This blog post is part of an ongoing series that aim to assist youth service providers in their COVID-19 response efforts. For more information and resources, please visit TNOYS’ blog, or visit the COVID-19 resource page.
The COVID-19 pandemic means that many workers on the front lines have been left scrambling to find child care and support for their families. In response to this need, Governor Abbott has announced the launch of a Frontline Child Care Portal. Created in coordination with state agencies, the Frontline Child Care Portal aims to connect frontline workers with accessible child care services and guide them through the process of accessing financial assistance for child care.
Thousands of workers will qualify as COVID-19 Frontline Essential Workers, including those who provide services to youth and families. In order to help prioritize available child care, the following essential workers have been given priority to child care services and financial assistance:
- Healthcare and pharmacy workers
- First responders
- Workers in child care services, in support of workers in other essential functions
- Critical infrastructure workers in grocery, utilities, and trucking
- Other identified infrastructure workers, which include critical state and local government staff; mail/delivery services; nursing homes, home health care, and other direct care providers; banks; gas stations; military; and restaurants and other food delivery
The website allows frontline parents to search for regulated child care near their home or work and includes information for contacting licensed child care centers, licensed homes, and registered homes. In order to serve the needs of those who may need more flexible child care options, this program has also spearheaded a partnership with care.com, which provides frontline workers with 90 days of free Premium access to care.com. Finally, the portal offers more information on how frontline workers can apply for financial assistance in regulated care facilities, as well as eligibility requirements.
We encourage employees of our member organizations to use this resource to discover child care options and to share the resource with others. Please visit https://frontlinechildcare.texas.gov/index.html to learn more.
TNOYS is committed to providing up to date guidance and information relevant to Texas youth service providers as we all experience the rapidly changing landscape we are all navigating as a result of COVID-19. This blog post is part of a blog series detailing relevant information to assist youth service providers as they respond to this ongoing crisis. Below, please find TNOYS’ COVID-19 resource page and other helpful blog posts:
- Resources and Information on COVID-19
- How to Access Hand Sanitizer and Masks for Your Organization
- Accessing Meal Assistance for Families in Need
- Purchasing Bulk Groceries for Your Organization
- Activities and Projects for Youth in Shelters or RTCs during COVID-19
If you have questions or information you would like to share with the TNOYS network, please contact us at aproffitt@tnoys.org.