The Y Afterschool News:

The Y’s Afterschool program has taken baby steps to bring back the “fun” for families and children in-step with Los Alamos Public School’s phased reopening plan.

The Y’s Childcare Coordinator Janine Morales said that once hybrid learning begins, the Y will provide afterschool care also in a hybrid manner.

“In our best effort to keep everyone healthy and safe, and in conjunction with the school’s rollout, we will keep children in the same two-day set ‘pods’,” Morales said.

When the hybrid Afterschool Program opens:

• The Y will provide after-school care on Monday & Tuesday; OR on Thursday & Friday, dependent on your child’s on-site/in-person school days.
• In Los Alamos, the Y Afterschool Program will be held in the gym at the school your child attends.
• In White Rock, the Afterschool program will be held at the Chamisa Elementary School gym–the Y will take Pinon school youth to Chamisa.

Additionally, parents have the option to register for a Wednesday full-day program (7:30 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.) held at specific sites.

On Wednesdays:

• Los Alamos Mon/Tues in-school schedule children meet at Barranca;
• Los Alamos Thurs/Friday in-school schedule children meet at Aspen;
• White Rock Mon/Tues in-school schedule children meet at Chamisa; and
• White Rock Thurs/Friday in-school schedule children meet at Pinon.

Space is limited for the Afterschool and Wednesday programs so The Y encourages parents to register their children now.

Families who have previously registered for our childcare programs or camps, may call The Family YMCA at 505.662.3100 to register.

New registrations must download and complete this form and turn it in at the Y, 1450 Iris St. For verification purposes, the parent/guardian of first-time registrants must come to the facility.

“I know that many parents have need of 5 times/week care,” Morales said, “but as of yet, we have not been able to obtain the additional staff necessary to ensure best safe practices for this. We are continuing to work toward this, and we will keep parents informed should the status change.”

“For now, you can enroll your child for the days she or he is in-person at school and also Wednesdays,” Morales said. “Our staff have been trained in best COVID-safe practices and will enforce mask wearing, frequent cleaning/sanitation and physical distancing.”

“We are doing our best to care for our community’s children,” Morales said, adding that she is grateful for parents’ patience and support.