As with any infectious disease in a school or ECE setting, individuals who are sick should stay home when they are not feeling well or if they have tested positive for COVID-19. Proudly founded in 1681 as a place of tolerance and freedom. of in-person interaction. Contact Tracing: The subsequent verification, monitoring, and support of contacts who have been exposed to, and possibly infected with, COVID-19. Although universal case investigation and contact tracing are no longer recommended by the CDC, continued attention to ventilation, handwashing, and having people who are sick isolate at home (see Isolation section below) remain crucial to prevent transmission. The guidance for quarantine and isolation below is designed for non-fully vaccinated individuals, which includes children. If wearing a face covering while working would create an unsafe condition in which to operate Individuals who have been exposed and are able to mask no longer need to quarantine but are required to mask for 10 days following the exposure. As the COVID-19 pandemic in Philadelphia evolves, there may be additional changes to the guidance, so please connect to the COVID-19 texts (text COVIDPHL to 888-777) to have the most up-to-date information. If a change is issued, OCDEL will immediately communicate to the ECE community. The Health Department will continue to provide support in the case of outbreaks in childcare settings. Access It is consistently OCDELs message to follow the CDC COVID-19 Guidance for Operating Early Care and Education/Child Care Programs. COVID-19 has been identified by the Department of Health as a communicable disease. Parents and guardians must monitor younger children. Some children have different abilities or neurodivergences that make it impossible for them to tolerate masking. If they need to be picked up, they must wait in the designated isolation room or area while waiting and must wear a high quality (N95, KN95, or KF94) mask. As we adapt to the ever-changing pandemic, we know more and have more tools to help us let teachers teach and students learn with fewer disruptions. may return to school after exposure if they are under 2 with masking of those who surround the students (staff and others who are over 2) for 10 days. The new guidance says that someone exposed to an individual with Covid-19 no longer needs to quarantine at home, away from others. child care providers are urged to stay up-to-date on the most recent CDC Guidance for OperatingChild Care. We are committed to developing and maintaining collaborative relationships that are valued with open minds and appreciation for growth. While the risk of monkeypox to children and adolescents is low, schools and ECEs should take the same precautions that are utilized to stop the spread of other infectious diseases. PD REGISTRY PHONE: 1-800-284-6031 Longer closures may be recommended for an entire school or specific cohort (e.g., an entire grade) when the large numbers of cases or close contacts present logistical and safety concerns. Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) COVID-19 Provider Resources DHS-Issued Guidance Certification Announcements Department of Health (DOH) Early ChildhoodEducation COVID-19 Reporting Options February 3, 2022 Addition of COVID-19 to List of Reportable Communicable Diseases December 20, 2021 All close contacts of a cases exposed cohort (class, grade, team etc.) The decision to close for any length of time remains a local decision. Parents and guardians must monitor younger children. Optimizing ventilation provided by the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system by: Having the HVAC system checked to assure that it is working properly. household member (of a GCCH or FCCH). Cleaning/disinfecting after a COVID-19 case or COVID-19 symptoms: Clean and disinfect all areas used by the person who is sick, such as classroom, offices, bathrooms, common areas, and your isolation room or area and in the classroom where the sick child or staff member was after the sick child or staff member has gone home. Should a high number (~10% or more of school population) test positive, the Health Department recommends universal masking for the entire population. If students develop symptoms, they should be brought to a designated isolation room while waiting to be picked up. pertinent laws and regulations and general health and safety.. COVID-19 continues to impact Pennsylvania, including a new variant, B.1.617.2 (Delta). Quarantine: Separates and restricts the movement of an individual who was exposed to a contagious disease to see if they become sick. indicates community masking is effective in reducing the spread of COVID-19. Masking should be maintained for 10 days after exposure. Yes, you should quarantine for at least five days. Children older than 2 who cannot mask for reasons stated above should receive an antigen test every other day until day 10 in order to limit transmission. Read this Announcement and share with appropriate staff. As OCDEL identifies updates to the CDC guidance, the weekly Certification RECAP will Persons who meet the following criteria do NOT need to quarantine: How long does a close contact need to quarantine? Anyone who cannot mask can test at regular intervals (every other day) for 10 days. If you have received a waiver to remain open, the IECMH Consultation