In a new resource, Considerations for Developmental Needs of Infants and Toddlers in Child Care Programs During the COVID-19 Pandemic, ZERO TO THREE offers recommendations related to mental health and relationships to layer on top of CDC guidelines to ensure that the developmental needs of babies and families are a part of state re-opening plans.
Child care programs across the country are starting to re-open and re-connect with families as states make big decisions about stay-at-home and social distancing orders. State leaders are working to help child care providers access and understand the CDC child care guidelines as a baseline for health and safety procedures, with some states also providing their own additional rules to protect children and families.
As states create and implement guidance, it is important to note how the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the stressors facing families and threatened the mental health of both children and adults. Leaders need to pay attention to how new practices, intended to minimize the risk of virus exposure, may disrupt traditional, relationship-building connection points between providers and families. In all of this, innovative practices and intentional policymaking will be essential to continue meeting the developmental needs of babies in early learning programs.
