Anna House Set to Reopen June 22

[Wandering Eyes]

The Belmont Child Care Association (BCCA) is set to reopen its Belmont Park daycare center Anna House June 22 with strict new safety protocols in place. The childcare and early-childhood education facility designed for the families of backstretch workers, most of whom are based at Belmont Park, has been closed since Mar. 17 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Teachers and staff at the facility are currently undergoing training on the new protocols, which will utilize the health guidance established by the New York State Department of Health, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (C.D.C.) and BCCA’s educational consultant, Bright Horizons, to combat the spread of COVID-19.

The facility will also incorporate opportunities for distance learning and at-home instruction.

“Virtual learning is a part of the ‘new norm,’ and we are committed to providing our children with the support they need to achieve success in school,” BCCA Executive Director Joanne K. Adams said.

While Anna House was closed, BCCA staff organized a drive to collect supplies for infants and toddlers who attend its education facility. Adams also worked with United Way of Long Island through its United Together Response Fund for COVID-19 to distribute donated gift cards, totaling more than $30,000 in value, to all backstretch workers at Belmont Park.

“Giving a solid head start to the children at Anna House is critically important to the whole ecosystem of the racetrack,” BCCA Board Chairman and co-founder Michael Dubb said. “Backstretch workers are the unsung heroes of the racing world. Helping their kids helps them and makes our industry and sport a lot stronger. It’s great to be getting back to what we do best.”

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