3 ways Head Start childcare programs have prevented COVID-19 outbreaks while serving thousands of kids Andrea MichelsonDec 17, 2020, 02:49 IST Next Door coronavirus cases, a recent CDC report found. The report surveyed programs in eight states and found mask-wearing and social distancing by kids and staff helped them avoid outbreaks. Eliminating shared spaces and food, as well implementing screening and cleaning protocols, also helped keep the centers safe. Even when the centers had to close due to isolated cases, they continued to provide resources to families. Mask-wearing, splitting kids into small groups, and close monitoring helped keep isolated cases of COVID-19 from turning into outbreaks at childcare centers across the US, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.