Team is offering support during this difficult time via distance technology. Environmental Resources, the Department Please enable scripts and reload this page. masks, many entities are not following the CDCs recommendations. Learn more aboutwhy, when, and how to wear a mask (PDF). EMAIL: info@pakeys.org. The Pennsylvania Department of Education is committed to offering guidance and resources to support and help protect school communities during this pandemic. (When not in use, it should be stored out of reach of children.). the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. LATEST CORONAVIRUS GUIDANCE FOR EARLY LEARNING IN PENNSYLVANIA FROM OCDEL AND THE CDC VIA WEBINAR AND FAQ: Announcements from OCDEL via the PA Early Ed News, Supports for Child Care Programs Operating During COVID-19, Resources for Businesses and Employees Affected by Closures, School Age Care Reopening During COVID-19 Recording May 6, 2020, Schools and Child Care Programs: Plan, Prepare, and Respond, COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Information When Serving Children With Disabilities, Questions and Answers on Providing Services to Children with Disabilities During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Outbreak, Webinar: Managing Infectious Diseases in Early Education and Child Care Settings, Curriculum: Managing Infectious Diseases in Early Education and Child Care Settings, Pedalink Modules:Bug Busting in Early Care and Education Settings, Preparing Child Care Programs for Pandemic Influenza, September 2021 Edition of PA Early Ed News, June 2021 Edition of the PA Early Ed News, Special Initiative for Janssen, Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine, February 2021 Edition of the PA Early Ed News, October 2020 Edition of the PA Early Ed News, Special Announcement: School Age Child Care (SACC) Update from Tracey Campanini, Deputy Secretary, OCDEL, Special Announcement: Hazard Pay Grants Now Available for Front-Line Workers in Life-Sustaining Industries, Special Announcement: Announcement: ELRC-20 #09, Child Care Works Payment Modifications Due to Impacts related to Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), Special Announcement: Child Care FAQs for Families in Need of Care: Child Care and Summer Camps and Recreatio, Special Announcement: Clarification of Closure Notices and Child Care, Special Announcement: Updates from the Office of Child Development and Early Learning during COVID-19, Request for Information: Family Support Programs Solicitation Due Date Extended to April 8, 2020, Special Announcement: OCDEL Releases Announcement: ELRC-20 #04 Child Care Works Payment Modifications Due to Impacts related to Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), Special Announcement: Attention: Bucks and Chester County Early Childhood Education Providers, Special Announcement: NSOR Clearances and the Coronavirus, Food and Nutrition Services Program Guidance on Human Pandemic Response, Using USDA Food During a Human Pandemic Outbreak Options for Schools and Communities, Child Nutrition Pandemic Planning Guidelines, How to Access Emergency Food Assistance During COVID-19 Mitigation, Information for Pennsylvania Employees Impacted by COVID-19, Emergency Funding Resources That Child Care Providers Can Use Now, COVID-19 Resources for Businesses, Communities, and Local Governments, Find Child Care or Early Learning Programs, Lo que necesita saber sobre la enfermedad del coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), Informacin sobre el COVID-19 para Negocios Esenciales, Gua para Clnicas de WIC para el COVID-19, Lidiar con las Preocupaciones por el COVID-19. Sunset: Sept. 30, 2021, Announcement 20-15:Changes to Policy Regarding Parents/Caretakers Caring for Their Own Children in a Child Care Setting During the COVID-19 Pandemic OCDEL Releases Updated Child Care Guidelines During COVID-19 | June 28, 2021 In order to continue to make public safety recommendations, the Health Departments COVID-19 Containment Divisions Pediatric Partnerships team has been tracking patterns of transmission in schools, daycares, and other settings. Those individuals capable of masking must wear a mask after an exposure. Other browsers are not recommended. Read CDCs full guidance for isolation and quarantine. All COVID-19 cases (student or staff) must be reported to the Philadelphia Department of Public Health. knows of a group expression of an illness Installing filters with minimum efficiency reporting values (MERV) of 13, or the highest compatible with the filter rack. Sunset: Sept. 30, 2021, ELRC 20-#14:Keystone STARS Designation Process for FY 2020-2021 September 1, 2020, ELRC 20-#13:Updates to the Child Care Works School-Age Blended Rate Payment Policy for the 2020-21 School Year Some children have different abilities or neurodivergences that make it impossible for them to tolerate masking. Masking must be maintained for 10 days after exposure. This 22-23 school year, the Health Department will be providing rapid at-home COVID-19 test kits, point-of-care test kits, masks, and other resources for early childhood education center communities, including staff and families. For more information, visit theCDCs monkeypox pageandthe latest on monkeypox in Philadelphia. EMAIL: info@pakeys.org. Pennsylvania. Those individual cases who cannot maskbecause they are under 2 years