Child care referral program available for parents in need; relief fund launched for families, providers

But others with essential jobs — working in hospitals, clinics, grocery stores, drug stores and in law enforcement — must leave the house to go to work everyday. Some of them need child care for their kids, but many child care centers are shut down because of the pandemic.

It has two resources for families — a toll free number that will link them up to specialists who can help them find child care that's available in their area.

It's also launched on Monday a scholarship fund to help child care programs and families.

"We're saying to families, if you don't have to go to work and you can work from home, stay home with your child," said Marsha Basloe, the association's president. "But if you are a parent who really provides a necessary service and you've got to be at work ... we have a database."

Here are the details via the association:

At this time, representatives are available to assist families from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekdays. Care options are for parents whose typical child care arrangements are unavailable due to school or child care closings and who cannot access other care. Options are available for infants up to children age 12.

Basloe said the phone line has been busy. The specialists, who are working from home, are linking families up with licensed child care and family child care programs across North Carolina.

"North Carolina is known for having licensed care, and we want health and safety regulations followed," she said. "And right now, we really want health and safety regulations followed."

The specialists are working with families based on their specific needs for location and cost. They include families who may receive a child care subsidy.

"We're trying to match programs with people," Basloe said.

The association also launched on Monday a Covid-19 Relief Fund and is collecting donations to support individual families and programs in central North Carolina.

"Families who have lost their jobs or have had their hours cut are struggling to stay afloat and pay for child care, and child care programs that are still open are struggling to make ends meet and pay staff," according to the association's website. "The effects of COVID-19 on families and child care programs will be felt for years to come."

"For decades, we have failed to invest the public dollars needed to ensure that all families have access to high quality, affordable child care and that providers and their educators are well compensated and supported for their critical work," the group continues. "We must act swiftly to protect our families and the child care programs on which they depend."