YMCA Offers Child Care for Critical Workers

Health screenings

(PRESS RELEASE)_West Palm Beach, Fla. (April 15, 2020) – During this challenging time in our nation and abroad as we are faced with the threat of COVID-19, the YMCA of the Palm Beaches, following the lead of most YMCAs across the state of Florida and the nation, is committed to providing child care services to the children of men and women who are first responders, medical personnel, government employees, and other essential employees.  In addition to expanded child care, the YMCA of the Palm Beaches will be opening up its parking lot for community blood drives and will be working with local first responders to utilize their property for training purposes.
 
“The YMCA is one of the largest providers of child care in the nation and across the state of Florida. We are uniquely suited to meet the needs of these children, whose brave parents need our help,” said Tim Coffield, CEO and President of the YMCA of the Palm Beaches. “Many of these children’s parents are giving of themselves selflessly to combat this crisis and they are truly our community’s heroes.” 

Additionally, the Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County (ELC), is now offering child care scholarships to first responders and emergency personnel.  Qualifying parents can visit the following link for more information on how to apply. The YMCA of the Palm Beaches is prepared to place new students immediately.   https://www.elcpalmbeach.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=news.details&ArticleId=522

“As a Registered Nurse for the Florida Department of Health, it is vital for me to go to work while school is out of session,” said YMCA parent Judy Smith.  “I am so appreciative for the YMCA and the incredible teachers who are taking such good care of my boys.” 

The YMCA of the Palm Beaches’ community partners have equally stepped up their support.  The Health Care District of Palm Beach County has committed to screen all of the children and staff in the YMCA’s program every day Monday through Friday, starting at 7 am. 

“The Health Care District of Palm Beach County is proud to take part in this initiative to support the needs of our dedicated first responders, health care and government workers during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Darcy J. Davis, Health Care District CEO.  “As the health care safety net for Palm Beach County, we are committed to keeping our community healthy.”

Additionally, Don Langdon, Managing Broker at Douglas Elliman’s Palm Beach and Jupiter offices kindly donated hundreds of cookies to the preschool that were originally slated for a polo tournament.

“It is our honor to help support the community in which we thrive,” said Langdon.  “During these uncertain times, we’re happy to support the YMCA of the Palm Beaches’ continued efforts to create a safe, loving and nurturing environment for their kids.”

The child care program for ages 2-12 is practicing social distancing guidelines through small class sizes, has increased their cleaning and sterilization efforts to prevent the spread of germs, and is following CDC guidelines for child care programs to prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

For more information, to make a monetary donation to the YMCA of the Palm Beaches COVID-19 Relief Fund to help with added staff and supplies, or to contribute much-needed supplies such as gloves, hand sanitizer, baby wipes, Lysol spray, or rubbing alcohol, please contact Peter Thate, Development Director, at  561-968-9622 ext. 237 or pthate@ymcapalmbeaches.org

YMCA of the Palm Beaches is located at 2085 South Congress Ave., West Palm Beach, FL 33406. Visit ymcapalmbeaches.org or @ymcapalmbeaches on Facebook and Instagram. 

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