Issued March 18, 2020
Joint Guidance for Superintendents from the NC Department of Public Instruction and
the NC Department of Health and Human Services
for the Operation of School-Based Emergency Child Care
during the COVID-19 School Closure
This guidance will be updated regularly with new information as it becomes available.
Service Description
Temporary, emergency, out-of-school child care provided in designated public schools during
the COVID-19 school closures.
Selecting Public School Sites
Superintendents should consider designating public schools as emergency out-of-school child
care site to meet specific community needs. Superintendents should consider the following
public-school locations:
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Schools located near hospitals and other health care facilities
Schools with open school health centers
Schools that have served as shelters in past emergencies
Schools with before- and after-school program supplies and facilities
Schools with existing community partners
Schools with programs that are licensed by the Division of Child Development and Early
Education

Working with Community Partners
Superintendents are encouraged to work with community partners, such as before- and afterschool providers, child care providers, child care resource and referral agencies, and other
community organizations to ensure capacity to provide emergency out-of-school child care and
meet specific community needs. Connect with your local child care community to determine
available capacity before opening school sites.
Child Participation
Participating children must be at least age 5 and currently in kindergarten through age 12.

 Priority includes public school students with parents or guardians who are first responders,
hospital staff, front-line healthcare providers, nursing and adult group home staff, child care
program staff, food service staff, and others working to keep our communities safe and healthy
as we respond to COVID-19, as well as children who are homeless or in unstable or unsafe living
arrangements.
These are guidelines for participation for high-priority families to help respond to the COVID19 emergency. LEAs may designate other high-priority families and children as needs and
capacity allow.
Operational Criteria at the School Level
Public school sites selected to provide emergency child care are required to include the following
program components:
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Cafeteria staff and operational cafeteria
Custodial services
Administration staff for operational/registration purposes
Care providers (teacher assistants and other appropriate school staff and/or staff provided
by community partners), keeping in mind background checks and liability for service
providers
Practices to reduce COVID-19 exposure, including hand washing, frequent cleanings,
social distancing practices and compliance with CDC guidance on no mass gatherings of
more than 50 people
School nursing staff (routine medication, healthcare procedures, screening for COVID19)
o Access to first aid and care supplies
o Physical space for separating ill children from general population
o See additional information about securing nursing services below
Age appropriate programming
Plan to address emotional/mental health needs of participating children
Access to resources for on-line learning (space, connectivity, and tech support)

Health and Safety Requirements
Refer to the Interim Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Guidance for Child Care
Settings March 16, 2020
MINIMUM SITE Requirements
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Emergency communications plan in place
Staff/Child ratio of 1:25 - no more than two groups per space (if using
gym/cafeteria/multipurpose room); Total of 50 children
25 square feet per child indoors
Developmentally appropriate materials and activities
Lockable hazardous product and medication storage

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Outdoor activities
Developmentally appropriate activities for the children and established program routine. It is
important for children who have experienced a major disruption in their lives to have a sense
of known routine.

STAFFING Requirements
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All staff must meet current Criminal Background Check qualifications
One person who has current CPR and First Aid certification must always be on the premises
All staff must complete emergency information paperwork (DCDEE Sample)

CHILDREN’S RECORDS Requirements
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Emergency information and application on file, and permission/authorization to get medical
treatment (DCDEE Sample Application)

SUGGESTIONS FOR SECURING NURSING SERVICES FOR PARTNER CHILD CARE SITES

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District superintendent or local health director request for assignment of school nursing
staff (dependent on employer of local school nurses)
Identification of a partner agency that might provide nursing staff
Written agreement identifying agency responsible for salary and liability protection