Child Care Associates has arranged with the federal government to be able to add children evacuated from flood stricken areas to available spaces in CCA classrooms as Fort Worth receives families affected by Hurricane Harvey. Child Care Associates will provide early childhood education and care for homeless families seeking refuge in Tarrant County. Child Care Associates is set up to take 175 preschoolers in its Head Start program, and 67 infants and toddlers in its Early Head Start program and is looking to open additional classrooms as needed to assist the displaced families with their child care needs. Affected families can call 817-838-0055 for more information.

"For young children impacted by a trauma such as disaster and relocation, the daily routine and support of an early education program can be invaluable,” states Child Care Associates CEO Kara Waddell. “Child Care Associates' Head Start and Early Head Start classrooms and teachers are opening their arms to these children. These classrooms are not only providing early education but also connecting the children and their families to health services, mental health services, and a dedicated family service advocate to help them settle in Fort Worth whether that is for weeks or months."

Child Care Associates has been added to the local 211 database as a lead contact for families with young children evacuating from areas impacted by Hurricane Harvey. Child Care Associates has also established a Rapid Response Team to handle the process of intake and follow up. CCA's Child Care Management Services is also mobilizing to help children and families also receive care through community child care programs. For more information regarding Hurricane Harvey plans, visit the Child Care Associates’ Facebook page.