On Monday August 24th, Governor DeWine announced a new program to ensure that students learning remotely have a safe place to go during their normal school day if their parents must go to work.
“With more than 30% of school districts opting for remote and hybrid models of learning for the start of the school year – including many of Ohio’s largest school districts – working families need safe options for their child’s care during the school day,” said Governor DeWine.
Beginning this week, child care providers licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) and the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) may care for school-age children who are learning remotely during the school day. These providers will receive funding to cover the cost of care for economically eligible children. The State Controlling Board also approved and released $9 million for these efforts.
Additionally, ODJFS will launch a new license, called the Temporary Pandemic School-Age Child Care license, to ensure children have safe places to go when they are not learning in school. Organizations such as churches, recreation centers, and businesses can apply for this temporary license to provide care to children during the school day. ODJFS is also waiving the registration fee for Temporary Pandemic School-Age Child Care providers.
For more information, please visit https://jfs.ohio.gov/cdc/