YMCA Provides School Age Care for Essential Employees and Critical Workers

38 sites across Minnesota available to serve kindergarten through sixth grade

Minneapolis, MN – The YMCA, a leading nonprofit dedicated to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, is collaborating with local government and health officials to deliver school age care for children in kindergarten through sixth grade (K-6) for essential employees and critical workers in 38 sites across the state of Minnesota. 

Starting Monday, March 23, the YMCA sites are open for school age care from 8:30 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. These sites will operate in accordance with guidelines from the Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Each child and Y staff person must meet strict health guidelines in order to participate. In the program, there is social distancing and the Y follows the most current guidelines to ensure safety. 

“For over 164 years, the Y has been committed to youth development. And this commitment is even more important as we are facing unprecedented times where our children need a safe and nurturing place to go when their parents who are critical workers and essential employees need to work because they directly support the efforts to mitigate the impact the coronavirus has in our community,” said Glen Gunderson, president and CEO of the YMCA of the North. “Our children need a place where they can safely enjoy being a kid - learning new things by collaborating with the schools on remote learning, being active, and having fun while being supported by caring adults.”

Registration opens today and program details include:

Where: YMCA Statewide Site Locations – ymcamn.org/mnchildcare
 
When: Starting Monday, March 23 and Open Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
 
Cost: $40 per day and kids bring a snack and lunches.  Financial assistance is available for families.
 
Registration: First come, first served. To register please go to ymcamn.org/mnchildcare or call 612-230-9622.

About the YMCA of the North

The YMCA of the North is a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.  Established 164 years ago, the Ys provide life-strengthening services across the greater Twin Cities metro region, southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin communities.  The 29 Y locations and program sites, eight overnight camps, 10 day camps, and more than 90 child care sites engage more than 370,000 men, women and children of all ages, incomes and backgrounds.  To learn more about the Y’s mission and work, visit www.ymcamn.org.