MONTPELIER — The state of Vermont wants to make sure essential workers can focus on their jobs and not worry about the care and safety of their children. The Department for Children and Families is providing extra resources to ensure that these workers have child care.
Essential workers include health care providers, childcare providers, National Guard personnel, utility workers, grocery and food supply workers, and many others (see list).
A list of people considered essential is online here.
If you are considered “essential” and need child care for children up to grade 8:
1. Go to this new webform created for essential workers: webportalapp.com/webform/essentialworkers
2. Complete the form, including your contact information, and someone will be in touch within 24 hours to discuss available childcare resources.
3. You can also dial 2-1-1 and press “6” to connect to someone about the available resources.
4. If you need childcare immediately, call 1-877-705-9008 to be directed to your local Child Care Support Agency.
This connection service for essential workers will be in effect while schools and general child care services are closed due to COVID-19.

ESSENTIAL WORKERS
•  Staff and providers of childcare and education services (including custodial and kitchen staff and other support staff) who do not do their work remotely
•  Providers of healthcare, including but not limited to workers at clinics, hospitals, Federally Qualified Health Centers; nursing homes, long-term care and post-acute care facilities, respite houses, VNAs; designated agencies, emergency medical services
•  Criminal justice personnel, including those in law enforcement, courts and correctional services
•  Public health employees
•  Firefighters
•  Vermont National Guard personnel called to duty for this response; other first responders
•  State employees determined to be essential for response to this crisis by the State Emergency Operations Center; at this time, all State of Vermont employees are considered Essential Persons
•  Active duty military staff
•  Pharmacy staff
•  Foster families with children through grade 8.
•  2-1-1 call center staff
•  Critical infrastructure/utility workers — electrical, plumbing, telecommunications, water/wastewater operators and staff
•  State, municipal, and commercial public works or sanitation crews
•  Grocery and food supply workers
•  Supply chain, postal, and delivery drivers
•  Manufacturers of medical devices, equipment, testing equipment, and supplies
•  Fuel distribution workers
This list will be updated frequently as this situation evolves.