YMCA partners with AISD to offer childcare for essential workers

Published May 7, 2020 2:58 PM CDT

The Austin YMCA has partnered with Austin ISD to offer child care for essential workers. 

Child Care for Essential Workers is a new program that is allowing essential workers to get help with childcare during the COVID-19 outbreak. On Monday, May 11, essential workers can drop off their children, ages 5 to 12, at Galindo Elementary located at 3800 S. Second Street.

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The program runs Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The program will cost $150 a week and financial assistance is available. 

"During the day, kids will enjoy arts, crafts, exercise, games, movies, snacks and supervision from experienced, expert Y staff. Children will be divided into small groups throughout the facilities, and proper social spacing will be maintained at all times. Children are required to bring a sack lunch," YMCA said in a press release. 

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The YMCA is also taking precautions to protect the children, families, and workers including: 

  • Parents are dropping off and picking up children outside the Y facilities.
  • Health questions are asked to the parent and child prior to arrival.
  • Staff are taking children’s temperatures outside the facility at drop-off.
  • Maintaining a 9 children to 1 staff ratio. 10 person limit per room.
  • Adhering to social distancing requirement of 6 feet.
  • Any child showing signs of illness will be separated and parents will be called for pickup.
  • Facilities will be deep cleaned daily with hourly wipe-downs.
  • Staff members wear gloves and mask.
  • Children over the age of 10 must wear mask.

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This program complements three other programs currently run by the Extend-A-Care YMCA for children 3 to 12 years old. 

  • Southwest Family YMCA, located at 6219 Oakclaire Drive & Hwy. 290
  • East Communities YMCA, located at 5315 Ed Bluestein Blvd. & E. 51st St.
  • Hays Communities YMCA, located at 465 Buda Sportsplex Dr. in Buda

These programs also cost $150 a week and financial assistance is available. 

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