Reopening Resources for Programs

Whether you are planning on reopening or are already open, there are many requirements, policies and recommendations to implement in order to operate your program in a healthy and safe manner. In collaboration with City partners, OECE and First 5 San Francisco compiled the guides and resources below to help you manage materials and important information. This page and the links to resources will be updated as needed.

REOPENING TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROCESS

The City’s Training and Technical Assistance System will support the reopening and operation of quality Early Learning System (ELS/PFA) programs during the COVID-19 Pandemic and recovery.

To learn more about the T/TA workflow for programs, click the link below

SF Department of Public Health (DPH) Guidance

Child Care Provider Directive

Under the Health Order issued on May 22, 2020 by Department of Public Health, SF child care programs may reopen or continue operating for any children in San Francisco. Programs must prioritize spaces for children who need it the most, including low-income youth and those in the most vulnerable populations. The Child Care Provider Directive (updated September 11, 2020) provides a list of best practices and requirements for operating a child care program as conditions related to Covid-19 require.

Interim Guidance for Child Care Programs

This guidance (updated March 23, 2021) was developed by the San Francisco Department of Public Health to help child care programs understand health and safety practices needed to prevent spread of COVID-19 in their programs.

Orange Tier – Summary of Updates to Child Care Guidance

California’s “Blueprint for a Safer Economy” is a statewide color-coded system designed to inform the loosening and tightening of restrictions on activities based on COVID-19 data. On March 24, 2021 San Francisco moved from the Red (Substantial) Tier to the Orange (Moderate) Tier, easing or lifting many child care restrictions. The Orange Tier – Summary of Updates to Child Care Guidance document summarizes all the Orange Tier Reopening changes as they apply to child care and education, broken out by sector.

REOPENING MEETINGS

For Family Child Care:

OECE and First 5 SF are co-hosting monthly Zoom meetings for FCC programs that are opening or planning to reopen soon.

WHEN: The second Wednesday of each month from 6:30-7:30pm

WHERE:

English Session

Spanish Session

Chinese Session

View past meeting recordings and materials >

For Centers:

This weekly meeting is for center-based programs that are open or planning to reopen.

WHEN: Every other Monday at 3:30pm-4:00pm

WHERE:

Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 973 7471 8316

Password: 543864

One tap mobile: +16699006833,,97374718316#,,1#,543864# US (San Jose)

ADDITIONAL REOPENING RESOURCES

Supporting Transitions Tip Sheet

Tips for preparing children, families, and classroom for new routines and procedures:

Health and Safety Plan

Per the Child Care Provider Directive, each program is required to create and implement a written Health and Safety Plan. This is an optional template to help.

Risk Acknowledgement Form

Per the Child care Provider Directive, programs must ensure that each parent/guardian reads and signs the Risk Acknowledgement Form when they return to care or continue care at the program.

Sample COVID-19 Health Check Sheet for Staff

1-page screener that can be used by programs for children and youth to screen children for COVID-19 symptoms and fever when they arrive at the program.

Parent/Guardian Handout:
COVID-19 Health Checks/If Your Child has Symptoms

Information for parents and guardians on COVID-19 Health Checks (symptoms screening and temperature checks). The 2nd page contains instructions on what to do if a child has fever or COVID-19 symptoms, criteria to return to the program, and where their child can get tested.

COVID-19 Health Checks at Programs for Children and Youth

Per the Child care Provider Directive, programs must ensure that each parent/guardian reads and signs the Risk Acknowledgement Form when they return to care or continue care at the program.

Guidance on Enrollment Priorities for City-Funded Programs

OECE’s policies on how to prioritize new and exisiting enrollments given limitations on capacity.

Mental Health Resources

This is a challenging time. Staff may be worried about coming back to work, wondering how they will be able to support children and families, or have other issues they are dealing with at home. The newsletters linked below from the Department of Public Health’s Trauma Informed System (TIS) offer a variety of tools, strategies, and information to help staff cope.