Local Childcare Center Offering Scholarships For First Responders

EAST PATCHOGUE, NY — An East Patchogue childcare center is offering tuition scholarships for essential workers to help east family-related financial burdens during the coronavirus pandemic. Qualified parents can earn a tuition scholarships to send their children to Way to Grow Child Care/Learning Center on 655 Montauk Highway in East Patchogue, which is owned and operated by the not-profit Economic Opportunity Council of Suffolk.

Eligible government-designated essential workers include first responders such as healthcare providers, pharmaceutical staff, law enforcement personnel, firefighters, as well as food delivery workers, grocery store employees, and others needed to respond to the current crisis. A complete list can be found here.

"The Suffolk County community applauds the heroism of the working people fighting on the front lines of this pandemic," Adrian Fassett, CEO of the Economic Opportunity Council of Suffolk, said. "Many of these courageous individuals are parents. Now, thanks to federal-state cooperation, these parents can enroll their children in our first-rate Way to Grow Child Care/Learning Center in East Patchogue at no cost."

The State of New York provided $30 million from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) to cover the cost of child care services delivered by eligible providers. To qualify, parents’ income level must be less than 300 percent of the federal poverty level – or $78,600 for a family of four. Child care costs will be paid up to market rate for each region statewide.

Way to Grow Child Care/Learning Center offers developmentally appropriate programs with specialized curriculum for a variety of ages. Learn more about the center at TheWayToGrow.org. The facility follows full CDC recommended COVID-19 safety precautions. They are also using CARES funding to purchase eligible child care supplies such as masks, gloves, diapers, baby wipes, baby formula, and food.

Locally, the scholarship program is being administered by the Child Care Council of Suffolk, Inc. in cooperation with the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. Parents can apply by completing this form. They will be notified by the Child Care Council of Suffolk, Inc. of their eligibility within 24 hours.

This article originally appeared on the Patchogue Patch