YMCA MEMBERS & PARTICIPANTS
At the Y, our primary goal is to keep our members, staff, participants, and community safe and healthy. The information below includes some of the measures we are taking to slow the spread of COVID-19 while maintaining services in our community. If you have questions about our current policies, programs, or facilities, please contact our Welcome Center at either of our local branches.
We are dedicated to the health and wellbeing of all individuals in the South Sound and look forward to weathering this storm together.
CHILDCARE DURING SCHOOL CLOSURES
Starting on Tuesday, March 17 we will operate full-day childcare programs at a limited number of sites in our service area. Please pay close attention to the details below as some of this information differs from regular Y Care operations.
Full-day care is open to all members of the community. Priority will be given to current Y Care families, healthcare workers, and 1st responders.
- Locations:
- Tumwater School District
– Peter G. Schmidt
– Michael T. Simmons - North Thurston School District
– Chambers Prairie
– Olympic View - Olympia School District
– Garfield
– Roosevelt
– McKenny - Yelm School District
– Southworth
- Tumwater School District
- Childcare Refunds
If you are currently registered for Y Care and DO NOT register for full-day care during school closures, a refund will be issued to your account for payments covering the second half of March. Refunds will be processed before the end of March.
- Hours of Operation: 8:00 am – 5:30 pm
- Participation Requirements: Students in grades K-5 from all school districts are welcome.
- Food Service: Each local school district will provide lunch for all children during school closures. Children will be responsible for snacks during the day.
- Payment & Fees: $185/week Program Members | $175/week Facility Members
Payment is due one week prior to the start of care, or at the time of registration. Registration is available for one-week sessions of fulltime care. - Registration: Registration for full-day childcare during school closures is now open on our website. For registration assistance please contact Andrew Murrow or call 360-918-0400.
- Financial Assistance
If you already receive financial assistance for childcare programs in our YMCA, the appropriate discount will be applied during registration. - DSHS Subsidy
If you currently receive DSHS subsidy for childcare, please look for an additional email with specific instructions regarding your registration. - Healthcare workers & 1st responders
If you currently work in one of these categories, you will qualify for FREE childcare. Please register as usual for your first week of care and indicate in the registration process that you are a healthcare worker or 1st Your first week will be refunded no additional fees will be applied to your care.
FACILITY INFORMATION
In accordance with the directive of Governor Inslee today, our Briggs and Plum Street YMCA facilities will pause all services, effective Monday, March 16 at 2:00 pm with the plan to resume programing in May.
Your membership is important to us
Member Message from Jill Lowe:
I sincerely hope that the majority of members understand the short term nature of this virus and do not cancel their memberships. In the short time I have been going to classes at Briggs, I’ve found a new community who I enjoy and already miss and can hardly wait to get back to.
I recognize that the amount I pay for monthly membership is small and I have no intention of discontinuing my payment. I sincerely hope that the majority of your members feel the same. Payment of staff and instructors will be vital to ensuring that the Y can continue it’s importance in the community.
- Donate
Donations ensure that no one is turned away from emergency childcare because of an inability to pay. - Continue Your Membership
Stick with us! If you are financially able, we hope you’ll continue your membership. Membership funds will assist in keeping staff employed during closures and ensure facilities are clean and beautiful when we re-open.
If you have questions about your membership please give us a call (360-753-6576).
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
It is critical to the health of our community that we slow the spread of COVID-19. To that end, we are taking health and safety precautions related to facilities, staff and program delivery. Below are some of the ways we are ensuring safety and slowing the spread of the virus.
We will continue to follow the guidance of local, state, and federal authorities as we evaluate and update our operations and protocols.
- Program/Event Cancelations. Canceling programs, events and activities that draw large crowds or put individuals in close proximity to one another.
- Meetings. Evaluating the need for in-person meetings and moving meetings online or over the phone when possible.
- Staff & Participant Health Screenings. Starting on Tuesday, March 17 all staff will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms prior to beginning their shift each day. Children entering Y Care and Kid Zone will also be screened at the time they are dropped off for programs each day.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Visit the CDC’s website to learn ways you can prepare for when COVID-19 cases are confirmed in our area.
In the event that cases of COVID-19 are confirmed in our area, local health officials may recommend that schools and childcare sites be temporarily closed to prevent the spread of the illness. Please make plans for childcare in the event that closures take place.
The CDC recommends everyday preventative actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases including:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Stay home when you are sick
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surface
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing