Special education and vocational schools in Monmouth County are now eligible to receive CARES Act funding to help offset expenses during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Monmouth County Freeholders had organized a structured distribution of CARES Act funding to people who need it there - and now the county's special education schools and vocational schools can now receive up to $500 per full-time student as a way to offset and recoup funding spent on safety measures.

Inside the Monmouth County Vocational School in Wall, News 12 saw the safety measures in place, including socially distant cafeteria tables and classrooms, as well as signage and cleaning supplies.

Students were on a virtual learning day Monday, but the hope is if trends continue to get students back in the classrooms for full-time learning.

"The funding is going to help us make sure we can keep our doors open and continue educating kids and able to help our protocols and help us expand on our cleaning protocols help us expand on monitoring of students before they come in the building and making sure everyone's safe and healthy in all our schools," says Charles R. Ford Jr., from Monmouth County Vocational Schools.

Schools interested in receiving funding can apply through the Monmouth County Freeholders. Applications will be available on the county website by the end of Monday.