Child Care of Southwest Florida to reopen two more learning centers June 1
Child Care of Southwest Florida will reopen two additional
early learning centers in Fort Myers to accommodate demand as parents return to
work following COVID-19 closures.
The nonprofit organization also has announced that families
facing economic hardships caused by COVID-19 can apply for federal funds to
help cover their weekly child care costs.
The two centers, P.A. Geraci Child Development Center at
3713 Canal St. and The Children’s Learning Center at 37 Barkley Circle, will
reopen on June 1.
Child Care of Southwest Florida temporarily closed its six
accredited learning centers on March 27 to protect the health and wellbeing of
children, teachers and parents. Two centers, The Community Children’s Center in
Lehigh Acres and Joseph H. Messina Children’s Center in Fort Myers, already
reopened May 18.
“Our region is gradually reopening and the economy is
rebounding, but for parents to go back to work, they need a safe, affordable
option for their children,” said Chris Hansen, CEO of Child Care of Southwest
Florida. “As a nonprofit, we are able to offer reasonable weekly rates while
still delivering a high-quality, education-focused program.”
Child Care of Southwest Florida is accepting new student
registrations. As a state-certified Gold Seal Quality Care Program, families attending
any Child Care of Southwest Florida location can apply for financial help
through the Childcare Assistance Program, which is managed locally by United
Way using federal funds provided to Lee County through the CARES Act. Staff are
available to help parents apply for funding through the CARES Act, as well as
first responders and health care professionals who qualify for free or reduced
rates.
Additional scholarship assistance also is available, and nutritious meals and snacks are included at no additional charge through the USDA’s Child Food Care Program. Visit www.CCSWFL.org or call 239-278-1002 for more information on programs and costs.
Each Child Care of Southwest Florida facility has undergone
a thorough deep cleaning and staff have sanitized all toys, books, desks and
touchpoints throughout each classroom. Child Care of Southwest Florida
implemented the following safety procedures as centers reopen:
- All
children will undergo daily temperature checks and health screenings. Children
with symptoms will be asked to stay home. - Parents
must drop off their children at the front lobby or entrance. Visitors will not
be permitted to enter hallways or classrooms. - Staff
members and children ages 3 and older will be required to wear protective face
masks. - Classrooms
will operate at reduced capacities based on state and federal guidance. - Learning
facilities and classroom supplies will be thoroughly cleaned nightly, while
touchpoints will be sanitized throughout the day.
Reopening plans have not yet been announced for Harlem
Academy Child Care Center in Clewiston or Children’s Garden of LaBelle.
Child Care of Southwest Florida, Inc. (CCSWFL) is a nonprofit early childhood education provider with six learning centers in Lee and Hendry counties that serve more than 400 children from 6 weeks to 8 years old.