ELC TO INSTALL 206 OUTDOOR HAND SANITIZING STATIONS AT SCHOOLS AND CHILD CARE CENTERS
Palmetto, Florida, October 26th, 2020 – The Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County, Inc (ELC) will this week begin the delivery and installation of 206 outdoor weather-proof hand sanitizing stations to Elementary schools and child care centers around Manatee County.
ELC was awarded a grant of $150,803 through the Manatee County CARES Act after applying for funding to help assist with the safe return of children to playgrounds during the on-going fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Schools and child care centers will also be provided with hand sanitizing gel for the stations.
The timing could not have been better after the School District announced that it would safely re-open playground equipment for Pre-K thru 5th-grade students at schools in the middle of this month.
Paul Sharff, ELC Chief Executive Officer, said: “It is so important for our children in child care centers, VPK students, and all Elementary-aged children, to be safely back outside in playgrounds after months of uncertainty and change due to the on-going COVID-19 situation. We would again like to thank Manatee County administration for awarding this grant to allow so many local children to play again and have fun safely outdoors. ”
Genelle Yost, School District Deputy Superintendent of Instructional Services, said she was happy that playgrounds were re-opening to Manatee County’s young learners. “Recess is an important part of the school day for an Elementary-aged student, so we are excited that they will have expanded opportunities to play and exercise.”