of age or have a medical condition which prevents them from maskingmust isolate for a full 10 days. Individual cases who cannot mask because they are under 2 years old or for medical reasons, must isolate for 10 days. wear a face covering while indoors in a school entity. Schools should continue to utilize prevention strategies such as masking, physical distancing, testing, ventilation, handwashing, and staying home when sick to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. For more languages,visit the PA Department of Health website. These updates ensure people can safely continue their daily lives. Currently the Health Department is not recommending school or class-wide pauses and will only do so in exceptional circumstances. To support The CDC continues to support implementation of diagnostic COVID-19 testing programs in schools and supports and encourages program participation among parents and staff regardless of community transmission level or vaccination status. or not it is known to be of a communicable compliance with the Order. Pennsyvlania Head Start Association (PHSA). While the risk of monkeypox to children and adolescents is low, schools and ECEs should take the same precautions that are utilized to stop the spread of other infectious diseases. For guidance on pediatric common clinical scenarios, visit Resources for schools and early childhood education and look under Supplemental Guidance. To assist child care providers with continued compliance with these requirements, OCDEL has Certified Child Care Providers; If you are looking for Rising STARS Tuition Assistance, the CDA Voucher Program, or the Director Credential, these are now located in the PD Registry. Health, the Department of Education and Promoting Inclusion & Reducing Expulsion and Suspension As much as possible, hold performances, practices, and lessons outdoors. As we adapt to the ever-changing pandemic, we know more and have more tools to help us let teachers teach and students learn with fewer disruptions. The detailed guidance is categorized by the following key practices: Vaccination, including booster shots, remains the best strategy to protect students and staff and the community and reduce interruptions in learning. Isolation: Separates an individual who is sick with a contagious disease from people who are not sick. disease or an outbreak of an unusualillness that represents a public health chart outlines the areas of compliance, legal citation, and regulatory language. Individuals or schools may continue to choose to implement quarantine if desired. In addition, programs located in any of the following 6 counties or 4 municipalities For instance, when possible, move a classroom outdoors or to a larger space such as a Encourage staff and parents to talk to their own and their childrens physicians about their individual risk factors for COVID-19 and the risks of working at or attending school. For those who wear a single mask, a surgical mask is preferred instead of a cloth mask alone. Sunset: Aug. 31, 2021, Announcement C-20-09: Emergency Temporary Relocation of Facility due to theGovernor Issuing a Declaration of Disaster Specific to NovelCoronavirus (COVID-19) General Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information Recorded Webinars for Child Care Providers regulations. Promoting Inclusion & Reducing Expulsion and Suspension local department of health, The operator shall inform parents of Read more about staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines. appropriate occupational and health care settings. and mouth with material that is secured to the head with ties, straps, or loops over the ears or is Other mitigation strategies such as physical distancing or universal masking are not being implemented or adhered to. When a child/student is participating in a sports practice activity or event, whether indoors or ECE facilities should follow the PA Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) protocols where applicable, including reporting requirements. On behalf of the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), the Pennsylvania Key has compiled a list of resources for Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs and professionals impacted by COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in Pennsylvania. On behalf of the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), the Pennsylvania Key has compiled a list of resources for Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs and professionals impacted by COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in Pennsylvania. Were always working to improve phila.gov. For people who share a household with someone who has COVID-19, the close contact's quarantine period starts from the last time they were exposed to the person with COVID-19. Sign up for one or more newsletters available from OCDEL and/or Pennsylvanias Promise for Children. In an effort to extend the scope of schools mitigation measures, the Health Department can aid by providing over-the-counter tests to your school. This is the best way to stop outbreaks before they start. If using the nurses office, this area should be at least six feet apart from where other children or staff use the nurses office. Department of Health (DOH) Early ChildhoodEducation COVID-19 Reporting Options February 3, 2022, Addition