Essential early childhood education and care services, including before and after school care, may remain open for families throughout the ongoing restrictions in NSW.
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said services are making significant efforts to ensure staff and children in their centres stay safe and well.
“These educators are some of the unsung heroes of our community, showing incredible determination and commitment to families during these challenging times,” Ms Mitchell said.
“We need to work together to keep our community safe – wearing masks and checking in with the Service NSW QR code is the most effective way to assist NSW Health to protect the community through contact tracing.
“That’s why, from Monday, 12 July, families are encouraged to check-in with the displayed code when dropping off their children or picking them up from the service, and to wear a mask when doing this as well.
“We’re also asking parents whose children are unwell to get them tested and to keep them home until a negative test is returned, and until they are symptom free.
“Additionally, there should be no non-essential visitors to education and care sites at this time.”
Ms Mitchell said the updated health advice also included changes to mask wearing requirements for educators.
“While educators in early childhood education are exempt from wearing a mask while providing education and care to young children, they have been advised to wear masks while interacting with adults, including parents and other staff,” Minister Mitchell said.
However, educators working in before and after school care on school sites should wear masks while indoors, in line with the advice for school teachers.
“The NSW Department of Education will continue to provide regular updates and support to the sector.”
To further support families, the NSW Government has also announced funding for the Start Strong free preschool program in 2022 and funding for the Dolly Parton Imagination library to support young children and their families as they navigate the first five years of life.