Westchester County has partnered with the Child Care Council of Westchester, Inc., to ensure the most vulnerable population in the County remain protected against COVID-19. Westchester County Executive George Latimer visited the Family Services of Westchester Head Start Program at the Rochambeau School in White Plains to deliver some of the masks.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “We know child care is a priority and of top importance to the community. Our youngest population is our next generation and although they are not yet eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, we can continue to do our best to keep them safe and protected. Our child care programs went above and beyond during the pandemic to care for the children of our essential workers and we thank them for all they continue to do.”
Child Care Council of Westchester, Inc., Executive Director Kathy Halas said: “We thank Westchester County Executive George Latimer and his team for supplying us with 10,000 children’s masks, which we are distributing to child care and after school programs to support their efforts to care for and educate our youngest children safely. While this time of COVID has been so very difficult, Westchester County has supported the child care sector not only with this key donation but also by the Department of Social Services’ use of state and federal dollars to mitigate some of the financial losses caused by COVID. We are deeply appreciative.”
Director of Programs and Policies, Childcare and Education Roseanne Finizio said: “Although the last 18 months have been difficult and challenging, children are resilient. We want to help them go to school and go to school safely. These masks are another layer of caring for our children and keeping our youngest residents safe and healthy.”
The County has procured more than 200,000 child-sized masks for children up to 12 years old. The Child Care Council of Westchester, Inc., received 10,000 child-sized masks which will be distributed to programs all over the County including the Family Services of Westchester.
Masks have already been delivered to: Rye Neck UFSD, Croton-Harmon UFSD, White Plains CSD, Somers CSD, Pleasantville UFSD, Dobbs Ferry SD, Yorktown CSD, UFSD Tarrytowns, Greenburgh-North Castle UFSD, Pelham Schools, Ossining UFSD, Mount Pleasant CSD, Byram Hills CSD, Bedford CSD, Blind Brook Schools. Elmsford UFSD, Port Chester UFSD, Bronxville School District, Scarsdale Schools, Mamaroneck Union Free School District, Harrison Central School District, Yonkers Public Schools, Tuckahoe UFSD, Edgemont UFSD, Mount Vernon CSD, Irvington UFSD and the Boys and Girls Club of New Rochelle.