The Contra Costa County Employment and Human Services Department (EHSD) is collaborating with several County partners to implement an emergency child care program to support all essential workers during the COVID-19 crisis.

Care is being provided in small group settings of up to 10 children by education professionals at child care centers, family child care homes, and three EHSD Community Services Bureau child care centers in Contra Costa County, according to EHSD.

Spaces are available for infants and children up to school age, whose primary caregivers are medical and other essential workers living or working in Contra Costa County.

“The program serves doctors, nurses, respiratory practitioners and healthcare staff who are providing direct care to COVID-19 patients, as well as disaster service workers, social workers, first responders, and others working at essential businesses throughout the county,” according to EHSD.

All classrooms are reportedly following strict social distancing, sanitation and hygiene practices.

CocoKids, the County’s resource and referral agency, is handling all enrollment and placement. Essential workers may go to CocoKids.org and click on the Emergency Child Care for Essential Workers banner to complete a request or learn more about available providers.