YMCA offers child care to essential workers

In the middle of difficult times, we all need hope. With a new child care program, the YMCA is hoping to give just that.

While many people are staying home, essential workers don’t have that option. Camp Hope is a full child care program offered at several YMCA locations in the Triangle to help workers during the pandemic

“This is what we need to do," Kim Keith said. "We need to provide care for those who are working to keep our communities safe and Camp Hope is what we came up with,” the YMCA VP of youth development added.

Caring for children whose parents could potentially be in contact with COVID-19 has its risks, but the YMCA says this is a much needed service.

“To us this is another risk we need to manage in order to respond to the needs of our community and we approach that like any other risk," Keith said. "We train our staff and make sure there are clear rules and protocols to keep staff and participants safe and if this is something staff don’t feel comfortable doing they have other options."

She also points out that childcare is a critical service, saying people working on the front lines of the COVID-19 response need access to safe, quality child care so they can care for others.

“Some people don’t have any other option and we want to give them an option so they can continue to do the important work that they’re doing,” she said.

Camp Hope will operate in compliance with local and state health department guidelines. Children and staff will be pre-screened daily, and the Y will also be adding enhanced cleaning in its facilities.

Camp Hope is $45 per day. Right now, it’s offered through May 15. There is limited capacity. The YMCA is offering financial assistance for those who need it.