Families of young children are hit especially hard by the pandemic. I see it firsthand as I watch my own children help their kids with distance learning, find alternate childcare, and juggle demanding jobs.
Many essential workers in Yolo County find themselves in this same situation but without options or resources for affordable childcare. At Tuesday's Yolo County Board of Supervisors meeting, I brought up this very issue... lack of safe, reliable, and affordable childcare.
From farm workers, to food processing facility workers, to grocery store clerks, public safety staff, single work-from-home parents, and more, dozens of workers are finding themselves in a childcare crisis. As they go to work to help us stay safe and keep our needs met, who ensures their children will stay safe while they work in these critical jobs?
I previously helped obtain money from the county and community funds to help provide childcare to those impacted by COVID-19. But this is not enough. At the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, I proposed that $250,000 in CARES Act funding be allocated for childcare assistance. It was agreed that the county would work with her childcare stakeholders to develop a plan for using CARES Act funds or other revenue to provide additional funding for childcare for those who cannot afford it.
Finally, childcare providers are also struggling to stay in business during this crisis. This week, I received clarification that childcare providers qualify as small businesses and can therefore apply for local business assistance as well. This is great news, and I encourage any childcare provider who is struggling to contact my office to learn how to apply.
I firmly believe that a strong community starts by caring for our most vulnerable. Young children cannot care for themselves. This pandemic forces parents to make tough decisions. Together we can support these families as they perform essential work in our county.
