The city of Sacramento says it will launch a free childcare program for first responders, health care workers and essential city employees.
Starting Monday, parents can apply for one of 350 childcare slots in the Essential Worker Childcare program. Parents may register online through the City of Sacramento website by searching "Essential Worker Child Care" and selecting their preferred location.
Children ages 5-12 will be accepted and will attend one of eight community centers throughout the city. The program will be administered by the city’s Youth, Parks & Community Enrichment Department.
The centers will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with a ratio of one caregiver for every group of 10 children. They will be staffed by a person who would normally be teaching in the 4th R and START programs.
Meals will not be immediately available.
YMCA has 60 spots available with meals for infants to 12 year-olds at the W Street site. Child Action has 50 vouchers available to help low-income people regardless of their jobs.
“We know that these solutions for childcare won’t solve everyone’s problems and they certainly don’t solve all of our COVID-19 problems. But we are grateful to our partners for helping us this far,” said Sacramento Mayor Pro Tem Angelique Ashby.
Parents who wish to enroll their children in the program can register on the Active Communities website. Search under Essential Worker Child Care, and select your preferred location.
Sites that will offer childcare include Sam Pannell; Belle Cooledge; George Sim; Oak Park; Coloma; Hart; Joe Mims Jr.; Hagginwood; and South Natomas.
The city recognized the Sacramento Police Officers Association, Sacramento Police Department, Sacramento Fire Department, Local 522, Sacramento city departments of utilities, parks and public works, Boys and Girls Club, Child Action, Kaiser, UC Davis, YMCA, Sutter Health, Dignity Health, California Medical Association, City of Refuge, California Dept of Human services for their part in getting the program established in a short period of time.
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