TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — Keeping jobs filled in an uncertain time, a local daycare is having a ripple effect on jobs across the Capital City as they help families make ends meet.
Open the door to any classroom at Unity Child Care Development Center and little ones are whisked away on a journey.
Despite the dangers of a pandemic outside their walls, the learning there has never stopped.
"Because of the essential workers," said Sabrina Hayes, the owner of the daycare.
Hayes says she's proud to make it her mission to provide a safe place for parents who work at hospitals, grocery stores, and banks.
"We were able to help them by keeping the kids, opening up at 6:30 in the morning, and making sure they get to work on time," said Hayes.
They keep the kids safe using PPE, including neck gaiters they're handing out to students to wear.
"Every two hours, we're going to take their temperature as well," Hayes said.
Their focus isn't just on children.
"All the teachers will have a mask," said Hayes.
They're also keeping parents outside the building when they drop kids off in order to limit the number of people actually inside.
The center has a max capacity of 67 students but they've cut that back to 45 this fall, adapting to reduced class sizes for social distancing.
"It was a challenge, but the thing is, we have a great team of teachers," said Carlos Collins, the principal.
Thanks to a loan from the Paycheck Protection Program, the school is rebounding with a full staff as they help parents rebound at home.
PPP loans come from a business loan program set up by the federal government to help keep jobs filled.
For more information about the PPP loans, click here.
