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Gov. Doug Ducey and the Arizona Department of Education are working with school districts across the state to launch a childcare program for children of first responders, critical healthcare workers and essential public sector workers, including child safety workers.
The state hopes to have what they’re calling Arizona Enrichment Centers up and running early the week of March 30.
The announcement comes after the state extended school closures through at least April 10 in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.
State and school officials are still working out logistics on what schools and communities will be a part of the effort.
Children will be offered a site based on their home address and their parent or caregiver’s eligibility. Districts are also working to select schools in close proximity to hospitals to add convenience for health care workers, a news release said.
“This initiative will offer critical support for the women and men working on the front lines to respond to COVID-19,” Ducey in a statement. “We will continue to work with our outstanding school leaders all across Arizona to provide more capacity to serve these families.”
Photos for March 23: Tucson gets by during coronavirus pandemic
Tucson-area, Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Updated
After getting off a bus, Mike Beisch uses one of the City of Tucson's new hand washing stations in front of Downtown Ronstadt Center in Tucson, Ariz., on March 23, 2020. The City of Tucson installed hand washing stations throughout downtown Tucson due of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).
Tucson-area, Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Updated
After getting off a bus, Mike Beisch uses one of the City of Tucson's new hand washing stations in front of Downtown Ronstadt Center in Tucson, Ariz., on March 23, 2020. The City of Tucson installed hand washing stations throughout downtown Tucson due of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).
Tucson-area, Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Updated
Two pedestrians wearing gloves and masks walk past, a closed down, Chicago Music Store in Downtown Tucson on March 23, 2020. People in Tucson, Ariz. are starting to wear masks and gloves due to the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).
Tucson-area, Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Updated
An employee talks with staff while stocking items at Grantstone Supermarket, 8 W. Grant Rd., in Tucson, Ariz., on March 23, 2020. Grantstone Supermarket is receiving two deliveries a week verses just one to help with the supply and demand of food. Grocery store employees have found themselves on the front line of the fight to slow the spread of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). There is no social distancing for cashiers, stocker and people working the takeout counters as well as not being able to work from home.
Tucson-area, Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Updated
Jackson Wong, owner of Grantstone Supermarket, helps employees restock items at Grantstone Supermarket, 8 W. Grant Rd., in Tucson, Ariz., on March 23, 2020. Grantstone Supermarket is receiving two deliveries a week verses just one to help with the supply and demand of food. Grocery store employees have found themselves on the front line of the fight to slow the spread of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). There is no social distancing for cashiers, stocker and people working the takeout counters as well as not being able to work from home.
Tucson-area, Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Updated
Bill Bresnahan, center, practices his putting with other golfers while waiting to tee off at hole one of Dell Urich Course at Randolph Golf Course in Tucson, Ariz., on March 23, 2020. Golf is increasingly becoming more popular due to the urged "Social Distance" because of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).
Tucson-area, Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Updated
Dave Borer, center, walks to his golf ball while maintaining social distance from fellow golfers on Dell Urich Course at Randolph Golf Course in Tucson, Ariz., on March 23, 2020. Golf is increasingly becoming more popular due to the urged "Social Distance" because of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).
Tucson-area, Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Updated
Phil Lavoi wipes down the steering wheel, as well as the seat, of a golf cart at Randolph Golf Course in Tucson, Ariz., on March 23, 2020. Golf is increasingly becoming more popular due to the urged "Social Distance" because of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).
Tucson-area, Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Updated
Ian Rosales, head chef at Welcome Diner, preps a to-go soup for former employee and original line chef Kenny Beck at Welcome Diner. Welcome Diner is offering free or pay-what-you-can meals for people impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
Tucson-area, Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Updated
Shanna Rosing, general manager, writes a message to customers on the front doors at Welcome Diner, 902 E. Broadway Blvd., in Tucson, Ariz., on March 23, 2020. Welcome Diner is offering free or pay-what-you-can meals to people impacted by Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) through their Welcome Care program which began yesterday, Sunday, March 22, 2020.
Tucson-area, Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Updated
Ian Rosales, head chef at Welcome Diner, hands some prepared food to former employee and original line cook and dishwasher Freddy Ortega to take home at Welcome Diner, 902 E. Broadway Blvd., in Tucson, Ariz., on March 23, 2020. Welcome Diner is offering free or pay-what-you-can meals to people impacted by Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) through their Welcome Care program which began yesterday, Sunday, March 22, 2020.
Tucson-area, Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Updated
A hand written sign painted on the side of Welcome Diner informs customers that Welcome Diner, 902 E. Broadway Blvd., in Tucson, Ariz., is offering curbside and take out. Photo taken on March 23, 2020. Welcome Diner is offering free or pay-what-you-can meals to people impacted by Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) through their Welcome Care program which began yesterday, Sunday, March 22, 2020.
