YMCA TO LAUNCH NEW SCHOOL AGE PROGRAM
Rochester, NY – Beginning June 1, 2020 our new enrichment program will offer school-age children in the community a safe space to meet their social, emotional, and academic needs. The Y welcomes the opportunity to help students build relationships with each other and our staff.
You can register online for enriched school age care at the links below. If you are looking for care at Carlson MetroCenter YMCA you need to register in person.
New York State is using a portion of the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act funding to provide child care for essential workers, at no cost to the worker. Parents are able to apply for the CARES Child Care Scholarship Parent Application.
| Eastside | City of Rochester | Westside |
| Eastside Family YMCA | Carlson MetroCenter YMCA | Northwest Family YMCA |
| Schottland Family YMCA |
‘QUEST 2020’ AIMED AT COMBATING LEARNING LOSS, PROVIDING SAFE CHILD CARE
When the YMCA of Greater Rochester closed its doors because of COVID-19, the focus quickly shifted to serving our community in a different capacity to meet members’ needs and the greater community’s needs.
One of the greatest needs in our community was child care for the children of essential workers. Since March 15, 2020 we have been caring for an average of 300 kids every day at four Early Child Care Centers and four Emergency School Age Care locations. And as New York state gets ready to “unpause,” the Y is ready and able to serve even more families.
“We are working hard every day to meet the ever-changing needs of the families and children in our community,” said Todd Waite, Vice President of Youth Development of the YMCA of Greater Rochester. “We expanded on our child care services and are developing a new program for school age children.”
Once school was canceled for the remainder of the year, the Y saw an even greater need for the school-age children in our community. That’s why we pulled together a Task Force of our education program leaders to design a curriculum to help kids during this time.
“This is a difficult time for our kids just as it is for us adults,” said Chris Dudley, Before and After School Program Executive Director. “We are excited to bring some fun, paired with learning, to our kids during a time when they need it most.”
The expanded enrichment program, set to begin on June 1, will combine learning and fun. The curriculum will contain lessons in math, literacy, STEM and music. Students will also have 60 minutes of physical activity every day. It will be similar to a program the YMCA of Greater Rochester has been operating with the Rochester City School District during the summer called Power Scholars Academy. Staff from our Before and After School Program and Community Services Division will work with students.
The YMCA of Greater Rochester has been, and continues to, work with our partners at the New York State Office of Child and Family Services to ensure safety of all staff and children in our care, and following guidelines of state and local leading experts.