ST. LUCIE COUNTY, Fla. — There’s growing concern about the long-term impact the coronavirus pandemic may have on Florida’s child care industry.
A new report by public policy research and advocacy group Center For American Progress said that without federal funding, 56 percent of Florida's child care facilities could be lost.
Precious Lambs Kiddie Kollege in Fort Pierce said the outbreak has placed a strain on the facility, but the center is committed to keeping its doors open to serve working families.
"We’re open for everybody, but we have to keep social distance and we make sure our essential workers have space first," said Tekeyshia Owens, owner of Precious Lambs Kiddie Kollege. "Essential workers can drop off their kids before 9 a.m. and then after that we’re open for everyone else."
Owens said the Early Learning Coalition of St. Lucie Countyhas been able to assist with financial needs so their teachers can stay on the payroll.
"If parents are not sending their children to a child care center, then it’s more than likely they’re not paying [tuition], so that is income the childcare center is losing," said Tony Loupe, CEO of the Early Learning Coalition of St. Lucie County.
Funding from the state has made it possible for the Early Learning Coalitions across Florida to assist child care centers during this time of uncertainty.
"The state through the Department of Education and Office of Early Learning approved for us to pay child care centers for absences," said Loupe. "So if children aren’t coming in because parents feel safer with them at home, the child care center doesn’t have to worry about not receiving the normal income they would."
There are additional resources available for parents who are first responders or medical professionals in need of assistance with child care expenses.
The Child Care Scholarship Program for Health Care Workers and First Responders – Florida's Office of Early Learning has established a Child Care Application and Authorization Form (referral) for first responders and essential health care personnel to provide them child care services at a free or reduced rate.
Services will be available for a period of three months or less, with the need for continued care reevaluated prior to the end of services.
The referral form for hospital workers and first responders is available through their human resources department.
In St. Lucie County, 116 children of first responders and healthcare workers have qualified for the program, with over 5,500 state-wide.
To find more information about the child care centers that are open, click here.
