YMCA to Provide Elementary & Middle School Child Care Solutions through new Virtual Learning Centers
On August 19, 2020, the YMCA of Snohomish County opened registration for its new Virtual Learning Centers. In partnership with Snohomish County and regional school district leadership, the YMCA’s Virtual Learning Centers will provide elementary-school-age care and middle-school-age programs for families across the county including those in our larger school districts of Everett, Lake Stevens, Marysville, Monroe, Mukilteo, Snohomish, and Stanwood-Camano.
“Safe, affordable, and accessible child care is fundamental to the recovery of our region’s economy. The Y is proud to work in partnership with regional leadership to ensure our children are cared for and working families are supported,” said Peyton Tune, YMCA of Snohomish County President & CEO. “As Snohomish County families seek solutions to the realities of remote learning, they can count on the Y to provide their children with structured, active, and enriching opportunities.”
Y Virtual Learning Centers are designed to help students stay focused, on-task, and engaged in their school district’s remote learning activities, while benefiting from the social enrichment, peer interaction, and physical activity the Y is known for. The majority of elementary-age Y Learning Centers will be embedded in local elementary schools—maintaining a sense of continuity and familiarity for many children and families—while the majority of middle-school-age programs will be in YMCA branch locations.
Managed by professional YMCA school-age care and teen staff, Virtual Learning Centers follow each school district’s planned, daily schedule to ensure children are attending live/synchronous learning sessions and working on current assignments. Students will bring their schoolwork and supplies—including district provided technology tools—to the centers providing a seamless and supportive academic environment.
Children in Y programming will benefit from social and emotional learning; Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (S.T.E.M.); healthy eating and physical activity; and behavioral health support. The Virtual Learning Centers will blend in-person academic support with engaging enrichment curriculum helping children succeed academically and thrive socially.
“The Y staff has gone above and beyond in supporting my family through caring for our daughter. Continuing to work during this pandemic has been the toughest thing I think I’ve ever experienced, but knowing my daughter is safe and well cared for is one less worry. My family relied on Y child care this past spring and we look forward to our daughter attending their new Virtual Learning Center this fall. I can’t thank the Y enough!” —YMCA Child Care Parent
The Y continues to prioritize the health and safety of all children, families, and staff. Virtual Learning Centers will be upholding all guidelines and requirements set by the Snohomish Health District and the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families.
Registration and information for elementary-school-age and middle-school-age Virtual Learning Centers can be found on the YMCA’s website: ymca-snoco.org.
In addition to school-age care, the YMCA operates an Early Childhood Education Center in the South Everett/Mill Creek community. Registration for infant through Pre-K care can be found on their website at: ymca-snoco.org/our-locations/heatherwood-early-ch-ctr/.