of COVID-19 to List of Reportable Communicable Diseases December 20, 2021, Special Announcement on Masking Guidance: A Message fromActing Secretary Meg Snead December 10, 2021, Accouncement C-21-10:Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early LearningBureau of Early Learning Policy and Professional Development and Bureau ofCertification December 10, 2021, Announcement C-21-09: Reinstating and Extension of Child Care Certification Regulation Suspensions Due at Act 73 December 7, 2021;Sunset: October31, 2022, Announcement C-21-08: Compliance with Acting Secretary of Health's Face Covering OrderObsolete:December 10, 2021, AnnouncementC-21-07: COVID-19 Policy Updates As recommendations regarding the mitigation of COVID-19 continue to evolve, See afull list of COVID-19 symptoms. Staff should practice hand hygiene before and after preparing food and drinks and before and after any medication administration. entities unless they meet one of the following exceptions in Section 3 of the Order: On Aug. 28, 2020, OCDEL launched the Licensed Facility COVID Data Collection Tool. State agencies whose Schools and ECE programs should monitor and reinforce these behaviors, especially during key times in the day (for example, before and after eating, after using the restroom, and after recess) and should also provide adequate handwashing supplies, including soap and water. regulations may relate to the operation of a Maintaining healthy facilities Face masks help to prevent the transmission of COVID-19. Encouraging the wider school community to get vaccinated against COVID-19. If test results are negative, they must continue to mask for full 10-day period. ECEs should expect a response from the Pediatric Partnerships team for completed surveys in the case of missing or incomplete information, need for further investigation, or to facilitate and intervention in the form of testing. Staff who develop symptoms of COVID-19 should immediately be sent home. on PAs Department of Human Services (DHS) website, on PAs Department of Education (PDE) website, Early Intervention Technical Assistance (EITA), Early Learning Investment Commission (ELIC), Pennsylvania Child Care Association (PACCA), Pennsyvlania Head Start Association (PHSA), Promoting Inclusion & Reducing Expulsion and Suspension, Implementing The CDC Guidance: Considerations for Open or Re-Opening Child Care Programs (CDC Version 4.21.20), June 24, 2020, Implementing The CDC Guidance for Child Care Programs that Remain Open (CDC Version 4.21.20) Pre-recorded Webinar, May 21, 2020, Implementing The CDC Guidance for Child Care Programs that Remain Open (CDC Version 4.21.20) Pre-recorded Webinar, May 14, 2020, Implementing the CDC Guidance for Child Care Programs that Remain Open (CDC Version 4.21.20) Pre-recorded Webinar May 7, 2020, Child Care During COVID-19 and Reopening Child Care with Tracey Campanini and Tanya Vasquez, Group Child Care Centers That Remain Open from PAs Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), Family Child Care Centers That Remain Open from PAs Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), Support staff in coping with stress and balancing their mental health needs, Support childrens transitions to care and their social emotional development, Support families and offer resources around family engagement, Share resources related to all of the above. In order to best meet our communitys diverse needs, we have created a set of baseline or minimum recommendations based on guidelines from the Health Department, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Pennsylvania Department of Education that serve as best practices within the school setting for mitigating the risk of COVID-19 for students and staff. Checking that the external air inlet duct is not blocked and that it is at least 15 feet from persons. Reporting COVID-19 cases to the Philadelphia Department of Public Health can be done by completing a REDCap Pediatric Survey. Please enable scripts and reload this page. See early childhood education (ECE) guidance. If possible, use screens or curtains to create a barrier between individuals who are ill and in nurses office. Rapid antigen tests are preferable to PCR when used to detect current infection for those with recent history of COVID-19 infection. Services. A. The citations for non-compliance with the Order will be issued under 55 This content was last updated on October 3, 2022. For example, if two cases occur on a soccer team but the cases are siblings, this would not be considered an outbreak because the transmission can be explained by their linkage as siblings. does not apply to teachers, staff, or other adults in the indoor classroom setting. Children older than 2 who cannot mask for medical reasons stated above should receive an antigen test every other day until day 10 in order to limit transmission. Anyone with symptoms who has not yet received their test result yet should also stay at home. Early Learning Investment Commission (ELIC) Anyone at high risk for severe illnessshould consider wearing a mask indoors in public and takingadditional precautions. Individuals who are able to mask cannot test out of the 10-day masking period. Please note, isolation and quarantine are official public health terms and directives issued by DOH or CMHDs. Everyone 6 months and older can now be