Mayor Eric Garcetti today launched the L.A. Emergency Child Care Connection, a program to provide child care resources to essential employees of participating hospitals during the COVID19 crisis.
“Hospital workers are making incredible sacrifices every day to keep Angelenos healthy and save lives,” said Mayor Garcetti. “We have to take care of those who are taking care of us — and this program will help ensure they have needed support to care for themselves and their families.”
The L.A. Emergency Child Care Connection is a Mayor’s office initiative coordinated with the Mayor’s Fund for Los Angeles and the Department of Recreation and Parks, with three main components:
- Stipend: A $100 stipend per shift to help qualifying hospital employees pay for the type of child care that works best for them. Families are encouraged to use the stipend to help children stay at home or in the home of a trusted relative or neighbor. Participating hospitals must commit to making the full stipend available to all non-professional employees and prioritize low-wage workers.
- Child Care Referrals: Free referrals to licenced providers in the community. That means access to three high-quality resources for finding childcare: Carina Care, a web-based matching program aligned with SEIU Local 99; WeeCare, the nation’s largest online private care matching agency; and enhanced referrals through L.A. County led by the Child Care Alliance of Los Angeles member agencies.
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City Recreation Centers: Starting April 13th, the City’s Recreation and Parks Department will provide free care for children between the ages of 6 and 14 at City recreation centers located near participating hospitals to accommodate employees who are unable to have their children cared for at home. Each site will be open 7 days a week from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and will offer programming and meals and adhere to public health guidelines.
The first hospitals to participate are White Memorial, California Medical Center, and Northridge Medical Center. In addition, the City is partnering with Glendale Memorial Hospital to support their staff with stipends and child care referrals. Hospital employees who wish to participate in the L.A. Emergency Child Care Connection should inquire with their human resources department.
The Mayor’s Office is working to grow the list of participating hospitals and medical centers.
Mayor Garcetti has taken several emergency actions in the fight against the spread of COVID-19, including expanding access to free testing for all L.A. County residents who show symptoms; a plan to shelter thousands of Angelenos experiencing homelessness; restrictions placed on bars, nightclubs, restaurants, movie theaters, entertainment venues, bowling alleys and arcades, gyms and fitness centers, and Recreation and Parks facilities across L.A.; and limits on public gatherings in City facilities.
More details and answers to frequently asked questions can be found at coronavirus.lacity.org.
