WESTFIELD-As Gov. Charlie Baker fast tracked an emergency order last week to create exempt emergency child care programs for children whose parents are on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ellen M. Daniels went into action.
Daniels, founder of The Growing Tree Learning Center at 451 Russell Road, applied last Wednesday with the state Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) to offer the free service to those front-line workers in need of child care options. Daniels received the state’s approval on Friday to operate the program.
Exempt emergency child care programs will be the only child care programs that are allowed to operate during the COVID-19 State of Emergency, according to the MassGov website. At press time, Baker has suspended all center-based child care and family child care programs across the state until April 6 and that date could be extended as needed.
“We are proud to serve on the front line with health care, human service workers, COVID-19 health workers, grocery store employees, emergency response personnel, law enforcement, transportation and infrastructure workers, and sanitation workers during this time,” said Daniels on her Facebook account – Ellen Daniels Vidal.
Daniels noted during an interview that exempt emergency child care programs are being implemented on a volunteer basis and the state is “working side by side with us to help.”
“The state will do what they can to help us with costs of doing this, including sanitary supplies,” said Daniels.
Beginning March 23 at 7:30 a.m., Daniels said she would be able to accommodate 40 children at this time – from infants through 10 years of age.
“This is a very fluid crisis and things may and must change along with it,” said Daniels.
Parents on the front lines must complete forms that include employment information.
“We will work with EEC if we are unsure of their qualifications and try our best to help all those in need,” said Daniels.
Daniels stressed that the program is a “drop-in only program, day by day emergency care for essential workers.”
“This is a service at no cost to you,” said Daniels. “We must be careful to make this the most safe and healthy environment for our staff and the children served.”
Daniels added she will be following strict guidelines to ensure a safe space for children and her staff.
“Please understand that we are here for families who have no other alternatives,” she said. “Also know that we have been working very hard to keep our center clean, sanitary and safe as possible from the spread of germs.”
Daniels encouraged parents to reach her via email – [email protected] or message her on Facebook.
“Every day will be different and every day rules, protocols, the virus itself could change,” said Daniels.
On a related note, Daniels welcomes donations of Clorox wipes, Lysol wipes and sprays, toilet paper and paper towels from the community.
“We have an enclosed entrance that people can drop donations in,” said Daniels. “If we get plenty I am in contact with other emergency child care volunteers whom I will pass it along to.”
Daniels also welcomes any organization that would like to donate lunches for the children, or drop off canned and dry goods for parents to take home.
