COVID-19 Updates & Resources
The Office of Early Childhood (OEC) is pleased to share the following important updates on the Stabilization Grants for child care providers, funded by the American Rescue Plan:
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We will open the Stabilization Grant application on January 21, 2022. Providers will receive an email with a link to the application on that date.
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To be included in the first round of payments, providers will need to complete their application by January 28, 2022. The first payment will go out by February 11, 2022.
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Providers who complete an application after January 28, 2022 but by February 15, 2022 will receive their first payment by March 1, 2022.
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Applications are rolling and you can apply at any time to begin receiving monthly payments. The final date a provider may apply for a Stabilization Grant is September 30, 2022.
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Approved providers will receive 9 equal monthly payments based on licensed capacity and quality rating. You can review how the monthly payments will be calculated here.
More information can be found at coecstimulus.com
COVID-19 Vaccines is Now Available for Children 5-11 Years
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has developed a toolkit of communication materials including talking points, tips for parents, templates, promotional materials and more, to support communication around the COVID-19 vaccine for 5-11 year olds. For additional resources visit the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Healthy Children.
Additional resources:
- Find upcoming clinics for children.
- Beginning November 6, all mobile vaccination clinics will have vaccines for children aged 5 to 11.
- Find an appointment at a mobile vaccination clinic near you.
- Some doctor’s offices and pharmacies are also now taking vaccine appointments for children. Find a list of COVID-19 vaccine providers for children age 5-11.
COVID-19 Guidance for Operating Early Care and Education/Child Care Programs
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently updated the COVID-19 Guidance for Operating Early Care and Education/Child Care Programs. Click here to review the recent changes.
Updated Guidelines for Visitors in Colorado Child Care Facilities During COVID-19
The Office of Early Childhood (OEC) and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) have updated the guidelines for visitors in Colorado Child Care Facilities During COVID-19. Access the guidelines here
Masking in Child Care Guidebook
We are proud to share our Masking in Child Care Guidebook
This Guidebook is a compilation of key resources and tips for supporting children, staff, and families with mask-wearing. It also includes sample program policies, activities to engage children, and materials you can download or print and share broadly.
To learn more watch our April 6th Masking in Child Care Guidebook & Clinical Support Huddle
Teacher/Educator Well-Being
Support Line
- Early Childhood Mental Health Support (ECMH) Line connects callers with a live, qualified consultant who can provide a brief consultation, create a new referral, and/or connect caregivers, including families, to additional resources to support children’s social, emotional development and mental health. Call 303-866-4202, Monday – Friday 10:30 am - 5:30 pm.
- Educator Well-being Support Line, operated by the University of Colorado’s Department of Psychiatry, was established during COVID to respond to educator’s mental health needs. This line provides a space for venting, validation, problem-solving, and access to therapy. Call or text the support line at 303-724-2500, Weekdays 9:00 am – 7:00 pm., Saturday 9:00 am 11:00 am, and Sunday 4:00 – 7:00 pm.
- Colorado Crisis Services is a trusted, free and confidential resource for you and your loved ones when you’re feeling overwhelmed, helpless, or need to talk to someone. Call 1-844-493-8255 or text “TALK” to 38255, the line is open 24/7.