Responsive to this request, there are no agreements with daycare providers specifically related to fees or use of facilities for student childcare during the fall 2020 school closure. Please note, per guidance from the State (see the memo below from MSDE) and daycare needs as many families go back to their workplaces, staff indicates we have received a number of requests to use our facilities in a limited manor for childcare services. In working with the various organizations that have reached out to staff, three guiding principles have served as HCPSS criteria regarding use:
- The number of locations for care must not exceed what was existing before the school facility closures of March 13.
- The educational needs of the school system have priority. This is in preparation for the in-person small group instruction that is being planned for later in the fall, as well as teacher access to classrooms for those who want to teach from their school facility.
- Each organization must develop and submit appropriate safety and health protocols.
For reference, those organizations with standing usage of HCPSS facilities (that were operating prior to the March closure and are working with staff to continue services this fall) include Recreation and Parks (R&P), Columbia Association (CA), the Public School Employees’ Child Development Program (PSECDP), Community Action Council (CAC), and Head Start.