The Vermont Department of Health has revised the COVID-19 health guidance for child care programs and out-of-school-time care programs, and many of the changes are effective May 1st or as reflected in the Vermont Forward guidelines. You can access the guidance here: https://www.healthvermont.gov/covid-19/your-community/child-care-programs
Since this guidance was last published, our understanding of SARS-CoV-2 has significantly evolved. Programs have operated under extraordinary conditions, gaining real-world, on the ground experience in preventing and responding to cases of COVID-19. With that in mind, the role of this document and the importance of some of the requirements and recommendations have changed. Additionally, we are well into the nation’s vaccine campaign and expect the majority of individuals 16 and older to be vaccinated by early summer. Lastly, the Governor has announced his Vermont Forward Plan which establishes the roadmap to Vermont’s full reopening.
Prequalified Prekindergarten Programs must follow the Vermont Department of Education and Vermont Forward guidance for the classrooms that receive public education funding. Private programs may adopt their own approach related to this guidance for any classroom that does not receive public education funding.