ROSS COUNTY, Ohio — Starting Monday, children attending Head Start locations across the nation will have to mask up.
According to the federal Office of Head Start, every center must comply with the new guidance released by the Center for Disease Control.
“Universal masking, with some, noted exceptions, for all individuals two years of age or older when there are two or more individuals in a vehicle owned, leased, or arranged by the Head Start program; when they are indoors in a setting where Head Start services are provided; and, for those not fully vaccinated, outdoors in crowded settings or during activities that involve close contact with another person.”
Local parents in Ross County received a notice from their children’s Head Start location saying, “In order to be compliant with the new rule, we will need to require everyone in our Head Start program, ages 2 and older, to wear a mask effective Monday, December 6, 2021.”
One parent told the Guardian: “How do they expect a two-year-old to wear a mask all day?”
Some Head Start staff and parents alike view masking a toddler as a bit extreme.
Andrea Minton, Early Childhood Programs Director, said, “We believe in the importance of the early childhood experience that your child is receiving at our program. We strongly believe that together we can transition to this new practice and continue to provide a loving, safe, and appropriate environment for your child to learn and develop.”
In addition to universal masking, all staff members must be vaccinated or face losing their job.
“They are making it mandatory for all of us,” according to one teacher. “We have to be compliant.”
COVID-19 vaccinations are currently available for all adults and children as young as 5.
You can read the full statement from Head Start below: