March 13, 2020

COVID-19 – What Can Child Care Providers Do?

The COVID-19 situation is changing daily. Child Care Aware of Washington is here to support you and the children and families you serve.

K-12 school and workplace closures are impacting children, families and providers. Our Family Center is tracking both provider closures and openings so we can provide accurate referrals to families seeking care. Call 1-800-446-1114 if:

  • Your child care facility closes.
  • Your child care facility has openings. You will be asked about the age(s) you can serve and whether you take Working Connections Child Care subsidy.

Our Family Center is fully staffed and operational. We are ready to assist you and any families that call us seeking care.

All child care professionals in Washington are eligible for COVID-19 vaccination. WA COVID Vaccine Finder is a good place to find vaccination appointments. 

Providing school-age child care because many K-12 school districts have moved to remote learning? We can help. Check out our resources for caring for school age children.

Here are some good resources and potential financial supports that can help child care small businesses.

State

Washington State Department of Health Updated Guidance for Child Care

Washington State Department of Health Behavioral Health Toolbox for Families

Washington State Unemployment Benefits and Paid Leave – COVID-19 benefits for businesses and employees

Layoff assistance – Employment Security Department

Unemployment benefits for employees and relief of benefit charges for employers – additional supports for small businesses

Washington Health Plan Finder – Health insurance

COVID-19 Paid Family and Medical Leave – Employment Security Department

Washington Business Relief During COVID-19 Pandemic – Washington State Department of Revenue

Grants for small businesses – Washington State Department of Commerce

Possible deferred business taxes and waivers of penalties for businesses affected by COVID-19

Governor’s list of business resources for businesses affected by COVID-19

Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families – COVID-19 Updates – answers to questions regarding subsidy payments, ECEAP needs and more

Washington State Coronavirus Response – multiple state resources, links, information and more

Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction – information about K-12 school closures

Washington Governor Inslee’s Office – latest updates, resources and information regarding disease spread, official instructions and closures

COVID-19 Impacts on Insurance – Office of the Insurance Commissioner

COVID-19 Resources for Immigrants – OneAmerica

Business supports and resources – Association of Washington Business

Small, emergency cash payments to those not eligible for other programs – Department of Social and Health Services

Help for providing meals and snacks in child care during COVID-19 – Department of Health and Department of Children, Youth, and Families – English, Spanish, Somali

Local

Seattle King County Public Health – Recommendations and Implications for K-12 Schools and Child Care

National

Interim Guidance for Child Care Programs – Centers for Disease Control & Prevention – Newly updated March 1

Guía interina para los administradores de programas de cuidados infantiles – Centros para el control y la prevención de enfermedades

American Academy of Pediatrics Guidance on operating child care programs during COVID-19 pandemic

COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans – U.S. Small Business Administration

New“Second Draw” Paycheck Protection Program

Low-interest loans for small businesses – U.S. Small Business Administration

Guide and checklist for applying for Small Business Administration loans – U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Advice for Nonprofits – Nonprofit Quarterly

How to Talk to Children About COVID-19

Free downloadable/printable book for young children about seeing people wearing face masks

Free downloadable/printable book for young children about wearing face masks

NPR

PBS Kids

Information About Racial Disparities and COVID-19

Seattle King County Public Health Data