YMCA offers supervised e-learning, child care as schools reopen with online options
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — With a lot of schools switching to e-learning, some working parents are struggling to find child care.
However, new options are popping up across Indiana.
The YMCA of Greater Indianapolis has created two options for families. They have an extended child care program and a new supervised e-learning program, where kids 14 and younger can bring their technology to the YMCA and do at-home learning with some help.
The program was announced as many schools prepare to reopen with online-only instruction or an option for e-learning.
At the Baxter YMCA in Indianapolis, curbside drop off, temperature checks and face masks have been an adjustment during the summer programs.
“We have to keep our mask on,” said 7-year old Grace Bell.
Now that it’s time for school, with some districts going virtual, parents are also making adjustments.
“It’s kind of frustrating and upsetting. Just because you can’t afford not to go to work and you can’t afford to just not have someone watch your kid either,” Tonya Black said.
Black’s 10-year old son, Cayden, attends the YMCA Summer program and is scheduled to go back to school in person. However, Black said options are limited if his school switches to e-learning, so she was thrilled to hear that the YMCA has options.
“We will be open Monday-Friday, 6:30 a.m. until 6 p.m.” said the YMCA senior program director, Mark Lantz. “We will provide extended care in the morning and afternoon, which will be a lot of YMCA activities, which is what you see behind me. There’s different board games, and different activities for the kiddos. But, then during the day we want to make sure that the kids have a conducive environment for learning, so we will be in classroom settings, conference rooms. And be able to make sure they stay on task with their e-learning.”
YMCA staff said that the kids will be socially distanced and supervised. They can do both programs or pick one, anywhere from one to five days a week. The YMCA will also work with parents who need financial help. Student’s will bring their iPads, Chromebooks and laptops, then supervisors will partner with schools to keep kids on schedule.
When it comes to parents who have COVID-19 safety concerns, the YMCA said they haven’t seen any positive cases through their summer program and are confident these programs will be safe.
“Part of our mission as the YMCA is to make sure we can be there for families when there is a need and we feel like there is a need right now for this e-learning care,” said Lantz.
Kids at the YMCA said this is a better option than learning at home with parents who are working.
“I think it’s a pretty good idea for kids who can’t do in school learning,” said 10-year old Bryson Bridges.
“People are there to help you, at home you can’t always have people to help you,” said 11-year old Michelle Hand.
Plus, the kids get to socialize. That’s what they said they miss the most right now. While these programs are a good alternative, everyone’s hopeful for school to get back to normal, eventually.
“I hope to go to school and see my BFF,” said Bell.
The YMCA said spots for both programs are filling up fast. Parents can reach out to the YMCA for more information or sign up online.