Early Care & Education

• This guidance document offers updated guidance for operation of early care and education (ECE) sites in a way that helps prevent the spread of COVID-19. The guidance balances increased need for childcare as more parents return to work outside the home with the critical need to avoid transmission of the virus to children, their families and early care and education staff.

• This Exposure Management plan for ECE Centers details action steps to take after you have identified a COVID-19 positive case in your facility. Immediate implementation of an exposure management plan after identifying a single case of COVID-19 at the ECE site can accelerate the ability to contain spread of COVID-19 and prevent that single case from becoming an outbreak. This short training video walks you through the key elements of an exposure management plan in your facility.

• These requirements apply to all programs, including Early Care and Education Programs (ECE) programs, and other programs providing day care for school-aged children before, during or after normal school hours. Any site providing child care to school-aged children that is not already licensed to do so, must contact the California Department of Social Services Child Care Regional Office to confirm the site's exemption from licensure requirements or to request a waiver of licensure. Search for your local Child Care Regional Office here. Find additional information in the recent Provider Information Notice about conditions a site must meet to qualify for a waiver from child care licensure requirements. Schools that are currently offering child care services for school-aged children or are planning to start must file a notification with Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

• Required: Any case of COVID-19 in an early care and education setting must be reported to the local office of community care licensing.
• Required: Public Health requires the reporting of any confirmed COVID-19 case that was at a facility within 14 days of illness onset. Reports should be emailed to ACDC-Education@ph.lacounty.gov by completing and submitting a line list within 1 business day of learning of the case(s). Instructions on how to complete the line list for case reporting is provided below.

Early Care and Education providers are required to notify the Department of Public Health of employees and children with confirmed COVID-19 at the site. To complete this education sector reporting requirement, the provider should use the reporting method described below to provide information on (1) children and staff with confirmed COVID-19 who were on site at any point within the 14 days prior to the illness onset date and (2) persons at the site who were exposed to the infected person during the infectious period. The illness onset date is the first date of COVID-19 symptoms or the COVID-19 test date, whichever is earlier. All case notifications should be submitted within 1 business day of being notified of the case.

• Online reporting: Secure online reporting is the preferred method for notifying the Department of Public Health of COVID-19 exposures and can be done on a computer or mobile device with access to the secure REDCap web application: http://www.redcap.link/lacdph.educationsector.covidreport.
• Excel line list: If online reporting is not possible, reporting can be done manually by downloading and completing the COVID-19 Case and Contact Line List for the Education Sector and sending it securely to ACDC-Education@ph.lacounty.gov.
• Data dictionary
• This data dictionary describes each of the variables being collected as part of the education sector reporting requirement.
• Training on how to report cases and contacts to the Department of Public Health
• Online reporting: Link coming soon!
• Excel line list reporting: This training video walks you through the process of filling out the COVID-19 Case and Contact Line List for reporting to the Department of Public Health.

• Notification Letter Guides
  • These model letters are designed to assist with communication to parents and staff following identification of a COVID-19 positive case in your facility and can be tailored to your facility's needs. The document contains two letters, the first a general notification letter to the early care and education center community notifying of a positive case and the second a notification letter to close contacts of a person confirmed positive for COVID-19. It is required to notify close contacts (or parents of a child who was a close contact) of their exposure.
• Exposure Notice
  • This exposure notice is intended to make people identified as a close contact of a person with COVID-19 aware that they have been in close contact with a person positive for COVID-19.

• Isolation
  • Health Officer Order
    • When someone has been diagnosed with COVID-19 or has symptoms that suggest they may have COVID-19 they are required by law to isolate themselves to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The legal authority to require isolation as well as immediate actions to take after a diagnosis are described in this Los Angeles County Health Officer Order. Additional languages can also be found here.
  • Isolation Instructions
    • When someone has been diagnosed with COVID-19 they are required by law to isolate themselves to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The steps to take following a COVID-19 diagnosis to prevent spread to others are outlined in this guidance.
• Quarantine
  • Health Officer Order
    • When someone has been in close contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19 they are required by law to quarantine themselves to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The legal authority to require quarantine as well as immediate actions to take after having close contact with a COVID-19 positive person are described in this Los Angeles County Health Officer Order. Additional languages can also be found here.
  • Quarantine Instructions
    • When someone has been in close contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19 they are required by law to quarantine themselves to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The steps to take following close contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19 are outlined in this guidance.

