Boys & Girls Club of Snohomish County
When schools closed in March and the stay at home order was put into place, childcare was deemed essential and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Snohomish County chose to stay open. Although attendance was significantly lower than normal, it was clear that there was still a need for childcare, allowing essential workers to be able to continue to work without the barrier of childcare. During the first three months, 68% of attendees were children of healthcare workers and first responders at no cost to them. Now, with people heading back to work and in person schools still being closed, the need for full day childcare is more important than ever.
While some things stay the same, many things look different. For example, parents and other adults are no longer allowed in Boys & Girls Clubs facilities to limit exposure. Drop off and pick up are “curbside”, along with temperature checks and health screening questions. Kids and staff are wearing masks, and handwashing, cleaning, and sanitizing are a full time process. In addition, social distancing practices have been put into place such as removing chairs, closing computer stations, and packing up “high touch” items, such as Lego’s and other typically shared toys. Staff make every effort to maintain smaller group size and plan activities that encourage distancing, but are still fun!
What happens during the day in the Club also looks much different than it did just 7 months ago. Until schools are in person, we are operating “Virtual Learning Labs” in order to facilitate online learning and to assist children in managing their daily schedules of ZOOM meetings and distance learning. Of course there are challenges that come with this shift in activities. Clubs have made a significant financial investment to increase internet capabilities. Additional tables and chairs have been purchased in order to distance students and serve as many as possible, and items that we have previously not had are now needed, such as PPE, headphones with microphones, power strips, Chromebook chargers, and more.
During this challenging time, Clubs are also proud to have taken on a new initiative addressing youth mental health. During the summer months, the Community Foundation of Snohomish County and the Providence General Foundation providing funding for Mental Health Support staff to be in several locations and available to all. Thanks to Snohomish County CARES ACT Funding, this program is being continued and expanded through the end of the year.
Childcare during this time certainly “takes a village”. For example, from March –August, Boys & Girls Clubs served 1,553,330 meals and 776,660 snacks to kids, in partnership with our School District partners. And, thanks again to Snohomish County CARES ACT funding, Clubs are offering 50% off childcare for ALL families in Snohomish County through December 2020. Additional discounts available for those who qualify, with priority given to essential workers. For more information, please visit www.bgcsc.org or contact Marci Volmer, COO, at mvolmer@bgcsc.org.