PUEBLO, COLO., April 3, 2020--The YMCA of Pueblo serves families by providing free childcare to parents working in essential industries. The Child Development Center has remained open while the rest of the facility closed due to Gov. Jared Polis’ executive order.
“Strengthening community is our cause. For over 130 years worked side by side with our neighbors and partners to respond to the most critical social needs of our community,” commented Janelle Andrews, President and CEO of the Pueblo YMCA.
Beginning immediately, the state will extend a full tuition credit to all essential workers identified in Updated Public Health Order 20-24 issued by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. This 100% tuition credit will provide child care to all essential workers until May 17. The list of essential workers who will be covered by this care, as outlined in the order, includes:
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Health Care Operations
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Critical Infrastructure
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Critical Manufacturing
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Critical Retail
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Critical Services
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News Media
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Financial Institutions
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Providers of Basic Necessities to Economically Disadvantaged Populations
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Construction
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Defense
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Critical Services Necessary to Maintain the Safety, Sanitation and Critical Operations of Residences or Other Critical Businesses
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Vendors that Provide Critical Services or Products, Including Logistics and Technology Support, Child Care and Services
With the closure of schools and many child care facilities across Colorado, workers employed in these essential fields face the added challenge of finding care for their children while they work through these unprecedented times. The program will provide kids with arts, crafts, fun and games, physical activities, support with e-learning and supervision from the Y’s experienced, expert staff.
The YMCA of Pueblo is taking extra precautions while caring for kids enrolled in this program. Temperatures will be taken at the front desk before kids enter the classrooms, kids will sanitize hands upon arrival and throughout the day, staff will monitor children to look for symptoms of COVID-19, and the facilities will be cleaned throughout the day. All regular programming remains closed to the public to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Families interested in being matched with a local child care provider can fill out the interest form at https://covidchildcarecolorado.com Families can fill out this form immediately to begin the matching process.
How to Register
Registration for free YMCA child care during this emergency response must be completed through the Colorado Child Care Collaborative and not the YMCA.
To register, take these steps:
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Complete the Parent Survey (https://covidchildcarecolorado.com/parent-survey-home/ ) to see if your family qualifies. If possible, use your professional email address and contact information to expedite the employment verification process. If you do not have a work-related email, please use your personal email.
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Download the app. After you complete the survey, you will receive an email with instructions to download the Child Care Collaborative mobile app.
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Indicate your preferred location. Using the app, request a YMCA child care site. Make sure to include the full address of the location.
YMCA of Pueblo 3200 East Spaulding Avenue, Pueblo, CO 81008
Emergency Child Care Collaborative FAQs
http://coloradoofficeofearlychildhood.force.com/oec/OEC_Resources?p=Resources&s=Frequently-Asked-Questions-Emergency-Child-Care-Collaborative&lang=en
Division of Early Care and Learning FAQs
http://coloradoofficeofearlychildhood.force.com/oec/OEC_Resources?p=Resources&s=Division-of-Early-Care-and-Learning&lang=en
Colorado Department of Human Services Emergency Child Care Press Release
https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdhs/news/emergency-child-care-extended-all-essential-workers-colorado