Last update 10/16/2020

We’re collecting information from partners across the country and posting links here on our website. The latest information is at the top. If a link is not yet live that means it is in process and will be posted soon.

***NEW*** OEC Memo 29: Group Size and Mask Requirements (10/9)

The OEC is issuing this updated version of Memo 29, Group Size and Mask Requirements as part of a system of protections against COVID-19.  This memo updates the allowable group size in one space to up to 18 children provided a minimum of fifty square feet of total indoor usable program space is available for each child in the group.  The expanded allowance for up to 18 children is effective October 12, 2020. Prior OEC approval to serve the additional 2 children is not required.

Please note: A group size of eight (8) children is still required for infants and toddlers in a licensed child care center or group child care home. The capacity of a licensed family child care home is not modified by this change.

Get-Involved_3 State of Connecticut

Forms, Guidance, & Resources

Office of Early Childhood

OEC Memo 29: Group Size and Mask Requirements (10/9)

OEC posts FAQs to assist providers with compliance.  Please consult our website for information to support implementation of this and other memos. 

OEC increases the allowable group size in child care programs, including camps and before and after school programs to 16 students (8/21)

CT Office for Early Childhood COVID resources page

CT OEC Detailed Guidance for Summer Camps (5/19)

CT OEC Informed Consent Form (5/19)

CT OEC Guidance for School-Age Programs in Connecticut During the COVID-19 Pandemic (5/1)

Department of Education

CT SDE Guidance for Re-Opening Schools in the Fall (6/29) and FAQs about Reopening (7/27)

“Adapt, Advance, Achieve: Connecticut’s Plan to Learn and Grow Together”

CSDE Launches CT Learning Hub (7/16)

Governor's Remarks

Important Changes to Summer Program Rules (6/22)

Governor Lamont’s Powerpoint presentation on the summer school re-entry plan (6/3)

Governor Lamont released his Reopen Connecticut report, (Powerpoint) which contains recommendations from the Reopen Connecticut Adrvisory Group (5/27)

Resources

Lots of up-to-date Connecticut-specific information for families and educators can be found on the Connecticut State Department of Education website here: https://portal.ct.gov/SDE/COVID19/COVID-19-Resources-for-Families-and-Educators

Up-to-date Connecticut-specific information can be found on the Connecticut State Department of Health website here: https://tinyurl.com/str8nxr.

Summer Planning

Tools, Guidance, & Resources

Summer Planning Tools (6/18)

Summer Activity Guides (6/17)

Rules for operating Summer School during COVID19 from the State of Connecticut (6/3)

Summer Roundtable Discussions and Resources (5/27)

American Camp Association has newly released its details Camp Operations Guide (5/18)

Checklist of ADDITIONAL Actions when a COVID Case has Occurred at a Camp Program (YMCA) (4/9)

Program Administration

CDC Guidance

CDC Guidance for summer camps, childcare, schools, and other youth programs as they look to reopening. The suite of information also includes decision making tools.

The Centers for Disease Control has released information to help after school, child care, and schools plan, prepare and respond to the coronavirus. You can find this information here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/index.html

Forms

ConnStep/CBIA Infrared Thermometers for Small Businesses and Nonprofits Request Form (5/21)

Health Disclosure Policy (5/4)

Sample Daily Checklist for School Age Programs (YMCA) (4/9)

Reopening

Model for After School Staff as All Around School Helpers (8/4)

Coordinating with School to Prepare to Reopen (6/29) with sample email, letter and NEW IMPROVED visual for grouping students (7/16)

Proposed Guidance for the Establishment of Emergency Child Care Services for the School-Age Children of Essential Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic (5/8)

Emergency Child Care Handbook, including Questions to Ask Before You Reopen Your Program (5/4)

Resources

The CT Data Collaborative has a created a graphic dashboard of statistics that can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/uej8xym

CT Rec & Parks Association Covid-19 Resources includes info on camps and aquatics (5/19)

State of CT Supplier List – Hand Sanitizer, Masks & Cleaning Products (5/21)

CDC COVID Vaccination Tracker

Videos

Video of some of the safety precautions in a child care for kids of essential workers (6/4)

Please read this information, share it with your staff and partners. And consider helping the children in your care to understand the best way to wash their hands – here’s a great video that can help demonstrate: https://youtu.be/aGJNspLRdrc.

The OST Mini Conference Recordings can be downloaded from the following blog location: http://ctafterschoolnetwork.org/ost-mini-conference-recordings/

Connecticut After School Network

Helpful Blogs

Vaccine Information for After School Staff (1/13/21)

Free Masks for Essential Businesses (4/29)

The New Routine (4/7)

Occupying Time (4/1)

Looking for Activities to Do with Kids 3/23)

Coronavirus Resources for Funders and Nonprofits (3/23)

Resources from the Afterschool Alliance (3/23)

Resources for Connecticut (3/23)

SEL for the Provider (3/23)

We’re Here for You (3/18)

Calming the Chaos over Coffee (3/18)

Wait, I’m Working Remotely?! (3/17)

National Summer Learning Spring Webinar Series (3/3)

 

This information has been a collaborative effort by programs and experts working in the school-age child care field, and as such represents best practices as they are currently identified. We are not health care experts, so it is essential that every child care program use their own judgement in implementing this advice and also consult with the health department in their city or region about proper procedures.