CLARKSVILLE, Tenn (CLARKSVILLENOW) – The Middle Tennessee YMCA recently made the decision to shut down their facilities temporarily, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This included their Clarksville facility, 260 Hillcrest Avenue.
Now, in the interim, the YMCA has turned to supporting healthcare workers and first responders on the frontline.
Six wellness centers have transitioned into temporary childcare locations, including the Clarksville Area YMCA.
The program’s mission “caring for your children, while you take care of us” allows essential workers to have a safe space to take their children during the week.
The program begins March 31. Due to the fluidity of the virus, and the response to its progression, the YMCA does not have a set date for ending the program at this time.
Care is available for all essential workers, as defined by state and local governments. Children must be between 4 and 12-years-old.
In Governor Lee’s press conference March 30, he outlined essential workers with Executive Order 22.
The program cost is $30 per day. Childcare will be available Monday – Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Meals will be provided.
For added safety, the Y is limiting drop-off hours to 6:30-9 a.m. and pick-up hours to 4-8 p.m. In addition, there will be enhanced cleaning and safety protocols as put forth by the CDC. Staff will pre-screen all children and staff daily, and parents will not be able to enter the programming space per DHS recommendations.
“I’m happy to say that the YMCA has subsidized the daily rate, as well as waived the registration fee to help support your families and our communities,” Jill Tramel, Senior Vice President of Youth Development. Tramel added that lower rates could be negotiated in cases of hardship or special need.
For information on emergency response childcare, or to register a child, visit their website or email Lauren Williams at lwilliams@ymcamidtn.org.