Starting today, and through the end of the year, the City of Long Beach will offer about 90 families up to 40 hours of free in-home childcare.
The funding comes from a $1 million pool from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act money designated for early childhood programs
Staff will approve funding on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority for families who live in neighborhoods hard-hit by the coronavirus, essential workers, domestic violence survivors, foster children and kids with disabilities.
Launching Monday, Nov. 2 at 9 a.m. through Wednesday Nov. 4 at 5 p.m, the city will accept applications online and at 4811 Airport Plaza Drive, Suite 120 in Long Beach There are income limits for eligibility.
“One of the biggest fears we heard from folks about being able to go back or re-enter the workforce was because of the broader pandemic situation closures, child care wasn't available or accessible,” said Nick Schultz, executive director of Pacific Gateway, the area’s public workforce development agency.
“I'm sure if we can document sufficient demand and there's available resources left [from the $1 million pool]," the city would tap those funds to expand the in-home childcare effort, Schultz said.
Schultz added that there are already about 85 childcare workers who’ve gone through a background check and additional coronavirus-related safety training and there are plans to hire and additional 100 more workers. The payment for providers depends on the number of children and starts at $15 an hour.