As an island of interagency collaboration amid the turbulent waters of the coronavirus crisis, Marin County has launched the first of a series of emergency “pop-up” childcare centers for children of hospital workers.
The center, at Vallecito Elementary School next to Kaiser Permanente San Rafael Medical Center in Terra Linda, opened Thursday with about eight kids ranging from kindergarten through fifth grade. A maximum of four classes of 12 children each is planned — or 48 children maximum per site — with all kids being screened for fevers and cold symptoms prior to enrollment.
“With schools closed regionwide, this countywide effort is critical to ensuring that our health care workers have the child care support that they need to respond to this public health crisis,” said Vallecito site coordinator Kelly Albrecht, a San Rafael city staff member. “We will continue working on creative solutions to the challenge before us and adapting to the situation so we can deliver the services our public depends upon.”
The city of San Rafael is one of multiple participants in the project, which is being led by the Marin County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services. Angela Nicholson, Marin County assistant administrator, is also spearheading the work, with help from Marin County Office of Education, the Marin County Free Library, hospitals and teachers from school districts all across Marin.
“During a crisis, part of a government’s charge is to fill the gaps to ensure continuity of essential services, including supporting our health care system,” Nicholson said. “We’re thankful to Community Action Marin, YMCA, North Bay Children’s Center, City of San Rafael, Marin County Office of Education and many county employees for helping us assist local nurses and doctors.”
In addition, the Marin Community Foundation — with a match from the county — is financing the startup cost of the centers, which are free to parents through March 31. After that, some fees will apply.
Dr. Matt Willis, Marin County public health officer, is providing guidelines for establishing safe health conditions at the sites. They include social distancing, sanitation and hygiene practices as described in detail in an earlier public health advisory on COVID-19.
“This is an amazing example of how Marin County is serving as a model for efficient, coordinated response in support of our healthcare workers,” Mary Jane Burke, Marin County superintendent of schools, said Thursday. “This would not be possible without the partnership of our local government, public health, school staff, our hospitals and community organizations.”
In addition to the Terra Linda site, up to five more childcare centers will be opening in coming days in Kentfield, San Rafael and Novato. The expected operation times will vary, but some could run from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Children will receive two meals a day, depending on how long they are at the center.
As more room becomes available, organizers are hoping to have spots open up for children of police and firefighters as well, Burke said. Participating school districts include, among others, Tamalpais Union High School District, Mill Valley, Novato Unified, Lagunitas and Kentfield. The districts are sending their available teachers to help staff the centers.
“Everybody is helping to support this,” Burke said. “People are working together on behalf of the kids.”
Plans call for emergency centers at the following locations, with “stable” populations of children — meaning the same group every day:
• North Bay Children’s Center, 932 C St., Novato. (3 to 36 months old).
• Community Action Marin, 251 N. San Pedro Road #D, San Rafael. (3 to 5 years old).
• Bacich Elementary School, 699 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Kentfield. (K-5 grades — hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).
• Vallecito Elementary School, 50 Nova Albion Way #40, San Rafael. (K-5 grades).
• Rancho Elementary School, 1430 Johnson St., Novato. (K-5 grades).
• South Novato Library, 931 C St. (6-12 grades).
The enrollment deadline is 4 p.m. the day prior to drop-off.
Parents with questions about enrollment may contact the County of Marin via email at [email protected]. They will be asked to fill out detailed registration forms, including the child’s health history and dietary needs.
Questions about staffing and logistics may be emailed to [email protected].
