Child care centers can reopen June 1, Scott announces

Summer day camps will also be able to operate this summer

By Elizabeth Hewitt/VTDigger

Child care centers can begin to reopen on June 1 and summer day camps will be able to operate this summer, Gov. Phil Scott announced Friday, May 8.

The state will put out safety guidance for both child care facilities and day camps in light of the coronavirus.

The announcement comes as Scott has gradually started to loosen restrictions and allowed more Vermonters to go back to work. Scott said child care is an important component as the state reopens.

“I know that there are many who are worried they won’t be able to return to a job because schools and child care providers are closed,” he said. “It’s one of the ripple effects that we have to be sensitive to, and aware of.”

Scott ordered child care facilities to shut down in mid-March as the state began to close down prevent the spread of Covid-19, though child care options have continued to be available for essential workers through the crisis.

The state will provide about $6 million to help child care centers resume operations, Scott announced.

Child care centers can begin the process of transitioning to reopen on May 18. Scott said that centers are not required to open on June 1.

The Department of Health will be issuing new guidance next week for child care centers, according to administration officials. State officials also said that child care workers will be included in expanded testing efforts.