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Recent COVID-19 Updates
The information below includes other information topics and recent updates.
Child Care Access & Financial Assistance Available for Essential Workers
We have two resources for essential workers (as defined in Executive Order 121) who are in need of emergency child care.
- We partnered with the NC Child Care Resource & Referral network to launch a hotline, 1-888-600-1685, to connect families with child care programs that have agreed to meet updated health, safety and operational guidelines.
- For those essential workers who need it, financial assistance for emergency child care is available.
Child Care Payment Policies Released
On Friday, April 3, DCDEE released COVID-19 Child Care Payment Policies, which provides detailed information about policy changes that apply to licensed or regulated child care facilities.
COVID-19 Dashboard Updated
Data on COVID-19 can be found on the Dashboard. In addition to information on number of laboratory-confirmed cases, hospitalizations and deaths, there is demographic information and data about outbreaks in congregate settings.
New Video on Reducing Anxiety and Stress
Dr. Carrie Brown, NC DHHS Chief Medical Officer of Behavioral Health and IDD, has a new video on ways to manage stress and anxiety during COVID-19 social distancing, quarantine and isolation.
E-Newsletter, Issue 4, Volume 4: Coronavirus and COVID-19
Daily Health Check Record

For more information about limiting the spread of COVID-19, read about:
COVID-19 informational webinars for child care providers being offered by NC DHHS
- Current status of the COVID-19 crisis in North Carolina
- COVID-19 Emergency Child Care Provider Application
- Financial Assistance for Providers
- Financial Assistance for Parents
- Resources available
Following the presentation, NC DHHS leadership will lead a moderated Q&A session.
There will be four different opportunities for child care providers to participate in the webinar. Please choose the time that works best for you.
Tuesday, March 31, 2020 – 11:00 am-12:30 pm
Attendee Link: https://cisco.webex.com/cisco/onstage/g.php?MTID=e488e912d05a555da3c329bfe944c5106
Password – covid19
Tuesday, March 31, 2020 – 1:00-2:30 pm
Attendee Link: https://cisco.webex.com/cisco/onstage/g.php?MTID=e761628ddd93b2612789ad82661e7946a
Password – covid19
Tuesday, March 31, 2020 – 3:00-4:30 pm
Attendee Link: https://cisco.webex.com/cisco/onstage/g.php?MTID=e644cd1debe269c018cd0c95a1b8c608e
Password – covid19
For best results, it is recommended that each attendee join the meeting by computer, laptop, or tablet.
Updated guidance from CDC on cleaning and disinfecting

- Updated guidance for cleaning and disinfection of soft (porous) surfaces
- Updated links to EPA-registered disinfectant list
- Added guidance for disinfection of electronics
- Updated core disinfection/cleaning guidance
Please visit the CDC website to read more and also see our post from March 25th for links to North Carolina specific guidance.
Post screening criteria at entrance of child care facilities

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Stay at Home Order for North Carolina
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has issued a Stay at Home order for North Carolina, effective Monday, March 30th at 5 pm until April 29th, 2020
Read the Executive Order in full and see the Frequently Asked Questions.
Child care providers who are following the required NC DHHS procedures are considered essential businesses and permitted to remain open.
View the press briefing below:
Flexibility in regulatory requirements for ITS-SIDS training
For Training Requirements in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102 it is allowable to provide an additional six months for administrators and any child care provider to complete CPR, FA and ITS-SIDS training if needed. This change is allowed as long as one child care provider who has completed the CPR, FA training is present while children are in care, and as long as one child care provider in the infant room who has completed the ITS-SIDS training is present while infants are in care.
If early educators are unable to get the ITS-SIDS training at this time, please review this document carefully. It includes rule changes that were made in October 2017. It is important that these rules are followed so that safe sleep environments can be provided for infants.
In addition, there are current sample policies available on our website that reflect the rule changes (available in English and Spanish).