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YMCA Austin addresses child care needs, opens 500 new summer day camp spots

Published  June 7, 2020 3:17pm CDT
Coronavirus in Central Texas
FOX 7 Austin

AUSTIN, Texas - The YMCA of Austin has opened 500 new summer day camp spots at 16 locations to address the "urgent child care needs" in Central Texas.

"Extend-A-Care Y summer camps" are open for children ages 4-12 and will run Monday to Friday from 7:15 am to 6:30 pm. (7 am at select locations in Hays County) The cost for the camps runs $195 per week. 

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“After providing child care for essential workers over the past 10 weeks, we’ve learned how to keep kids safe while enabling them to stay active, have fun, interact and grow,” said Dr. Joan Altobelli, Vice President of Licensed Child Care Services for the YMCA of Austin. “But this is more than child care. Kids learn how to put values into action and create experiences that will last a lifetime.”

Sessions for these 16 locations spread across Travis and Hays Counties will begin on Monday, June 15, and run through August 7.

YMCA says the spaces in the new programs are limited and parents should apply quickly. 

Locations include:

North

  • North Austin YMCA
  • Austin Achieve
  • Concordia High School

Central

  • Barton Hills Elementary
  • Ridgetop Elementary
  • Upbring School of Arts & Sciences

East

  • Austin Achieve
  • East Communities YMCA
  • ShadowGlen Elementary

South

  • Galindo Elementary
  • Joslin Elementary

Southwest

  • Baranoff Elementary
  • Patton Elementary

Hays County

  • Buda Elementary
  • Negley Elementary
  • Science Hall Elementary
  • YMCA Camp Moody

The YMCA also says that safety precautions will be taken for the health of the children. 

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Safety precautions for campers include:

  • Staggered drop-off and pick-up times for children will occur outside the Y facilities
  • Health questions are asked of parents and children prior to arrival
  • Children’s temperatures will be taken by Y staff outside the facility at drop-off
  • Small ratios are maintained per State guidelines and CDC recommendations. (Currently ratios are a 10 person limit.)
  • Adherence to social distancing requirement of 6 feet
  • Children showing signs of illness will be separated and parents will be called for pickup
  • Facility will be deep cleaned daily with hourly wipe-downs
  • Staff members wear gloves and mask

A mask is required inside for school-age children 7 and up. Adjustments may be made according to local officials' recommendations.

"Campers will have the opportunity to socialize with new friends, be in a new and safe environment outside of the home, and participate in an engaging camp curriculum that includes: Social-Emotional Learning, Collaboration Corner, Book Nook, Virtual Field Trips, Creative Writing, Einstein Time, Outdoor Play, and Tech Time. Healthy snacks will be provided twice-daily," YMCA of Austin states. 

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