California releases guidelines for in-person learning groups in childcare settings

The California Department of Public Health released guidance Wednesday regarding the in-person supervision of cohorts of children or youth in educational and childcare settings.

“We had actually setup our guidelines to be at least two supervisors per 10 children," said Noelle Furon, Public Information Officer for Desert Recreation District. "Now the guidelines are 14 to 2 ratio, so no more than 14 kids with two adult supervisors.” 

Desert Recreation District’s Public Information Officer, Noelle Furon said they had applied for a state waiver to reopen as an in-person learning center.  

“We are following all of the standard guides social distancing of a minimum of six feet, frequent hand washing and sanitizing, masks are required for all of the kids and these cohorts we are keeping them in the same group of kids together," said Furon. "So you don’t have different kids on Monday than Tuesday cause that's the purpose of the cohort to keep the same adults and kids together.” 

Furon said they have 40 students enrolled in their program but we be accepting more as these guidelines continue to change.  

“But we will never go above that ratio if the room is bigger so that we can go up to the 14 children and the two adults it just means they’ll be spaced out further but we won’t go above that guidance," said Furon.

One parent feeling secure about sending his kids there. 

“It's very safe so before the kids can go into the building they have to have their temperature taken and that teacher then stay with those kids no matter what if only six show up no more kids are added into that group," said Dr. Jason Moore, a PSUSD parent.

We reached out to the Boys and Girls Club of Coachella Valley about their childcare plans. 

A spokesperson tells us the plans submitted will be two staff members per ten kids. 

State officials say the guidance ensures that proper contact tracing could be implemented in the event of a coronavirus case. 

More guidance listed below is attributed to the California Department of Public Health:

• Cohorts must be limited to no more than 14, with no more than two supervising adults.
• Cohorts may not interact with other such groups, including interactions between staff assigned to different cohorts.
• Supervising adults should be assigned to one group and must work solely with that group.
• Cohorts must be kept separate from one another for special activities such as art, music, and exercise.
• Physical distancing between children in the same cohort should be balanced with the developmental and socio‐emotional needs of the age group.
• Physical distancing between adults must be maintained to the greatest extent possible, and adults and students must wear face coverings, pursuant to the CDPH Schools Guidance.
• One-to-one specialized services can be provided to a child or youth by a support service provider that is not part of the cohort.
• Requirements for adult to child ratios continue to apply for licensed child care programs.

For more information about Desert Recreation District services CLICK HERE