Local YMCA Becoming Child Care On A Budget

In these tough economic times, a growing number of stay-at-home moms and dads are going back to work.

But with both parents out of the house working, children either go to daycare, which can be expensive, or they’re left at home by themselves.

“We had it brought to our attention that without this program being available for them, the only other resource parents have is to have the kids stay at home alone,” said Paula Simonds, program director for YMCA of the Desert. “It’s not fun to stay at home by yourself.”

It’s also not safe.

So for supervision on a budget, more families are turning to the YMCA.

In these slow economic times, the Family YMCA of the Desert is getting busier. More children are coming here for care before and after school at a price most families can afford.

The YMCA offers financial help to those who qualify and they work with the families to meet their budget and educational needs.

“We provide enrichment programs, cooking classes, physical fitness, gardening,” Simonds listed.

Many students are at the YMCA Monday through Friday before and after school. They play games and take part in activities, but homework always comes first.

When parents get off work and pick their children up, their homework is done and their energy is low. It’s all at a price that keeps attracting more families.

“Numbers at most of our sites are staying strong,” Simonds reported. “We even have a waiting list at some.”

To learn more on how the YMCA of the Desert works, visit www.ymcaofthedesert.org.