vaccinated. Office of Child Development and Early Learning Staff, Engaged in an activity that cannot be performed while wearing a mask, such as eating and Strongly encouraging universal and correct use of face masks when indoors for all staff and students 2 years of age and older: when staff and students return from 5-day isolation and masking is strictly required on days 6-10. for 10 days when staff and students are exposed. Rapid antigen tests are preferable to PCR when used to detect current infection for those with recent history of COVID-19 infection. Integrating OCDEL Services Hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can also be used. or the appropriate Regional Office which can be found here. If possible, increase ventilation in the building by either: Handwashing & Respiratory Etiquette You may be trying to access this site from a secured browser on the server. Everyone 6 months and older can now be vaccinated. accurate information. "Face covering" means covering of the nose Pennsyvlania Head Start Association (PHSA). staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines. communicable disease for which 28 Pa. (reps) conducting inspections or complaint investigations will cite child care facilities operating out of Direct all questions and comments to your child care Certification Regional Office. In alignment with requirements in Title 28 Pa. Code Chapter 27 (relating to communicable and noncommunicable diseases), schools must: Case: A person who either tests positive for COVID-19 or who has been exposed to someone with COVID-19 and developed clinically compatible symptoms. Department of Health. For more information, see cleaning and disinfecting your facility. Currently the Health Department is not recommending school or class-wide pauses and will only do so in exceptional circumstances. Guide for Responding to a Positive COVID-19 Case in Schools, Responding to a COVID-19 Outbreak in Schools, Steps for Determining Close Contact and Quarantine in K-12 Schools. There are two ways to implement masking after an exposure: If an individual tests positive for COVID-19, they must begin isolation immediately. Those individuals capable of masking must wear a mask after an exposure. MAIN PHONE: 1-844-569-7253 (toll free) Proudly founded in 1681 as a place of tolerance and freedom. When face coverings are not being worn, utilizing additional prevention strategies, such as physical Strongly encouraging universal and correct use of face masks when indoors for all staff and students 2 years of age and older: when staff and students return from 5-day isolation and masking is strictly required on days 6-10. for 10 days when staff and students are exposed. PD REGISTRY PHONE: 1-800-284-6031 Responding to COVID-19 Cases in K-12 Schools: Resources for School Administrators for more information. Access Early Learning. Coronavirus (COVID-19) mitigation efforts have required school communities to work within changing, complex circumstances and unprecedented situations. If possible, increase ventilation in the building by either: Handwashing & Respiratory Etiquette For those who wear a single mask, a surgical mask is preferred instead of a cloth mask alone. 5. As we enter the third year of the pandemic and begin a new school year, we have drawn on lessons learned and input from schools and communities to create a framework that helps children continue in-person learning. Both are free for download. Requirements for Schools | Schools and ECE programs should teach and reinforce coveringcoughs and sneezesto help keep individuals from getting and spreading infectious diseases, including COVID-19. on the effectiveness of mask wearing, including citations and published research, can be found on Quarantine or modified testing strategies may be more appropriate for children less than age 2 and those who cannot mask. This CDC guidance is meant to supplementnot replaceany federal, state, local, territorial, or tribal health and safety laws, rules, and regulations. DOH and PDE support continuation of in-person learning and will limit closure recommendations when possible. Case Investigation: The identification and investigation of individuals who are classified as being a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19. Next Steps Child care providers must: Read this Announcement and share with appropriate staff. *Testing is recommended but not required. School officials have the authority to restrict people who are at risk of spreading COVID-19 from entering the school building. these are now located in the PD Registry. Individuals or schools may continue to choose to implement quarantine if desired. Integrating OCDEL Services Early Learning Standards By aligning with the CDCs latest guidance and eliminating quarantine (see Exposures below for details), we can keep children in school and learning and let parents and caregivers stay at work. Reporting COVID-19 cases to the Philadelphia Department of Public Health can be done by completing a REDCap Pediatric Survey. Anyone who is eligible should be vaccinated and receive all recommended doses. We strongly recommend flexibility and accommodations for staff who are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19, such as those 65 years and older and those with weakened immune systems.
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