Back to School Guidance for Preschool and School-Age Child Care

As the 2021 – 2022 school year begins,  it is important that all  preschool and school age child care administrators and teachers know the current regulations in effect for the school year and the recommendations for continuing COVID-19 mitigation strategies. If you have questions, we have included contact information for licensing specialists at the end of the page.  
 
Licensing specialists will be enforcing all pre-pandemic rules, which include 3301-37 for Preschools and 3301-32 for School Age Child Care.
 
It is important to note that children under the age of 12 are not yet able to be vaccinated against COVID-19. As such, programs should remain vigilant in their efforts to slow the spread of the virus by following all guidance issued from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Schools and Child Care Guidance, updated July 9, 2021. 

 

COVID-19 Practices as we start Back to School

  • Handwashing: Programs should continue to follow COVID-19 CDC handwashing guidance for both employees and children.
  • Symptom assessment, quarantine, isolation, discharge: Programs should follow CDC guidelines for COVID-19 symptom assessment, quarantine and isolation for both employees and children.
  • Reporting:  Positive COVID-19 cases for an employee or child are considered a serious incident and must be reported. The Serious incident form must be completed and the saved completed version attached in an email to OELSR.Licensing@education.ohio.gov. Additionally, COVID-19 should be reported to the local health department. The Communicable Disease Chart (JFS 08087) is being updated to require reporting for COVID-19.
  • Masks: While masks are no longer required, it is STRONGLY ENCOURAGED that providers adhere to CDC guidance, which states that unvaccinated populations should still mask and socially distance. 
 
For questions about this guidance or any requirement for operating a Preschool or School Age Child Care program licensed by the Ohio Department of Education, please contact a Licensing Specialist in the Office of Early Learning and School Readiness.

Return to Back to School: Resources for Return

Last Modified: 8/20/2021 11:42:53 AM