This message is being sent as a courtesy to our collaborative partner, the Child Care Licensing Unit.
Dear Colleagues,
 
Governor Sununu issued executive orders on Friday, March 13 and today, Sunday March 15, found here:  https://www.governor.nh.gov.  The executive orders include the immediate closure of all public and non-public schools through April 3, 2020. They also include the ability for the Child Care Licensing Unit to waive certain licensing requirements in order to expand the necessary services you provide. The department encourages child care and after school programs to remain open, if you feel you can safely do so, and we will work with you through this difficult time.
 
If you are able to safely increase the number of children you serve, the Department plans to expedite these requests. Please send them to the CCLU Office email:  ccluoffice@dhhs.nh.gov , or call our main office at 271-9025. Please include specific information, such as:
 
·       The number of additional children you wish to accept.
·       What classrooms will be over capacity.
·       Whether the additional children will exceed the program’s overall capacity.
·       Whether the child to staff ratio will be maintained or not.
 
Any waivers granted will be on a case by case basis, in consultation with the State Fire Marshall, and will be for the 3-week period ending April 3, 2020.
 
It is extremely important that you prevent the spread of illness in your child care program by ensuring proper hygiene, cleaning practices, and handwashing. In addition, we encourage programs to screen children and staff for illness every day on arrival. Attached is a screening tool the department provided to long-term care facilities which can easily be adapted to screen children and staff, along with a sign for the entrance of your program. 
 
Do not allow children or employees showing signs and symptoms of illness to enter the child care center. If a child or employee shows signs and symptoms of illness, please send them home immediately and contact 211 for guidance. In addition, follow recommendations from the CDC:  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/index.html
 
We have scheduled a conference call for tomorrow, Monday March 16 at noon, to provide additional information and answer any questions you may have. I will follow up with the number to call as soon as possible.
 
We understand that this is a difficult time for you and many others throughout the state. Thank you so much for the work that you do, and I appreciate your patience as we work through how to support you and the children and families your serve during this state of emergency.
  
Melissa Clement
 
Melissa Clement, Chief
Child Care Licensing Unit
129 Pleasant Street
Concord, NH 03301

1-800-852-3345 ext. 9004 (NH only)

(603) 271-9004
 

Child Care Aware of NH is a statewide Child Care Resource and Referral Program powered by Southern New Hampshire Services. The preparation of this email was financed under a Contract with the State of New Hampshire, Department of Health and Human Services, Division for Economic Housing Stability, Bureau of Child Development and Head Start Collaboration with funds provided in part by the State of New Hampshire and the US Department of Health and Human Services.