April 13, 2020
COVID-19 Updates
Message from Our Collaborative Partner: CCLU
Good afternoon,

In response to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommendation that cloth masks be worn in community settings, and in consultation with the NH Division of Public Health Services, the Department issues the following guidance for child care programs:

  • DHHS encourages all staff to wear reusable/washable cloth masks to cover their mouth and nose while at work, especially if 6 feet of social distancing is not able to always be maintained. The purpose of wearing a cloth face mask is to reduce the possibility of spreading the novel coronavirus by the person wearing the mask to others in the event that person has become infected but is not yet showing symptoms of COVID-19. Guidance on how to wear masks and proper procedures to follow found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html.


  • Recent guidance from the CDC states, “Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.” At this time, in consultation with NH Division of Public Health Services, DHHS does not recommend children wear masks at child care programs. There are safety issues with young children having cloth, ties, elastics etc., around their mouths and necks. The effectiveness of masks is impacted by proper handling and use, and children are more likely to play with the masks, adjust them or remove them without washing their hands before or after touching the masks, touching their face, etc. Staff would also need to increasingly be in close contact with children to provide assistance with masks, which can be counter-productive to maintaining distance as much as possible.
 
Thank you,
Child Care Licensing Unit
Great News from ELNH about SELA
They say when one door closes, another one opens. In times, such as today’s, it’d be easy to not look for another door and simply stay home. Yet, a door does exist and you don’t need to leave home or your program to access it. Child Care Aware of NH is pleased to provide the link to access additional resources and opportunities that exist through the virtual door of the State Early Learning Alliance (SELA).

When programs and professionals are seeking resources and supports, SELA, is poised to assist in a unique way. We invite you to explore what SELA has to offer.

Hello New Hampshire child care friends,

To offer something of value TODAY in this most difficult time for child care programs and their staff, Early Learning NH is pleased to open all the  cost savings and benefits  of the State Early Learning Alliance (SELA) to ALL New Hampshire licensed and license-exempt child care programs through June 30, 2020.

ALL Directors/Owners and ALL staff* can sign up. Go to  selanhmembers.com  and click "Register".

This applies to NH child care programs that are currently open or are currently closed. ALL programs are welcome: nonprofits, privately-owned or faith-based.
* Staff = anyone that 
1) is currently employed by a New Hampshire licensed or license-exempt child care program or
2) was employed there on Feb 15 but has been since laid off or furloughed due to the COVID-19 crisis AND is committed to trying to return to that program when possible. 
Please see the below link to the flyer for more about SELA benefits for programs and staff.

We SO hope you take advantage of the benefits - which can put thousands of $ of cost savings back into the pockets of programs and their staff, when everyone needs it the most.

Cheers,
Jackie Cowell, Cellissa Hoyt and the Early Learning NH Team
COVID-19 Assistance from
the NH Small Business Development Center (NH SBDC)
Your Business Is Our Priority
NH SBDC is committed to supporting you and your business.  Things are changing rapidly, and we are doing our best to provide you with timely updates and information. Remember to check our   COVID-19 Assistance landing page   often.

SBDC advisors are helping businesses apply for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Paycheck Protection Program loans, and understand the pros and cons of available relief measures.

If you have questions about which federal or state programs are right for you and your business, reach out to your SBDC advisor or  request advising here .

SBDC Power Point Webinars
We are excited to announce that beginning Tuesday, April 14, 2020, we will present  Assistance for the PPP Application  webinars. The webinars will be 30-45 minutes and include a brief overview of the Payment Protection Program and a detailed discussion on how to calculate your average monthly payroll. A payroll calculation template will be available and reviewed during the webinar.

  • Tuesday April 14, 1:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday, April 15, 1:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, April 16, 1:00 p.m.
  • Additional webinars will be offered.

SBDC Adviser Tips and Recommendations
As you know, SBDC provides highly individualized advising and education to NH businesses at no cost. Here are some great tips for managing your business in these challenging times:

Stay Connected with the SBDC
NAEYC Week of the Young Child
April 12-17 is the Week of The Young Child. This might look a little different this year compared to years past, but we would love to see how you are celebrating this at your programs or even in your homes. Everyday will be a different theme that we will be posting our on our Facebook page for Providers. When you post pictures on Facebook or any other Social Media make sure to use the hashtag #WOYC20, so everyone can see how you are celebrating.

Here are the daily themes:
  • Monday: Music Monday
  • Tuesday: Tasty Tuesday
  • Wednesday: Work Together Wednesday
  • Thursday: Artsy Thursday
  • Friday: Family Friday

You can visit the NHAEYC Week of the Young Child page and the Child Care Aware of NH: The Most Trusted Resource for Providers Facebook page for more information and activities.
Be a CCAoNH Star
CCAoNH needs your help! We are putting together a short video to help lift everyone's spirits. We are looking for fun videos or pictures of providers either at home or in a child care program with or without children to create a feel good video for the field.

If you are interested in sharing your videos or pictures with us, please email them to outreach2ccrr@snhs.org. Make sure to include a photo waiver for you and any children that may appear in the materials you are sending. Thank you so much. We can't wait to see what you send us!
This video will get posted online through Facebook, our website and on YouTube.
Child Care Aware of NH is a statewide Child Care Resource and Referral Program powered by Southern New Hampshire Services. The preparation of this email was financed under a Contract with the State of New Hampshire, Department of Health and Human Services, Division for Economic Housing Stability, Bureau of Child Development and Head Start Collaboration with funds provided in part by the State of New Hampshire and the US Department of Health and Human Services.