COLUMBUS – Governor Mike DeWine has ordered all daycare centers in the state to obtain a “temporary pandemic license” from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and observe strict limits on the number of children allowed in classrooms as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.
Unwilling to close down daycare centers entirely, DeWine says they will have to operate under a new set of rules beginning on Thursday.
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For one, the centers would be allowed a maximum of six children in each room to reduce the risk of spreading the virus among a large number of children who would be in close quarters in a single classroom.
By putting them into groups of six, we are minimizing that risk,” DeWine said.
Under the order, ratios must be kept at one teacher to no more than six children.
Other provisions of the directive:
Children whose parents are employed by the same entity should be kept together whenever possible.
The same teachers and children in each room should be maintained whenever possible.
There should be limited use of shared space or mixing of groups.
If shared space is used, a rigorous cleaning schedule must be in place.
Parent interaction should be limited at drop off and pick up.
-Source: Ofc. of the Governor
The order remains in effect until at least April 30 when it may be extended or adjusted, DeWine said.