On February 24 2022 – the Department of Children and Families released updated child care information in line with updated guidance from the Florida Department of Health. This update recognizes that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidance is antiquated and has forced Florida families to miss work and school even when it is safe to return.
Secretary Shevaun Harris said, “Our Department’s top priority is the well-being of Florida’s children. We know that unnecessary regulations resulting in overbearing isolation requirements of isolation can be detrimental to both a child’s mental and physical health. Governor Ron DeSantis’ leadership in ensuring that children and families are not hindered by burdensome procedures has allowed people to live freely in Florida.”
COVID-19 Guidance for Child Care Facilities and Providers:
- Children who have a COVID-19 exposure or close contact, but have no symptoms, are not required to quarantine and can remain in the classroom.
- If a child is COVID-19 symptomatic or COVID-19 positive, they should stay home while symptoms persist. The child will be able to return to the classroom after 5 days have passed since the onset of symptoms and are fever free for 24 hours.
- After an exposure, close contact, or positive COVID-19 diagnosis, a negative COVID-19 test is not required for a child to be able to return to school.
- Masking Guidance – Children in a child care facility are not required to wear a mask or face covering.
- Child care facilities are encouraged to continue to routinely clean classrooms and high traffic areas.
- Children and staff are encouraged to practice routine handwashing throughout the day.
Updated information from the Department for child care facilities can be found here.
Updated guidance from the Department of Health can be found here.
