First 5 California Funds Emergency Supplies for Child Care Providers
June 23rd, 2020
For Immediate Release:June 23rd, 2020
First 5 California Funds Emergency Supplies for Child Care Providers Serving Children of Essential Workers
Diapers, wipes, and cleaning supplies aid providers in safely caring for young children of essential workers and vulnerable populations
San Luis Obispo, CA — First 5 California has allotted additional mission-critical supplies for child care providers in our county who are caring for the children of essential workers and vulnerable populations during the COVID-19 crisis.
The first wave of supplies included dozens of 3-ply masks, cleaning materials and books for families-- distributed through the Community Action Partnership San Luis Obispo County (CAPSLO) Child Care Resource Connection, with support from First 5 SLO County. A larger, second delivery of supplies will be distributed in the northern, central, and southern parts of our county this week, Thursday, June 25th and Saturday, June 27th, and includes hundreds of diapers and wipes. SLO County Public Libraries and the SLO County’s Oral Health Program are also donating materials.
“Many of our child care providers have been on the front lines of this crisis, by enabling our essential healthcare, grocery store, janitorial, and other workers to remain at their jobs knowing their children are in good hands,” said Wendy Wendt, Executive Director of First 5 San Luis Obispo County. “Child care has been, and continues to be, the backbone of our economy, allowing parents to go to work and keep society functioning.”
The response/recovery supply delivery to SLO County is part of a First 5 statewide effort. In mid-April, the First 5 California Commission approved up to $4 million in emergency funding to provide 60 days of supplies to child care providers serving essential workers and vulnerable populations via child care providers and family resource centers. The distribution of emergency supplies to each county is determined using a formula based on birth rate.
“It is important that child care providers and families with children have access to critical supplies during this extraordinary time,” said Camille Maben, Executive Director of First 5 California. “Working with our First 5 county partners, we hope this investment provides a measure of relief.”
First 5 San Luis Obispo County allocates funds and advocates for quality programs and services, supporting children prenatal to age 5, to ensure that every child is healthy and ready to learn in school
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Contact: Misty Livengood, Communications & Outreach Officer, (805) 781-4058 mlivengood@first5slo.org