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Childcare Services for Pinellas Emergency Workers
Pinellas ELC continues supporting families as community responds to coronavirus
Childcare Services for Pinellas Emergency Workers
Pinellas ELC continues supporting families as community responds to coronavirus
Published 04-14-20
Submitted by Early Learning Coalition of Pinellas County
The Early Learning Coalition of Pinellas (ELC), working with the Florida Department of Education’s Office of Early Learning, is providing financial assistance to first responders and healthcare workers for child care services.
This expansion of the School Readiness program provides Emergency Childcare Scholarships for up to 3 months for children, birth-to-age-13. There are no income requirements and parent co-pays are temporarily waived. Eligibility for the program includes:
Child(ren) are US citizen(s) or legal resident(s)
One or both parents are a first responder or healthcare worker
Child Care Application & Authorization form completed by employer
Attendance at a contracted School Readiness provider
Florida residence
Families can obtain a Child Care Application & Authorization form from their HR department.
Employers can contact Ken Buchanan, Family Services Manager, at kbuchanan@elcpinellas.org for more details.
To find an open childcare provider or learn more about programs/services, visit elcpinellas.org or call Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) at 727-400-4411 (option 3, then option 3).
“Access to childcare is essential for our most essential workers. Their children need care while they are caring for others,” said Lindsay Carson, CEO of the Early Learning Coalition of Pinellas. “When children don't have care, parents can't work. If first responders and healthcare workers can’t work, everyone suffers.”
Child care facilities that remain open must comply with CDC guidelines for reduced group sizes and social distancing. Providers serving emergency workers will receive additional compensation to cover the increased cost of care.
To contact ELC staff with general questions/concerns: 727-548-1439 or info@elcpinellas.org.
The Early Learning Coalition of Pinellas County is a nonprofit agency focused on high-quality early care and education – working with families and childcare providers to prepare children to enter kindergarten ready to succeed in school and in life. New website coming soon. Follow Facebook.com/ELCPinellas and the ELC’s Coronavirus Updates webpage for current information and resources.
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Early Learning Coalition of Pinellas County
