More than 300 child care centers throughout Santa Barbara County now have new cleaning supplies, thanks to a local social services organization.
The Children's Resource & Referral Program of Santa Barbara County (CRRSBC) worked with First 5 Santa Barbara County to distribute free face masks, hand sanitizer, disinfectant and gloves to 350 child care facilities in Santa Maria and Santa Barbara on Saturday.
Jacqui Banta, chief operating officer of CRRSBC, said the program wants to help preschools and child care facilities stay open so that parents and guardians who are essential workers do not have to worry about the safety of their children.
"It's an absolute dire need. Parents cannot work if they don't have reliable child care to send their children. Reliable child care is more than just a space; it has to be safe and nurturing," said Banta.
The distribution event targeted early care and education programs serving children up to five years old.
