State working to help child care providers with cleaning supplies

SALISBURY, Md. – Daycare providers like King’s Kids Academy in Salisbury say they’re facing a major challenge during the coronavirus pandemic.

“I just think that there needs to be a little bit more care and thoughtfulness as it relates to us child care providers,” said Natalie Saint-Phard, executive administrative assistant at the King’s Kids Academy.

The team says although they recently got $1,600 in state funding to help cover coronavirus related expenses they’re still struggling to buy critical items like masks and hand sanitizer.

“So, there has been comfort there, but still the product is what we need,” said Saint-Phard.

“Even though we’ve been cushioned with money, the products at the stores are still scarce,” said Saint-Phard.

We’re told the state not only provided them with some funding, but they also got a letter, which allows child care providers to purchase more than the store limits on items they desperately need.

“I mean managers really take notice and they’re actually sympathetic to our cause,” said Saint-Phard.

It’s a situation that’s pushed community members all across the shore to rally and help provide these much-needed items.

In Dorchester County, officials say they’re getting ready to distribute care packages with these supplies to area daycare providers.

“We have to focus on figuring out where the needs are the most and how we can come together and meet those needs and I think that’s the most important thing we can all focus on right now,” said Nancy Shockley, director at the Dorchester County Local Management Board.

We’re told the Maryland State Department of Education is also continuously providing information and other resources to help child care providers as best they can during this uncertain time.

For more information about the King’s Kids Academy, click here.