YMCA COVID Response: Emergency Child Care
EVERETT, WASHINGTON, March 24, 2020 – The shutdown of schools across the county meant that first responders, medical professionals, and other critical service providers would need to find care for their children in order to go to work. Additionally, many children and families face food insecurity when meals provided through the schools are no longer available. With a 120 year history of identifying and meeting the needs of the community, the YMCA has stepped up launching its Emergency Camp for Countywide School Closure and expanded its Early Childhood Education care.
The YMCA of Snohomish County is the largest provider of quality child care in the county. During this time of countywide school closures, the YMCA is working in close partnership with 7 regional school districts to ensure children are engaged in quality, supportive care while parents and care providers continue working. Currently, 10 sites are providing children ages 5 to 13 years all-day care with camp-style curriculum, breakfast, lunch, and two snacks each day. The YMCA Heatherwood Early Childhood Education Center is also available to working families who have children ages 3 months to pre-kingergarten. All of our child care sites adhere to the highest state licensing standards and are staffed by YMCA child care professionals. Sites also adhere to the most current health and safety recommendations issued by the Snohomish County Health Department and CDC to combat the spread of COVID-19.
The YMCA Emergency Camps and Early Childhood Education Center are accepting new registrations. There is no cost to first responders or health care workers who need this care for their children. Direct financial assistance is available to all other parents and care providers in need of child care if the daily rate of $45 is prohibitive. Registration and additional information are available on the YMCA of Snohomish County’s COVID web page: ymca-snco.org/covid.
If you would like to support the YMCA’s ongoing effort to meet the needs of the community, please donate online at ymca-snoco.org/donate. If you would like more information about the positive impact the Y is having throughout Snohomish County during the COVID-19 outbreak, please contact Jennifer Willows, Chief Development Officer, at jwillows@ymca-snoco.org or 425 374 5745.
