YMCA offers child care for virtual learners
The North Penn YMCA, with branches in Lansdale and Harleysville, has announced a plan to provide a new program for Virtual Learners at the Lansdale branch, 608 E. Main St. The Y, which typically offers beforeand after-school care to children, will now offer programming during school hours to provide children a space where they can attend virtual classes while being supervised by Y staff.
“The North Penn YMCA has served the North Penn, Souderton Area and Perkiomen Valley communities for almost 65 years, during which we have [gone] through many challenging times together, none perhaps as impactful as COVID-19,” said Robert Gallagher, CEO. “As an organization dedicated to youth development, we know how important it is that our children have a safe and enriching environment for learning. With some area schools operating virtually this fall, we are restructuring our child care programs to provide that environment to children, while also providing essential child care to those parents who need to return to work.”
The Y is working with partners throughout the community for children attending the program. The North Penn School District is providing Chrome tablets for all North Penn School District children. Outside of remote school classes, the Y will also provide indoor and outdoor play, social distancing interactions, and physical activity.
Financial assistance is available to ensure every child and teen has the opportunity to learn and grow at the Y.
To help keep children and staff healthy and safe throughout the school year, the North Penn YMCA, following state and local requirements, has adapted several changes to its day-today operations, including:
• Daily health screenings for children and staff.
• Reduced capacity in group activities.
• Ensuring frequent hand washing and hand sanitizing.
• Cleaning and sanitizing procedures throughout the day.
“Throughout this crisis, we have looked for ways the Y can best serve everyone in our community. As we look to the upcoming school year, we are pleased to provide an equitable, safe learning environment for children in the North Penn School District to grow and thrive,” said Gallagher.
The Child Care for Virtual Learners program will run Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. with flexible two- and threeday options beginning Aug. 31. For more information and to sign up, visit www. NorthPennYMCA.org or call 215-368-1601.