The recent rain and resulting floods have had major impacts in many Vermont communities. While we are grateful that Vermonters appear to have remained safe, we know that many in the early childhood and afterschool communities are facing challenging circumstances today and may face a lengthy recovery for their programs and themselves.
In addition to the flooding, the last week has been incredibly difficult with instances of loss and trauma impacting a number of early childhood and summer programs and their wider communities. Those working in and connected to these programs demonstrated, unsurprisingly, incredible professionalism and compassion.
To all, CDD offers our deep respect and appreciation; we are here to help as we’re able.
If your program operations are impacted by the rain and floods, please reach out to your licensor or the Licensor on Duty to let them know (AHS.DCFCDDChildcareLicensing@vermont.gov or 1-800-649-2642, option 3). We are able to advise on emergency procedures and support relocation to alternative spaces if needed. Please see information below on how programs can operate when water and power have been impacted if they choose to do so.
In addition, CDD is working with our colleagues in state and federal government to compile information on resources available to support child care programs as they recover from impact of the rain and floods. We will share that with you as soon as it is available.
The State of Vermont is currently focused on emergency response. Resources that may be helpful are the latest updates from Vermont’s Emergency Management division and this list of local emergency management directors for each Vermont town. 2-1-1 is also a resource for individuals and programs.
CDD is working with our colleagues in state and federal government to compile information on resources available to support child care programs and other community programs impacted by the rain and floods. We will share that with you as soon as it is available.
Again, thank you so much for the energy and skill you bring every day to your work supporting the well-being Vermont’s children.
Guidance for Programs with a Power and/or Water Outage
It is your choice to provide care when power and/or water are out. When the power and/or water are out in a program, providers may provide care for children if meeting ALL of the following conditions:
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HEAT shall sufficiently warm the facility in a safe manner
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SUITABLE LIGHT must be available (no candles may be used)
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TOILET must be operational (may be flushed mechanically)
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SAFE DRINKING WATER must be readily available
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HAND WASHING with warm water and soap must be readily utilized
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FOOD must be safely stored and readily available
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PHONE SERVICE must be available on site (cell services is acceptable)
THE PROGRAM SHOULD NOT OPERATE IF ALL OF THESE CONDITIONS ARE NOT MET, as operation would violate essential, minimal health and safety regulations that have been enacted to protect the welfare of children.
IN ALL CASES of power or water outage, parents, the local community child care support agencies, and the CDD should be directly notified of your program’s status.
If you must close your program due to emergency conditions, families should be referred to the local community child care support agency for assistance in locating alternative care, if they need it. Families can also consider temporarily having an APPROVED RELATIVE CHILD CARE (ARCC - CCFAP-ELIGIBILITY) by contacting their local agency (Community Child Care Support Agencies | Department for Children and Families). If the agency is not available due to their own power and/or water outage, please contact the Child Development Division (CDD).
In extreme emergency situations, the CDD may consider emergency variances. Please contact your licensor and/or the Licensor on Duty with any questions (AHS.DCFCDDChildcareLicensing@vermont.gov or 1-800-649-2642, option 3).