The Department of Health and Senior Services announced today (March 19) that during the closure of schools around the state because of the coronavirus, regulations have been loosened for licensed child care providers.
For example, day cares will be allowed to enroll school-age children who need care, and the day cares will be permitted to exceed the license capacity of the facility by one-third during this time, DHSS reported in a written statement.
Daycare facilities are normally required to have one day care employee for every four children younger than 2 with a maximum of eight children in a room. The ratio for children who are 2 to 3 is one adult to eight children. For ages 3-4, the ratio is one adult to 10 children, and the ratio for 5 and older is one adult of every 16 children, according to state code.
DHSS also announced looser regulations that allow day cares to extend their hours and that ease administrative burdens related to record keeping requirements.
“We recognize that child care is an essential component of fighting COVID-19,” said Randall Williams, director of DHSS. “Health care and other emergency medical personnel must have appropriate arrangements for their children to ensure they can provide the health care and other essential services needed by our communities.”
Also today, the Department of Social Services extended the Child Care Subsidy program benefits for 90 days.
The Child Care Subsidy program may cover the cost of additional hours of child care because of the school closure or because a parent is required to work additional hours, DHSS reported.
In addition, DHSS is working with Child Care Aware of Missouri, a child-care resource and referral agency that helps parents find child care. Parents looking for child care may call 1-866-892-3228 to speak with a referral specialist.
They may access the services at mo.childcareaware.org. There is no cost to parents for the services.
Child Care Subsidy benefit recipients who need additional child care hours or any low-income families who want to apply for help with child care costs are encouraged to go to MyDSS.mo.gov, or call 1-855-FSD-INFO, or visit their nearest Family Support Division Resource Center.