Demand for essential workers causing child care shortage

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EUREKA, Ca. (KIEM)-With schools sites shut down and the demand for essential workers on the rise the access to childcare is dwindling.

“In our yearlong assessment of how we can support our children, we were reminded about the importance of access to child care,” said Mayor Susan Seaman.

In this critical time childcare providers are essential and they continue to work so our front line heroes, such as healthcare workers, first responders, truck drivers among other essential workers, can do their jobs.

“Let’s not forget that many can do their jobs better when they know their kids are safe,” the mayor said.  

Without a crisis only, about 25% of parents have access to their ideal child care setting, in a crisis it’s even harder.

Parents are finding themselves, their child’s school-teacher and parent.

“It’s provided a new insight for parents and increased gratitude to the teachers who spend their days creating valuable lessons and sharing them with our kids,” she said.  

Mayor Susan Seaman also acknowledged the City of Eureka’s Little Saplings Preschool Program.

“We are so fortunate to have Nancy Daniel as our Preschool Director,” she said. “She and her staff are continuing to provide comforting messages both at the school and through online videos, for her students during this confusing time.”

The program is for age’s two-and-a-half to five-years-old.

“We also have a great community services team on staff to again provide after school programs and enrichment activities to the families in our community,” she said.

April is Child Awareness month, Mayor Susan Seaman encourages residents to check on friends with children.

If you’re having difficulty coping, reach out for help https://humboldtgov.org/DocumentCenter/View/54880/Humboldt-Community-Resource-List-PDF#page=4

To learn more about resources for parents and child care providers visit changing tides family services at http://changingtidesfs.org