FSSA offers guidance regarding child care options

The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration is offering additional guidance for parents of school-aged children and child care providers related to the 2019 novel (new) coronavirus or COVID-19:

• Families who need help finding or paying for care can call Brighter Futures Indiana at 1-800-299-1627 to speak to a referral specialist.

• Every community has a child care resource and referral agency that can also connect parents with local child care options and provide referrals for support. Families can find their local CCR&R by calling 1-800-299-1627 or by consulting a map at https://www.in.gov/fssa/files/Referral_Services_Provider_Map.pdf.

• When locating care, it is important that families choose licensed and regulated care for their children. To find out if a provider is licensed or regulated, go to www.ChildCareFinder.in.gov or call 1-800-299-1627.

Children who are out of school due to possible contact with a positive case should observe social isolation and be at home, not in a large child care setting. It is strongly recommended that caregivers for these children during this time frame not be older than age 65 or have a chronic disease or be in an immunosuppressed state. This guidance does not apply to all kids whose schools are closing as a precaution.

The FSSA also posted a set of frequently asked questions and answers and guidance about several matters related to COVID-19 for child care providers.

FSSA encourages parents and child care providers to check back frequently for updates as guidance could evolve rapidly at the direction of the Indiana State Dept. of Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

For more information, visit www.in.gov/fssa/.