Hundreds of day care workers in Danbury are getting vaccinated against the coronavirus Friday and Saturday as the race begins to get child care workers across Connecticut vaccinated by the end of the month.

Around 200 child care workers received their shots at a makeshift clinic at Rogers Middle School. Gov. Ned Lamont stopped by Friday, urging workers to get vaccinated.

"When we're talking about educators, just remember -- we're also talking about child care workers," he said.

But many day care providers say it's been a challenge finding appointments -- unlike teachers, who have school systems organizing vaccine drives.

Beginning Monday, the state will start calling day care workers directly.

"Every child care provider in Connecticut received a text from United Way, reminding them ... to make sure we get the update. And every provider had an email with a link to make an appointment," said Beth Bye, the state's Early Childhood commissioner.

Many day cares have been struggling just to stay open. Enrollment is down up to 20%.

The state will roll out grants in coming weeks to help.

"Do it. It helps the community," said Tammi Blesse who works at Sandbox Daycare, urging others to get vaccinated. "It helps you at work, and hopefully we won't have to do this again anytime soon with closing and all that kind of stuff."

The vaccine clinic at Rogers Middle School will be open Saturday from 9 a.m. until noon.