Sussex Family YMCA widens Before & After School Care Options
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware – Over the past five years, access to child care for Delaware families has declined across the state. It’s evident in the lower part of Delaware, where almost 11,000 children are underserved by publicly funded programs in Sussex County according to First State Pre-K. The Sussex Family YMCA serves as a safe haven for families in this “Child Care Desert” by offering safe and affordable Before and After School Enrichment (BASE) throughout communities in Rehoboth Beach, Lewes, Millsboro/Long Neck, Selbyville and Georgetown.
The State of Delaware only funds early child care and education for a small percentage of children due to limited eligibility for many lower-middle-class families. This forces many parents to put their careers on hold to provide care for their kids at home. Local economies can’t flourish if companies lose these quality workers. Parents shouldn’t have to break the bank when deciding on early age care for their children, and kids can’t afford to miss out on paramount growth opportunities at a critical age for learning. This is especially a concern for families in “child care deserts”, and also for those needing care during ‘out of school’ mornings and afternoon times. The Y currently has seven Before and After School Enrichment sites in Sussex County giving families in these communities an affordable option for child care in a secure and diverse setting:
- Lewes Elementary
- Sussex Consortium (Little Vikings)
- Rehoboth Elementary
- Long Neck Elementary
- Phillip Showell
- East Millsboro Elementary
- Georgetown Elementary
The YMCA of Delaware is committed to providing children with a safe and positive experience while promoting unity, acceptance, and fostering a sense of self. Before care programs offer a great start to your child’s day with group games and enrichment choices. After care programs reinforce academics through a variety of fun and engaging structured activities, provide time for homework, a snack or small meal, physical activities and sports. This includes fun hands-on learning activities such as art and STEM that encourage skill-building, creative exploration and supports for academic learning. Our well-trained staff strive to create an environment that supports children and their individual needs. The Y looks to ensure every child is on a pathway to success while supporting family and economic stability.
“Not enough people know about the wide-ranging child care options we have at the Y,” said Georganne Buccine, Vice President of Youth Development at the YMCA of Delaware. “We’re seeing too many children lose out on critical learning and social growth opportunities. Getting Delaware’s kids into our youth development programs help cultivate a well-rounded, confident and capable group that are set to positively contribute to and thrive in our communities.”
The YMCA Before and After School Enrichment program is open to all and financial assistance is available. All sites are licensed by the State of Delaware and accept Purchase of Care.
About the YMCA of Delaware
The YMCA of Delaware is Delaware’s largest nonprofit organization committed to empowering youth, fostering healthy living, and promoting strong communities. With seven branches statewide, a youth resource center, and an overnight camp and conference center in Worton, Maryland, the Y has developed longstanding relationships and a physical presence in Delaware so it can deliver lasting personal and social change. We are committed to serving everyone – regardless of age, income or background –nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving Delaware’s health and wellbeing, and creating a healthy, inclusive community where all people reach their full potential. www.ymcade.org.
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