YMCA, HEF, Henrico PAL say they'll adjust childcare programs if in-person school resumes

The childcare programs run by community partners in Henrico County schools will adjust as needed if the school system opts to return to in-person learning for the second nine weeks, but the organizations that operate them don't have firm plans for such a situation.

With partial funding from Henrico's Board of Supervisors, the YMCA of Greater Richmond, Henrico Education Foundation and Henrico Police Athletic League are operating low-cost full-day childcare programs at more than a dozen Henrico schools.

Henrico Police Athletic League’s childcare programs currently have more than 90 students enrolled across its three locations — Dumbarton and Laburnum elementaries and Rolfe Middle — Executive Director Kenny Ragland said. Enrollment increased once the price dropped to $25 a week, he said.

Henrico Education Foundation Chief Executive Officer Mike Taylor said that the foundation’s programs, which operate in four schools, had a total of 206 enrolled students as of Oct. 5 but would have more enrolled beginning this week.

The YMCA childcare programs in six Henrico schools have 375 enrolled, wrote spokeswoman Lindy Bumgarner. (A student at one of the YMCA's locations tested positive for COVID-19 Friday, becoming the first known student case at a Henrico school.)

All program representatives said they would adjust as needed if the school system returns to in-person learning in the second nine weeks, which the School Board will decide on Oct. 22.

“We’re going to make the modifications and adjustments as the schools go,” Ragland said. “If they decide to go back to school fully, we will re-pivot and reinstitute our after-school program. In the event there is some type of hybrid situation, where just certain groups are going to school, we’ll find our space in that area, and we’ll provide after-school and additional support if needed.”

Said Taylor: “We’re going to adjust as needed, depending on what the school division determines they’re going to do about reopening.”

The foundation will pivot to focus on its community learning centers, which provide wraparound services before and after school, Taylor said. It will provide enrichment activities, tutoring and academic support, he said.

The foundation will also continue providing funding for staff development and training and other needs of the school division, he said.

The YMCA “will continue to work with Henrico Public Schools to meet the needs of families as they recommend and approve their transition plans,” Bumgarner wrote in an e-mail.

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