YMCA of Delaware To Welcome Governor Matt Meyer For Ceremonial Signing of Legislation Expanding Child Care Access
Dover, Delaware – The YMCA of Delaware will welcome Governor Matt Meyer to the Dover YMCA Outdoor Center on Monday, August 17 at 2:30 p.m., for a ceremonial signing of legislation designed to expand access to affordable, quality child care for Delaware families.
The two pieces of legislation include measures aimed at removing barriers for families who rely on Delaware’s Purchase of Care (POC) program. They are Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 278 with House Amendment 1 and Senate Bill 293 with Senate Amendment 1 and House Amendment 1.
For the YMCA of Delaware, the legislation represents an important step toward making child care more accessible and equitable for working families across the state. The YMCA has been a strong advocate for this legislation, sharing firsthand experiences of families who have faced challenges accessing affordable care and summer camp through Purchase of Care.
“Access to quality child care is essential for children, families and our communities,” said Jarrett Royster, President and CEO of the YMCA of Delaware. “We are proud to support these important changes that make it easier for families to access care when and where they need it. We are grateful to Governor Meyer and the Delaware General Assembly for recognizing the barriers families face and working to create a child care system that provides greater opportunity for every child.”
What’s Changed & What It Means For YMCA Families
SS 1 for SB 278 w/HA 1:
- Under the new law, families will pay a half-day copay for half-day programs, making programs like YMCA Before & After School Care more affordable and accessible.
- Families using Purchase of Care will be offered pre-authorization to register for summer camp as early as January. Previously, many families had to wait until May or June to receive authorization, long after Summer Camp registration had opened and some camps had already filled. This change gives families receiving Purchase of Care the same opportunity to register for camp when enrollment opens, improving access to summer programming.
SB 293 w/SA 1 + HA 1:
- Removes certain square footage requirements for licensed outdoor summer camps and instead requires that outdoor youth camps must have access to a shelter or building that provides protection from inclement weather. Previously, camps accepting Purchase of Care (POC) were required to meet indoor space requirements, which made it difficult for many outdoor camps to obtain licensure and, in turn, participate in POC. By removing this requirement, more outdoor camps may become eligible for licensing and, as a result, can accept Purchase of Care, expanding access to summer camp.
“A family’s income should never determine whether a child has access to safe, enriching experiences and opportunities to grow,” said Georganne Buccine, YMCA of Delaware Vice President of Youth Development. “For too many families, the question hasn’t been whether their child needs a great place to learn, play and belong—it’s been whether they can afford it or access it. We know the names and faces behind these policies. They’re parents trying to get to work, children who want to go to camp with their friends, and families doing everything they can to give their kids great opportunities. These changes solve real problems for real families. They give parents more choices and give more children the chance to belong, build confidence, and just be kids. That’s what makes this legislation so meaningful.”
A Family Perspective
The YMCA of Delaware also recognizes the impact of Purchase of Care through the experiences of the families it serves.
Taylor Woolfe, a parent at the Dover YMCA who utilizes Purchase of Care, said:
“I am a single mom, which means I am on one income. Daycare, before-and-after care, and summer camp are basically rent payments at this point—everything is so expensive,” said Taylor Woolfe, whose daughter, Amina, attends summer camp at the Dover YMCA. “Finding childcare is hard, but finding good childcare is even harder. When I found out that the Dover YMCA Summer Camp could accept Purchase of Care, I took a leap of faith and enrolled her. She feels safe, she’s happy, and every day she comes home telling me about someone who danced with her, smiled with her, or played with her. To the people who make Purchase of Care possible, the best thing I can say is thank you.”
The YMCA of Delaware serves families throughout the state with early learning, before and after-school care, summer camp and other youth development programs. Purchase of Care plays an important role in helping eligible families access these programs and ensuring children have safe, supportive places to learn and grow.
The YMCA applauds Governor Meyer, legislators, and community partners for their work to strengthen Delaware’s child care system and looks forward to continuing to advocate for solutions that expand access to high-quality care for children and families.
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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