The FIND! search tool has been such a success that one
month after the launch, it has been nationally lauded as a
best practice for coordinating childcare across the state.
The State of Texas launched a similar tool with the same
technology just one week later using emergency funds for
“Frontline” workers. Since the two systems use the same
platform, someone who lives in Dallas or Denton counties
can easily access available childcare options through
the FIND! search tool, even though it was originally
built specifically for Tarrant County. As the importance
of childcare continues to surface as a major aspect of
post-COVID workforce recovery efforts, other states and
communities are beginning to create access points for
parents to find childcare availability in their communities.
While the innovative FIND! Child Care Search Tool was
developed due to an urgent need to provide essential
workers accurate information on childcare near their
home and work in Tarrant County, the plan is for it to
serve as a long-term resource for working parents across
Tarrant County as the public health threat of coronavirus
changes over time. “We were thrilled to be able to launch
this in short order during our community’s response to
COVID, as it not only met the need of working parents
searching for safe and accurate availability information
to inform their childcare decisions but also the childcare
providers that were trying to keep their business open
while fulfilling a significant community need. Because of
the feedback we’re receiving from parents and providers
and our longer-term goals of ensuring that parents are
connected with key local resources, we intend to keep this
tool in place for the long-term to support working parents
and childcare providers who want to ensure quality
outcomes for children,” Peña added.
To find available childcare for essential workers, visit
find.bestplace4kids.com/families.
ARLINGTON JOINS “PLAY BALL” INITIATIVE
Arlington: The American Dream City ® is partnering with Major League Baseball and the United States
Conference of Mayors for the Play Ball initiative.
The program focuses on the sport and encourages sustained participation for years to come. Play
Ball also serves as a platform to connect with those who are currently involved in the game, while also
providing alternative ways for those looking to get involved, with a specific focus on youth participation.
Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams has committed to participating in Play Ball events focused on both baseball
and softball. The program also includes at-home exercises to instill a love for the game while families
social-distance to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
The program will also receive support from the Texas Rangers when the 2020 Major League Baseball
season begins.