The YMCA of Montclair is offering full-day licensed emergency childcare to families of health care workers, first responders, and other essential personnel who need care for their children during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Y has temporarily opened its Geyer Family YMCA facility to provide care under the supervision of experienced, nurturing childcare staff. Families do not need to be YMCA members to utilize this program. Families can register for days as needed.
“We want to make sure essential workers in our community have a safe place for their children to stay as they care for the growing numbers of those afflicted in our community during this pandemic,” said Buddy Evans, President and CEO of the YMCA of Montclair.
Locations, ages, and operating hours:
• Geyer Family YMCA 159 Glenridge Ave., Montclair
• Ages 3 months-13 years old (if your child has special needs, Y staff must review on a case-by-case basis to determine eligibility for care)
• 6:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday
The State of New Jersey is currently covering the cost of childcare for essential workers, regardless of income. For more information, visit the state’s emergency childcare website.
To register as an essential employee who needs childcare, visit the registration page and select your county.
Applicants will be contacted by one of the state’s Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies within two business days to discuss the next steps. Additional documents may be requested from the State.
Children in care will enjoy activities in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math), virtual learning assistance, physical fitness, and help with e-learning assignments. Families provide their own labeled meals and snacks, and children who have remote school assignments can bring their own electronic devices such as a tablet or laptop.
The YMCA follows national, state, and local guidelines for ensuring the health and safety of children being cared for during this pandemic. Staff has received training in practicing current cleaning and social distancing guidelines from public health authorities, including the CDC.
Families will need to complete required health forms upon registering, depending on their child’s age. The YMCA is taking extra safety precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 including temperature checks of children upon entry, monitoring children for symptoms of illness through the day, and enhanced daily cleaning and disinfection of surfaces. Children and staff are required to wash their hands when they arrive and will wash hands frequently throughout the day. The Y will also use appropriate social distancing strategies, and parents will drop off children outside of the facility to limit adult entry.
For questions about enrollment, contact Justine Biendon, Child Care Director, YMCA of Montclair at [email protected].
