The YMCA is the largest provider of child care in the state of Virginia. Locally, the Y partners with Lynchburg City Schools, Nelson County Schools, and Amherst County schools to offer before and after-school child care for students ages 5 - 12yrs old.
This coming school year, the YMCA of Central Virginia will have four Lynchburg City School sites with before and after-school care as an option. Transportation to and from the child care sites is available through the Lynchburg City Schools Transportation Department. Students will receive a snack and dinner, receive homework help, and participate in outdoor play during after-school hours. Additionally, after-school care will be offered at some Nelson and Amherst county schools.
"The Y is committed to providing an enriching, fun, and safe environment that empowers families to work without worry," shared Jay Parker, YMCA of Central Virginia CEO, "and because we are a charitable organization, we offer donor-supported financial assistance for those in need. We ensure access to this program is equitable. Child care isn't a luxury, it's a necessity, and we are here to make sure quality, affordable before and after school care are available to all that need it." The YMCA's program is a state-licensed program, which means the Y is an approved DSS provider.
Teena Williams, YMCA Child Care Director, has been involved with Y child care for over thirty years and is enthusiastic about the upcoming return to school, "The community needs to support families now more than ever," shared Williams, "We've all had to do a lot of compromising and shifting over the last year, especially the students. The kids have endured quite a bit of disruption to routine and normalcy due to the pandemic, so we are excited to help them transition back into the school year."
Williams shared that over the summer months, the Y was able to provide a safe and fun summer camp experience for over 100 kids, "Our summer camp program and the virtual learning center that we were able to offer during hybrid learning last year are extensions of our child care program. We want to see families and kids succeed, so we are constantly looking for how we can fill the ever-changing needs of today's families."
Registration and additional information is available here.