• Workplace Guidance
  • ECE administrators may have questions that are common to managers across industries. As manager of a workplace, you may have concerns about how to handle issues related to COVID-19 at your site. Listed in this guidance are answers to questions we've received from managers of public agencies and private companies about confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19 at their worksites. Additional languages can also be found here.

• COVID-19 Vaccine
  • This Los Angeles County Public Health website provides information on the COVID-19 vaccine, including how to get the vaccine in Los Angeles County, vaccine safety, authorized vaccines, data, and information for providers.
• Follow-up After Screening a Child
  • This screening guidance provides steps to take after a child is determined to have symptoms during the screening process or develops symptoms while at your facility.
• Employee Screening
  • Symptom screening of employees and anyone else who helps to staff your site must be a part of an organization's strategy to limit the spread of COVID-19 at the worksite. This document provides guidance and a sample screening template for screening staff before they enter the worksite. Additional languages can also be found here.
• Guidance for Masks
  • This document provides public health information on how members of the general public can safely use masks when they need to leave their home for a short period of time to obtain essential goods or services. It is important to note that face coverings must be paired with physical distancing and frequent handwashing they are not a substitute for these measures.
• Physical (Social) Distancing
  • Public Health protocol calls for practicing social distancing (also known as physical distancing) outside the home. This means making changes in our daily lives, outlined in this guidance, to protect ourselves and others, including those who are most at risk.
• Traveling During the COVID-19 Pandemic
  • This travel advisory provides up to date travel information during the COVID-19 pandemic. Travel increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19. Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. If you must travel, don't travel if you are sick or if you have been around someone with COVID-19 in the past 14 days. Don't travel with someone who is sick. For international travel visit the CDC COVID-19 Travel Recommendations by Destination before planning your trip.
• Workers Rights and Benefits Related to COVID-19
  • This guidance provides important information for employees about workplace rights and government benefits for employees affected by the pandemic.
• Air Quality and Outside Activity
  • This guidance from the EPA lists considerations for outdoors activities at each air quality index rating.

• Caring for Children with COVID-19
  • This guidance is for people caring for children who have symptoms consistent with COVID-19. Your child may or may not have been tested for the virus and if they were tested, you may or may not yet have the results. Even so, given the number of people who are infected, a child with symptoms like those of COVID-19 should be cared for just like a confirmed case.
• Maintaining Immunization Schedules During the COVID-19 Pandemic
  • This resource, in the form of frequently asked questions, provides information about how to ensure children receive their routine immunizations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• COVID-19 Information for Individuals and Households
  • This resource provides guidance for individuals and families to follow to prevent exposure to COVID-19. It includes tips for families with children as well as resources for food and other necessities available to all during the pandemic. Additional languages can also be found here.
• Access to Healthcare Services
  • Families who need health benefits can learn about comprehensive free and low-cost health coverage here.
• Finding a Child Care Provider
  • This resource assists parents in identifying quality childcare and other existing supportive services on the County though a network of childcare providers across Los Angeles County. The Child Care Alliance of Los Angeles (CCALA), works with ten member agencies that serve communities at the local level.
• LA County COVID-19 Supportive Services.
  • LA County is committed to supporting our most vulnerable communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The resources here include programs for rental relief, food assistance, access to healthcare and other services.
• LA City COVID-19 Services for LA City Residents
  • This resource provides the latest information and resources available to Los Angeles City residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Resources for supportive programs for residents, families, workers, renters, immigrants, businesses and other services are listed here.
• Information for Immigrants
  • The Los Angeles County Department of Immigrant Affairs provides answers to common questions regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, some immigrants are afraid that getting tested or treated will affect their immigration status. This site will provide guidance on testing and treatment, regardless of your immigration status.

