools under the authority of the Education Secretary for pre-k through grade 8 and all state-licensed child care programs. 

Our lead ally in Virginia is the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation.

Virginia Early Childhood Foundation (9/14) The Divergent Experiences of Early Educators in Schools and Child Care Centers during COVID-19: Findings from Virginia

Virginia Early Childhood Foundation (7/24) Recommendations for State Superintendent

Virginia Early Childhood Foundation (7/23) Guidance for School Leaders

Virginia Early Childhood Foundation (7/21) Recommendations from Advocates

Survey Results/Report (5/17) –  Survey of Parents and Caregivers, May 12-17, 20920

New Phase 1 Child Care Reopening Guidance (5/13) – Virginia DSS issued new child care reopening guidance.  

Virginia Early Childhood Foundation Position Statement (4/1) – VECF Position Statement: Early Childhood and COVID-19

Guidance on Emergency Child Care (3/25) – Joint Guidance from DSS and DOE.

Guidance on Child Care Subsidy (3/25) – Frequently Asked Questions About COVID-19

Guidance for School Divisions and School Based Pre-School (3/25) – Frequently Asked Questions

Foster Care Unified Network: COVID-19 Recommendations (3/20) – The Foster Care Policy Network has  worked together to develop a list of recommendations for a coordinated response to COVID-19.

Recommendations to the Commonwealth and to Congress (3/17) – In this piece, advocates outline the tools available to policymakers to help to mitigate and manage the stresses on families.

Our lead ally in Washington is Children’s Alliance. 

Parent Advocacy Virtual Workshop (5/5) – Children’s Alliance and Families of Color Seattle are hosting workshops. 

Owner Experience (4/3) – Letter from Tracy Jost, Kid’s Campus Early Learning Center

Our lead ally in West Virginia is TEAM for West Virginia Children. 

West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (5/2020): Guidelines for COVID Outbreaks in Child Care Facilities 

Non-Emergency Child Care to Close (3/26) – Memorandum and attachments.

Our lead ally in Wisconsin is Kids Forward. 

Provider Emergency Payment Program (6/11) – FAQs on the Child Care Counts COVID-19 Emergency Payment Program

New Child Care Reopening Guide (5/12) – The Wisconsin Early Childhood Association and City of Madison Child Care Unit have compiled a guide for providers.

Letter-Writing Campaign to Support the ECE Workforce (3/31) – The campaign has four key provisions. 

Early Learning Guidance (3/29) – Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction COVID-19 Early Learning Guidance

Hazard Pay (3/25) – State seeking hazard pay for child care workers, asking educators to work in child care

Safer at Home Order (3/25) – Governors Emergency Order

Pairing Survey for EC Educators and Essential Workers (3/17) – Numerous Wisconsin partners have come together to launch a survey that will allow them to pair educators with essential service orgs directly and with other child care programs that are staying open to serve essential workers but are short staff. This is their instrument.

Wisconsin Child Care Rules Waivers (3/16) – Wisconsin DCF has issued rules waivers to give providers and families additional flexibility in seeking child care. 

Our ally in Wyoming is Wyoming Kids First.

Wyoming Department of Education (7/1) Smart Start Guidance