Child care for Penticton’s essential service workers is now available on weekends, early mornings and evenings to address community need. (Photo - YMCA)

Child care for Penticton’s essential service workers is now available on weekends, early mornings and evenings to address community need. (Photo - YMCA)

Increased child care hours for Penticton’s essential service workers

Child care now available on weekends, early mornings and evenings to address community need

  • Apr. 10, 2020 12:00 a.m.

Child care for Penticton’s essential service workers is now available on weekends, early mornings and evenings.

The YMCA announced its extended hours Friday (April 10) morning, stating they are, “committing to supporting Okanagan communities during this pandemic.”

LOOK BACK: YMCA Okanagan opens child care service to essential workers

“Our team wants to support our community in any way they can,” said YMCA Child Care General Manager, Danielle Miranda.

“There is an identified need in Penticton for child care outside of regular business hours, so we have adapted our services to provide care from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. seven days a week. This allows us to help those working in essential services, who need care on weekends, early mornings or evenings so they can continue to provide vital services to our local community during this difficult time.”

Priority, she explained, will be given to children 0-12 years of age whose parents or guardians are working in positions identified in the top three tiers of COVID-19 Essential Services in British Columbia.

These include those working as health care workers, first responders, law enforcement and others.

The YMCA of Okanagan says they are closely following recommendations from local and provincial health officials and taking extra precautions in the delivery of child care programs during this time.

To determine eligibility, parents or guardians of children under the age of 12 are asked to complete a quick survey, which can also be found at ymcaokanagan.ca/queenspark. Individuals will be contacted as soon as possible following the completion of the survey.

For immediate questions and inquiries, individuals are encouraged to contact the YMCA Queens’ Park Elementary Child Care staff team at 250-491-8678 or childcare@ymcaokanagan.ca.

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