While these health providers are working to battle the coronavirus, they’ve faced a battle as parents of managing childcare for their own families. 

Escambia ELC executive director Bruce Watson announced that the School Readiness childcare subsidy program has been expanded to include first responders and healthcare workers with children ages birth to 12 — regardless of income — in the face of COVID-19. 

This offer extends at least for the next 90 days, maybe longer if the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact our community, Watson said. There are 45 School Readiness childcare providers who are open, and slots are available as space is available.

Typically the School Readiness Program childcare subsidy is income-based. The effective date for this expansion is April 1, 2020. Current clients who meet the definition for care will be entered into the program as of this date, all others will be as of the date ELC receives and processes the referral. 

If you want to enroll or have questions, call 850-332-6775 or email [email protected]. Agencies, HR Departments, etc. with questions can please contact me and my staff at [email protected].

 The documents needed to apply and a list of providers that are currently open are also available on our website. www.Elcescambia.org 

 

These are additional details for this program. This is for Florida residents only.

 Which Coalition a client must apply with is based on the county they live in, and not the county they work in. This program is statewide so employees living in Santa Rosa can apply with the Early Learning Coalition of Santa Rosa County. Their contact information is www.elcsantarosa.org or call 850-983-5313.