The YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas is launching in-person camps at five locations to help bridge the gap for parents going to work with school campuses closed until after Labor Day because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The “Learning Academies,” available for children from kindergarten through sixth grade and running from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., will be led by certified teachers and are “designed to support students who are remote learning through their school district,” according to a news release about the program. They start on Aug. 17.
In addition to making sure students are staying on track academically, the Y also wants the program to boost kids’ mental health and overall wellness. Class sizes and facility capacity will be limited in an effort to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, according to the organization.
While public-health concerns persist, surveys such as one distributed by McKinney ISD show the majority of parents are opting for some form of in-person education when it becomes available.
Much of that comes down to parents who either must go to work during the pandemic with their job deemed essential or those who are struggling to balance working from home and parenting at the same time.
“As school districts continue to alter their plans in light of the current pandemic, we realize that parents need our assistance now more than ever,” Jodi Newman, school age services executive director for the Dallas-area YMCA, said in a written statement. “The Y will be here to support parents whether classes resume in person or remotely.”
The programs are available at the following YMCA campuses with times and dates varying based on location:
- Chase Oaks Church — Legacy Campus: 281 Legacy Drive, Plano
- Town Center Elementary: 185 N. Heartz Road, Coppell
- Frisco Family YMCA: 3415 Main St., Frisco
- McKinney Family YMCA: 300 Ridge Road, McKinney
- Moody Family YMCA: 6000 Preston Road, Dallas
Registration and more information is available on the Y’s website.
