Early childhood education and care (ECEC) COVID-19 guidance for families

COVID-19 guidance for families using Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC), including child care, long day care, family day care and outside school hours care

Last updated: 16 December 2024

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This guidance relates to Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) settings including child care, long day care, family day care and outside school hours care.

Read more about the COVID-19 safety measures at NSW schools and early childhood education and care:

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Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) settings (long day care, family day care and outside school hours care) are at a higher risk of COVID-19 transmission due to the close interactions between people and the amount of time spent in settings that are often indoors.

Children are less likely to have serious illness from COVID-19, but they can still transmit the virus to others and therefore it is important to follow the health advice and consider your individual circumstances.

All staff and family members should stay up to date with recommended vaccinations to reduce the likelikehood of severe illness and transmission. The National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) has useful information for families at COVID-19 vaccines: Frequently asked questions.

How can we help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in ECEC services?

There are simple steps we can all take to help slow the spread of COVID-19:

Families and staff should consider doing a rapid antigen test (RAT) if they have symptoms (runny nose, sore throat, cough and fever). You should stay home and not attend ECEC services until symptoms clear. This reduces the risk of infecting others.
Stay up to date with recommended vaccinations.
Promote and practice good general hygiene, like regular handwashing.
Get together outdoors or in well-ventilated indoor spaces.

What do I need to do if there is a positive case in an ECEC service?

Your child’s centre won’t be able to tell you every time a child or staff member has COVID-19. However, you will be notified if there is a result that could be of concern to you and your family.

If you or your child attend an ECEC service and test positive to COVID-19, see NSW Government’s advice on Testing and what to do if you have COVID-19.

Speak with the ECEC service for more information on their specific policies and procedures around testing and managing illness.

If you, or someone in your household has been in contact with someone who has tested positive to COVID-19, learn what you should do in NSW Health’s Information for people exposed to COVID-19.