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Pandemic child care licenses being considered for businesses, rec centers as schools go remote

MIAMI VALLEY — As many districts return to school this week, including several that are opting to teach classes remote, the state will begin issuing a new license tomorrow that could help working parents find child care for their children schooling from home.

“With more than 30 percent of school districts opting for remote and hybrid models of learning for the start of the school year including many of Ohio’s largest school districts working families need safe options for their child’s care during the school day,” said Gov. Mike DeWine.

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Starting Tuesday, the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services will begin issuing the temporary pandemic school-age child care license to organizations like churches, recreation centers and businesses to provide care for children during the school day. The license is designed to ensure children have a safe place to go when they are not learning in school.

“The safety of children is our number one priority,” said ODJFS Director Kimberly Hall. “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.”

The state also will begin allowing child care providers already licensed by the department of jobs and family services to provide care for school-age children who are learning remotely during the school day beginning Tuesday.

Those interested in more information on the child care license can access information on the state website.


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