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YMCA rolls out new child care program for essential workers

YMCA offers expanded child care options to essential workers

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The YMCA of Greater Indianapolis will offer expanded child care options to Hoosiers deemed “essential workers” beginning Monday, March 30.

The services will be available weekdays from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. at six YMCA locations.

  • Baxter YMCA: 7900 S. Shelby St.
  • Benjamin Harrison YMCA: 5736 Lee Rd.
  • Hendricks Regional Health YMCA: 301 Satori Pkwy.
  • Irsay Family FMCA at CityWay: 430 S. Alabama St.
  • Jordan YMCA: 8400 Westfield Blvd.
  • Witham Family YMCA: 2791 N. Lebanon St.

Children ages 5 to 12 can be enrolled for $50 a day. Financial assistance is available; families interested in applying are encouraged to call (317) 484-9622.

YMCA staffers will screen children daily for possible COVID-19 symptoms and fevers.

Program groups will be reduced to 10 children per staffer to minimize the risk of exposure.

Pick-up and drop-off will be conducted curbside to limit contact.

Meeting essential workers’ child care needs amid the coronavirus pandemic reflects the YMCA’s long history of adapting to fill crucial roles, according to Colleen Horan, community vice president for youth development at the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis.

“What’s needed right now is child care for people who can’t stay home, who can’t isolate [and] who have to be at work every day,” she told News 8. “Children are sometimes worried during this time, so we hope to provide an opportunity to give peace of mind to those folks who have to be at work.”