Through our National Hotline, live chat, social media and recent webinar on Coronavirus Resources and Advice from the Field, Child Care Aware® of America has received and compiled hundreds of questions from child care providers and families during the Covid-19 pandemic. Below are a list of the most frequently asked questions from providers and parents about Coronavirus and its impact on child care.
Coronavirus FAQs for Providers
If my state/county closed the schools why are the child care programs not being told to close?
- Each state and/or county are making decisions as new information becomes available. It is important to continue to check your state website for the most up-to-date information; you can find the website by clicking on your state on the state map. You can also review the CCAoA decision tool to help you with making decisions about keeping your child care open or closing it.
Will I get paid if I close my child care due to a case of the virus? A parent who has been infected? Or as a precaution because of my own health?
- You have probably set sick policies and unexpected closure policies in your parent handbook. Do you normally charge if a parent is absent or you have to close for an emergency, such as snow? Even if you have those policies in place, you may want to look at your budget and see if you have any flexibility. Could you charge the parents a discounted rate if they are not attending? Could you create a payment plan?
Where can I find guidance on how to decide what to do?
- The CDC has provided guidance for schools that can be found here and you also should check the state websites which you can find by clicking on your state, lastly you can use the CCAoA Child Care Provider Flowchart.
Will my insurance cover loss of income if I close or if my enrollment drops?
- Insurance policies and coverages vary. Check with your insurer to see if your policy includes loss of income coverage for business operations that are interrupted by a disaster, such as a pandemic.
Will I still receive payments from the state/CCDBG if I am forced to close? How about if the families just voluntarily remove their children for social distancing?
- Each state and/or county is making decisions as new information becomes available. It is important to continue to check your state website for the most up-to-date information; you can find the website by clicking on your state on the state map.
Is there any assistance available for families who cannot make their child care payments due to changes in working hours because of Coronavirus?
- Some states may be offering temporary financial assistance to individuals who are experiencing wage loss because of the pandemic. They should check with their state to find out if any programs are available that they can apply for. The information may be available through the state COVID-19 website or state social service websites. You can find the state website here.
Is there any financial assistance available to my business?
- The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers business guidance and loan resources. Resources include the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program which you can get information on and apply for here. You can also check with your local Small Business Administration for local assistance options. You may access a directory of local SBAs here.
Coronavirus FAQs for Families
Where can I take my children if they are sick? Is there sick child care in my area?
- Any child who may be sick with Coronavirus should remain isolated at home with a parent or other adult caregiver. Call your health care provider if your child is experiencing respiratory symptoms consistent with Coronavirus – fever, cough, difficulty breathing. If your child has a mild, non-infectious illness that is not Coronavirus, check with your local Child Care Resource and Referral agency for sick child care options that may be located in your area. You may search for your local Resource and Referral Agency here.
My school has closed and I need to find another place to take them. All the child care providers are saying “no.” What am I supposed to do?
- Your local Child Care Resource and Referral agency is a good place to find out about alternative child care options that may be available in your community. You may search for your local Resource and Referral agency here. You also might consider child care that is provided by a trusted family, friend or neighbor. Find out more about Family, Friend and Neighbor care here.
I have to work because I work in a doctor's office. Can we employees bring our children to work with us and take turns watching them in a separate room?
- The health and safety of your child(ren) is important to safeguard. Check with your local Child Care Resource and Referral agency to see if emergency child care options are available in your area. You may search for your local Resource and Referral Agency here.
Is there emergency care available for emergency workers?
- Your local Child Care Resource and Referral agency is a good place to find out about emergency child care options that may be available in your community. You may search for your local Resource and Referral agency here.
Nursing home workers -- I cannot take my children to work with me due to the isolation. School is closed and my child care is closed. What can I do?
- Your local Child Care Resource and Referral agency is a good place to find out about emergency child care options that may be available in your community. You may search for your local Resource and Referral agency here.
My child care provider is still charging me even though I have removed my child due to Coronavirus concerns. Is that allowed?
- Check sources such as the child care parent handbook for your child care program or the child care contract you may have in place with your provider. Review the details for sick policies and unexpected closure policies and then connect with your provider to discuss options.
