The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated guidelines for the operation of child care programs in several areas, including an expanded history of what is known about COVID-19 and transmission in child care settings, recommendations for use of a mask and information for children with special needs and disabilities.
The new guidance, which targets all types of child care programs, including day care, family day care, Head Start programs and other pre-kindergarten programs, marks the first update since July.
Walensky said the pandemic represents a challenge for day care centers.
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“Throughout the pandemic, parents and caregivers faced the challenging task of balancing child care responsibilities with job responsibilities, often operating in a virtual environment with limited child care options,” said Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the CDC, at a White House COVID-19 briefing Friday. “We know that child care and early childhood education programs are essential for healthy child development. The services these programs offer are important for working parents and provide a safe, stable and stimulating environment for children to prepare for school. and develop social aspects and emotional skills. “
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Walensky said the pandemic poses a challenge to day care centers and that, during the summer, as more information about the virus became available, the CDC updated the guidelines several times.
“Today, the CDC is releasing updated guidelines based on the latest science again,” said Walensky. “This science includes additional evidence that shows that, when used consistently and correctly, prevention strategies like wearing a mask, staying home when sick and good hand hygiene can allow daycare programs to operate safely and reduce the spread of COVID-19. “
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The updated guidelines also emphasize the “importance of wearing a mask for children over 2 years of age and all employees except when they eat and sleep,” said Walensky.
The update, which coincides with several state mask lifting mandates, recommends that the team “teach and reinforce consistent and correct use” of masks, and that masks are not a substitute for physical distance.
“The use of a mask is especially important in closed environments and when physical distance is difficult to implement or maintain when caring for young children”, states the guidance.
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It also discourages the use of face shields or goggles 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 should serve as a one-stop shop for childcare providers.