Child Care Facilities & Summer Food Programs
Responsible ReStartOhio Child Care Update
During the July 28, 2020 COVID-19 press conference, Governor DeWine's announced that "Children cannot learn unless they are safe and cared for, and without access to child care, parents may resort to less-than-ideal options for their child’s care, such as relying on an elderly grandparent who is at greater risk for contracting COVID-19. By allowing normal ratios to resume, we're giving parents more options," said Governor DeWine. "We will continue to closely monitor reports of COVID-19 in child care, as well as compliance with rules and best practices, so that we can respond as needed to keep our children, families, and teachers safe."
Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Transitional Pandemic Child Care
Transitional Pandemic Child Care Rules and Tool Kit- Effective August 9, 2020
On August 8, 2020 Governor DeWine issued an Executive Order that provides for :
- Transitional pandemic rules and best practice guidance has been updated to assist with ensuring every effort is being made to mitigate and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
- Transitional pandemic rules are licensing requirements established as Ohio transitions to normal class sizes when/if appropriate. Child Care programs must follow all guidelines set by the Governor of Ohio or the Director of the Ohio Department of Health.
- The ResponsibleReStartOhio guidance document summarizes the rules, best practices, and any associated tips.
Executive Order 2020-31D (08/08/2020)
The Partial Recission of Executive Order 2020-21D and Emergency Adoption of Rules 5101:2-12-02.2, 5101:2-13-02.2, 5101:2-14-02.2, and 5101:2-18-03.1 of the Ohio Administrative Code by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. (08/08/2020)
Executive Order 2020-21D (06/03/2020)
ODH Child Care Guidance
- Responsible ReStartOhio: Child Care (REVISED 07/30/2020)
- JFS Child Care Provider Notification (07/29/2020)
- What Parents Should Know (Spanish) (05/14/2020)
For Questions and Information Please Contact: Portage County Department of Jobs and Family Services
Whole Child Nutrition and Summer Food Service Program
During the ordered school-building closure period, schools may continue to receive reimbursement for meals served by participating in the Seamless Summer Option (SSO) or the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). Schools may operate as open, restricted open or targeted outreach sites. Refer to the map for available meal service in your area. Contact your school or district for details about their meal programs.
University Hospitals Portage Summer Lunch Program
The Portage County Community Action Council Sponsors a Summer Food Program
- 2020 Summer Food Service Program
- Factsheets (Spanish) are available to learn how to participate in the Summer Food Service Program (also know as the Summer Meals Program).
Find Kids Meals Assistance
Ohio Department of Education Kids Eat Program
Many districts and schools are continuing to support students by providing breakfast and lunch in non-congregate settings. To find a meal site near you, use the Ohio Department of Education’s interactive map or check your local district’s website or social media channels for meal distribution locations and times.
USDA Food and Nutrition Services
USDA Find Kids Meals Interactive Map. To ensure that children who rely on free or reduced-price meals at school are able to get the nutrition they need, USDA is working with states to continue providing meals to students. Usually, the rules require that children gather and eat their meals on site. However, due to the exceptional circumstances of this public health emergency and the need for social distancing, USDA was able to make temporary changes so that meals may be taken home, and parents or guardians may pick meals for their children if the state allows. Families can use this tool to find directions to nearby sites as well as hours of operation and contact information.
The USDA National Hunger Hotline
- Call 1 (866) - 3-HUNGRY / (866) 348-6479
Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) Assistance
Portage County WIC provides nutrition education, breastfeeding support, nutritious foods, and referrals to other health and human service agencies. The purpose of the program is to help improve diet during critical times of growth and development. Contact us at the following locations:
- Portage County WIC , 449 South Meridian Street, Ravenna, Ohio, (330) 297-9422
- Portage County Columbiana County WIC, 7876 Lincole Drive, Lisbon, Ohio 44432, (330) 424-7293
SNAP: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Ohioans who are eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can now use their Ohio Direction cards to purchase food online through Walmart and Amazon
CDC Guidance for K-12 Schools and Child Care Programs
- CDC K-12 and Child Care Programs (06/03/2020)
- CDC Child Care, School and Youth Programs (05/29/2020)
- CDC Child Care Resources for COVID-19 (04/29/2020)