Articles
& Resources
Registered and Licensed Providers, please find attached the most recent letter and Frequently Asked Questions from OCFS regarding the Governor's Executive Order EO 202.7 and Essential Workers.
Spring Newsletter
Take a look at the new spring newsletter for the next training calendar, seasonal information and activities related to child care.
Oswego County Traffic Safety Drive Safe, Live Safe
This event has been canceled due to precautions related to the Coronovirus.
Programs
Child Care &
Development Council
Comprised of Registration, Child Care Resources and Referral, and the Child and Adult Care Food Program, the Child Care & Development Council is a local resource for registered/licensed, legally-exempt, and potential child care providers, as well as parents looking for child care options.
Traffic Safety Board
We provide education to schools, businesses and community organizations to increase residents' safety while walking, bicycling, or driving. We coordinate similar efforts with law enforcement, healthcare providers, and child passenger safety technicians.
Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Governor Cuomo announced the "New York State on PAUSE" executive order, a 10-point policy to assure uniform safety for everyone.
The 10-Point NYS on PAUSE plan is as follows:
1. Effective at 8PM on Sunday, March 22, all non-essential businesses statewide will be closed;
2. Non-essential gatherings of individuals of any size for any reason (e.g. parties, celebrations or other social events) are canceled or postponed at this time;
3. Any concentration of individuals outside their home must be limited to workers providing essential services and social distancing should be practiced;
4. When in public individuals must practice social distancing should be practiced;
5. Businesses and entities that provide other essential services must implement rules that help facilitate social distancing of at least six feet;
6. Individuals should limit outdoor recreational activities to non-contact and avoid activities where they come in close contact with other people;
7. Individuals should limit use of public transportation to when absolutely necessary and should limit potential exposure by spacing out at least six feet from other riders;
8. Sick individuals should not leave their home unless to receive medical care and only after a telehealth visit to determine if leaving the home is in the best interest of their health;
9. Young people should also practice social distancing and avoid contact with vulnerable populations; and
10. Use precautionary sanitizer practices such as using isopropyl alcohol wipes.
3/16/2020 11:00am
From ECLC
As many of you may know, the governor has issued Executive Order No 202.1 Continuing Temporary Suspension and Modification of Laws Relating to the Disaster Emergency. While this emergency direction states that there can be regulatory flexibility in the standards for staff/child ratios in all child care modalities; it is important to note that this is on a case by case basis and a waiver must be submitted to OCFS. OCFS NEEDS TO APPROVE YOUR LIMITED TIME WAIVER PRIOR TO IMPLEMENTATION. OCFS is committed to reviewing waivers as soon as they are received so that services are not interrupted.
OCFS will not be making determinations on program closures due to COVID-19. Such closures will be directed by local Departments of Health. If a child contracts COVID-19 and is in contact with other children, the child and the exposed children should not be allowed to attend their current, or any other, child care program. Programs should also notify the regional office and their CCR&R if a child in the program has been quarantined.
If a childcare program is closing for issues related to COVID-19, they are required by OCFS regulation to immediately notify the regional office and their CCR&R.
At this time, all new staff must still follow the CBC process; they must be fingerprinted and have a current medical statement before starting work in a program and paperwork must be submitted for a Comprehensive Background Check. Currently, OCFS does not have flexibility in this area.
Subsidy payments to programs that are closed or have increased absences is a local social services district option. OCFS is working on waivers that will allow each district to modify its child care plan to allow them to pay for additional absences and closures.
Oswego County Health Department information and updates
Office of Children and Family Services information and updates
Mission
Our mission is to be a community resource agency to support and improve the quality of life for youth and families of Oswego County.
Vision
Our vision is to be a valued premier resource that builds healthy families and communities by affecting change in behaviors, environments, and policy through quality, accessible and affordable education, training, advocacy, technical assistance, and partnerships.
