Child care providers remain open during the COVID-19 pandemic to care for children of essential workers.
Child Care Resource Network is making sure providers have the appropriate supplies to keep their doors open and abide by state regulations. Supplies are being provided at no cost thanks to the Western New York COVID-19 Community Release Grant, as well as community donations.
Kaley Donaldson, communications director for Child Care Resource Network, said keeping child care organizations open is essential during this time.
“We need our essential workers to get to work. We need the nurses and the doctors to go to work and take care of those who have fallen ill. We need people to keep our grocery stores running and the gas stations and all the other places that are deemed essential right now. We need those people to be able to get to work and the easiest way for them to get to work is by providing child care,” Donaldson said.
CCRN has been able service about 250 programs whose doors are still open across Erie County. The network is working to procure items such as bleach, gloves, masks, and hand soap.
Donaldson said items like latex gloves that are not medical grade cannot be donated to hospitals or medical facilities, but are perfect for child care providers. The organization continues to accept community donations to keep child care providers running and is thanking those who have donated already.
“It’s essential for child care providers to have these supplies so that they can keep their doors open and continue caring for the children of the frontline workers who need to report to work to help us through this pandemic,” Donaldson said.
Anyone who wants to help can visit CCRN's website for more information or to donate.