SALT LAKE CITY — Employees who face the COVID-19 pandemic ‘head-on’ on a daily basis at work were granted free child care from the newly created ‘Child Care Task Force’.
The ‘One Utah Child Care’ program was announced on Monday and has been created for two priority groups of essential employees:
- Health Care and Public Health
- Law Enforcement, Public Safety and First Responders
"If that need isn't addressed for these first responders and healthcare workers, it's going to be difficult for them to show up for work,” said Tracy Gruber, Director of the Utah Office of Child Care on Monday. "The reality is that lots of families still need child care right now."
Gruber knows that more than just the two priority groups may be seeking child care, however, additional resources are available for other families dealing with circumstances due to COVID-19.
"Starting as of Wednesday, we'll have about 10 locations and those run from one location up in Brigham down to Provo,” said Gruber regarding the ‘One Utah Child Care’ program. "The sites will be cleaned every day, group sizes will be very, very small."
In efforts to prevent the spread and abide by Utah Department of Health guidelines, a maximum capacity of 30 people (including children and staff) will be allowed at each child care facility. Hours are Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. to reflect school. Locations will be released after applications are received.
To learn more about the ‘One Utah Child Care’ program: jobs.utah.gov/covid19/oneutahccfaq.pdf
To learn about all Department of Workforce Services’ COVID-19 resources: jobs.utah.gov/covid19
