Critical employees offered break on child care

In response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, the Louisiana Department of Education Monday opened the Child Care Assistance Program to support essential critical infrastructure personnel.
By completing an application, these families can access subsidized care for children age 12 and under at licensed childcare centers participating in the program, or through registered and certified family childcare and in-home providers.
The governor’s emergency proclamation to close all school facilities to students through at least April 13 did not include childcare and early learning centers. Early learning centers make individual decisions about whether to close their businesses. However, updated directives from the Governor’s Office and health officials have advised limiting group sizes to 10 or fewer children and adults.
Acting State Superintendent Beth Scioneaux said, “If you can keep your children at home, please do so. But we must ensure affordable access to childcare for those who are on the frontlines of the COVID-19 response effort. Opening CCAP to critical personnel is necessary and important as we fight the spread of COVID-19.”
Effective Monday, families of essential critical infrastructure workers are eligible for CCAP, and their applications will be expedited. Essential critical infrastructure workers belong to the following industries:
HealthCare/Public Health
Law Enforcement, Public Safety, First Responders
Food and Agriculture
Energy (electrical industry, petroleum, natural and propane gas workers)
Waste and Wastewater
Transportation and Logistics
Public Works
Communications and Information Technology
Other Community-Based Government
Critical Manufacturing
Hazardous Materials
Interested families must complete the CCAP Pandemic Protective Services Crisis Application. Upon approval, initial certification will be valid for 30 days. If the public health crisis continues beyond 30 days, the LDOE will reassess applications.