Child care programs are open, following health guidelines. The Health Department continues to work with the Agency of Education and other partners to support the health and wellness of children and their families during this time. Below are resources to help you understand what is happening and guide you in responding to COVID-19.
If you learn of a positive case at your child care or out-of-school care program, contact the Health Department's Infectious Disease Epidemiology team. Call 802-863-7240 (Mon - Fri 7:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m, choose Option 3, outside those hours, choose Option 7).
Find a quick guide and checklist with next steps to take when you learn of a positive case in your program.
Resources and Guidance
NEW: COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility of Individuals working Regulated Child Care
The State of Vermont is preparing for voluntary vaccination of individuals working in regulated child care, preschool and afterschool programs.
Read more about the COVID-19 vaccine in Vermont
Holiday and Winter Break Messaging Toolkit for Child Care and Out of School Care Programs (Word version) and (PDF version).
This toolkit was revised to include the Governor's Executive Order from Nov. 13, 2020. The toolkit contains social media posts plus images, sample newsletter drop-in text and information to help schools share the message with staff and parents
Health Guidance for Childcare and Out-of-school Care
Guidance for childcare (regulated and unregulated, center and family-based), out-of-school-time care, summer, recreational and afterschool programs. Designed to help programs maintain health and safety requirements and physical distancing directives while providing services. From the Health Department.
Children's Development Division COVID-19
Resources for child care providers and providers of Children's Integrated Services. From the Department for Children and Families.
Guidance for Schools and Childcare Programs
Includes links to CDC guidance on preparing and operating schools, face coverings, screening students, cleaning and protecting staff. From the CDC.
Supplemental Guidance for Child Care Programs that Remain Open
Guidance from CDC on many topics, including general preparedness and planning, social distancing strategies, parent drop-off and pickup, cleaning and food preparation. From the CDC.
Updates on Financial Supports for Child Care Programs
Describes grant opportunities and stipends. From the Department for Children and Families.
State Drinking Water Guidance and Recommendations when Reopening Buildings
Information on how to interact with the Drinking Water Program during this period. Includes guidance on disinfection, water quality, sanitary survey process and water conservation.
Reopening Buildings After Prolonged Shutdown or Reduced Operation
Guidance for schools to manage risk from mold, Legionella and Legionnaires’ disease. From the CDC.
What to do if an employee tests positive for COVID-19
Guidance for employers including information to gather, supporting employees, return to work, close contacts. From the Health Department.
What to do when your co-worker has COVID-19
Arabic | Burmese | Chinese | French | Karen | Kirundi | Nepali | Somali | Spanish | Swahili | Vietnamese
Actions people can take to stay safe if a co-worker has tested positive, and details about quarantine. From the Health Department.