NOVI, Mich. — A group of preschools in Michigan are converting to child care centers for the essential workers during the coronavirus outbreak.
The move by the Learning Care Group is in response to "the urgent situation" caused by the virus and to ensure the "continuity of care" for those families, according to the company this week.
It operates more than 900 schools across the U.S., including West Michigan, and internationally. The locations can serve more than 130,000 children.
The Learning Care Group said it has worked with state and local authorities to ensure it can "continue to provide essential child care."
It is also "partnering" with hospitals, businesses and other organizations to provide child care for their essential workers.
“We recognize the strain that COVID-19 is creating for families throughout the country, and we’re doing our utmost to assist those who are on the front lines of recovery efforts so that they may do their vital work,” said Mark Bierley, CEO, Learning Care Group.
“Our hub locations will serve the critical workforce of health care professionals, first responders, food service employees and other essential workers who are preserving our community infrastructure.”
The centers are being staffed by employees who have "chosen to continue to work during this unprecedented time."
The company is "taking abundant caution" to protect its children and employees by enhancing its "already rigorous" hygiene, cleaning and sanitation protocols: staff and children are screened upon arrival for symptoms, with temperatures taken; and wellness checks are conducted throughout the day to respond to "any potential sign of illness."
The Learning Care Group operates schools under numerous brands: Childtime; Creative Kids Learning Centers; Children’s Courtyard; Everbrook Academy; La Petite Academy; and Tutor Time.