• Cleaning and Disinfection Matrix:
  • It's important to ensure that cleaning practices in your facility are enough to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This guidance provides recommendations on the cleaning and disinfection of rooms or areas. These guidelines are for non-healthcare facilities such as daycare centers, schools, institutions, offices, businesses, and community centers that do not house persons overnight.
• Guidance for Custodial Staff
  • This guidance is for custodial staff providing cleaning services in public places. It does NOT replace routine cleaning and disinfection procedures but provides additional information to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses like COVID-19. Following cleaning guidelines assures that the facilities are cleaned effectively, while properly protecting custodial staff.

• COVID-19 County Testing Plan
  • The purpose of this document is to explain the County's strategy for testing to detect current COVID-19 infection. Note, it does not discuss the use of serology (antibody) tests as these blood tests should not be used alone to diagnose current infection.
• LA County Test Sites
  • Find out where you can access appointments for free testing in LA County.
• Guidance Based on Test Results
  • This guidance provides information on steps to take based on the outcome of COVID-19 testing. Note that if you have been exposed or have symptoms, you should stay home and self-isolate until the test results are back.
• FAQs for Serology/Antibody Tests
  • This document answers frequently asked questions about antibody or serology tests for SARS-CoV-2 which is the virus that causes COVID-19. It is important to note that this information will change and evolve so be sure to check resources such as the FDA page on testing for SARS-CoV-2 for frequent updates.

• If shared rides are commonplace at your educational setting please refer to this guidance for steps to ensure that both drivers and riders remain healthy.

• COVID-19 FAQs
  • These frequently asked questions provide background information about COVID-19 including how to identify symptoms, get tested and prevent the spread of the virus.

• Schools and Child Care Reopening FAQs
  • The answers to these frequently asked questions address common concerns for planning and responding to COVID-19 in the education setting.
• Schools and Childcare FAQs
  • These frequently asked questions, aimed at administrators, teachers and parents provide information about COVID-19 and considerations for re-opening.
• Coping with Stress
  • The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic may be stressful for children, staff and the school community. Fear and anxiety about a new disease and what could happen can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Coping with stress in a healthy way will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger.

• Head Start Program
  • This link provides resources and information to assist parents during the coronavirus pandemic.

• Emotional Wellbeing During a Pandemic
  • The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH) supports the wellbeing of every member of our communities. The COVID-19 information home provides mental health resources for LA County residents. LACDMH's 24/7 Help Line at (800) 854-7771 is available to provide mental health support, resources and referrals.
• Free Headspace Subscription
  • LACDMH has partnered with Headspace to offer a collection of mindfulness and meditation resources - for free - to all LA County residents. The free Headspace Plus subscription includes access to hundreds of science-backed guided meditations in English and Spanish, as well as movement and sleep exercises to help manage stress, fear and anxiety related to COVID-19.
• Free Mental Health Resources
  • LACDMH is also a part of PsychHub's COVID-19 Mental Health Resource Hub, which is dedicated to providing free resources to help people address their mental health needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Early Learning and Care COVID-19 Resources
  • This link provides resources and information for family child care homes, and center based early education and care providers.

• This page provides links to general information about COVID-19 and resources for families accessing intellectual and developmental disability services through the regional centers and service providers.

• Safely Making California
  • During the COVID-19 pandemic it is critical that all facilities have access to PPE supplies (face covers, sanitizers, and other supplies). To support the community, the State of California Office of Emergency Management (Cal OES) partnered with the California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA), and Autodesk to help fill a critical gap for all sectors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Non-medical grade PPE supplies can be purchased through the “Safely Making California” program.

• Schools and Childcare Guidance Website
  • This link provides access to the CDC landing page for school and childcare guidance. From here, you can navigate to all available education and childcare related guidance that CDC offers.