COVID-19 Parent Frequently Asked Question’s (FAQs)

The CDPH Child Care Guidance provides guidelines that providers must use to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and to ensure the safety of children, providers, and families. This is updated as circumstances change.

Guidance is also issued via our website and list serves. Rapid Assistance Support Teams (RAST) are conducting tele-visits, or phone calls to offer technical assistance, guidance, and help problem solve with child care programs and we are also conducting phones calls with stakeholders to disseminate information.

Provider Information Notices (PINs) are issued to update providers on a variety of topics. A complete list of PINS issued by the Community Care Licensing Division can be found here.

Child care programs have access to facial coverings, gloves, hand sanitizer, thermometers, and additional supplies. These supplies have been provided by the State. Child care programs can contact their local Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies for more information.

CDSS, in collaboration with local and statewide partners, has created mychildcare.ca.gov. This website allows families to search for open child care programs in their community. For additional assistance in locating child care, you may also contact your local Child Care Resource and Referral Agency for free referrals.

Families should screen for symptoms on a regular basis, especially before you bring your child to school or to child care. Watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, or other symptoms of COVID-19.

Keep consistent routines and increase handwashing. If your child has special health needs that make them mover susceptible to illness, discuss strategies with your doctor and child care program that can be included in daily routines.

Model, teach and reinforce healthy habits. Use a variety of strategies including reading books and singing songs to teach your family about healthy practices.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% ethyl alcohol or at least 70% isopropyl alcohol (a neurotoxin and eye irritant).

Avoid contact with people who are sick.

If your child is sick, keep them at home. Contact your provider to report your child’s absence and contact your healthcare provider. Talk with the child care program about activities children can do from home to continue learning.

Talk with your employer about sick leave and telework options in case you need to stay home with your child. Plan in advance for alternate child care arrangements. Update your emergency contacts that are on file with your provider. If you need assistance locating child care, finding assistance to pay for child care, and connecting to additional supports for your family, please click here.

We have created a dedicated COVID-19 e-mail box to ensure parents, families, and providers have an easy way to reach out and get questions answered. If you would like to submit a question, please email CCLCOVID-19INFO@dss.ca.gov.

CCLD encourages you to visit these sites frequently as information changes.

• California Department of Social Services (CDSS)
• California Department of Public Health (CDPH)

To stay informed of COVID-19 updates, please visit www.covid19.ca.gov.

If you would like to receive future updates, you may sign up to be notified of new PINs here.