LOCAL NEWS: Childcare help for essential workers
While kids are home from school, some of their parents have to go to work to provide essential services and need childcare. In Clatsop and Pacific counties, they’ll be getting help. Coast Community Radio’s Jacob Lewin reports:
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While Oregon and Washington schools are closed under state orders, childcare for essential workers is permitted. The Astoria, Warrenton and Seaside schools districts are working with childcare centers on or near district properties. Clatsop County officials are partnering with the districts, Head Start and the Northwest Educational Service District and say they are planning to have a program in place on Monday. The program is aimed at those considered essential for the coronvirus response and include hospital and health care workers and first responders as well as those working in food and agriculture, transportation, communications, and public works. It will limit the number of school-aged kids to ten per room and a maximum of eight for infants and toddlers. If you are considered an essential worker and need childcare, you should contact the state’s coronavirus information line:211.
Meanwhile the Ocean Beach School District in Pacific County is also organizing childcare for first-responders, health care workers and grocery store employees, It will be available from eight to three Monday through Thursday. For Coast Community Radio, I’m Jacob Lewin.