Governor Mike DeWine announced a new program on Monday that would expand childcare options for working families through temporary licenses, to allow children to have a safe place to go during remote learning.
Starting Tuesday, childcare providers already licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) and the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) can care for school-aged children undergoing remote learning during the day. A press release from DeWine said these providers will also receive additional funding to cover the cost of caring for these children.
In addition, the press release said ODJFS is launching a new, temporary license that allows organizations like churches, recreation centers and businesses to apply to provide care for remote learners through the day.
"The safety of children is our number one priority,” said Kimberly Hall, director of ODJFS, in a press release. “The new Temporary Pandemic School-Age Child Care license will ensure that our children are cared for in safe, clean facilities by qualified staff, while also reducing the regulations that organizations have to abide by to become licensed.”
ODJFS plans to also waive any registration fees for providers looking to obtain the Temporary Pandemic School-Age Child Care license.
