During remote learning plan, child care services offered to District 203 elementary students

Naperville Unit District 203 is partnering with two organizations to offer child care for elementary students through the 2020-21 academic year.

When school begins Sept. 1 with an all-remote learning model, the YMCA and Champions will be providing child care at district elementary schools from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with an option to extend services until 6 p.m.

In a survey sent out in June, many families indicated they would need child care assistance if the district moves forward with an e-learning structure, said Chuck Freundt, assistant superintendent for elementary education. Officials have been working throughout the summer to ensure quality services could be offered while still maintaining coronavirus restrictions and protocols.

The YMCA and Champions have provided before and after-school child care to students for the last several years, Freundt said. As state guidance changed amid the COVID-19 crisis and the district updated its "Return to Learn Plan," he said, both organizations "stayed with us and modified their plans as well."

Though YMCA and Champions staff members will offer support to students throughout the day, they are not licensed teachers. Students who attend a child care program "are getting supervision, not additional instruction," Freundt said.

Enrollment for all-day child care could be limited due to space and staffing resources available at each school, Freundt said. Financial assistance based on household income is being offered to help families with what may be a significant and unexpected expense.

The program could change when District 203 transitions to the hybrid or full in-person stages of its instructional plan.

For more information, visit the district's Return to Learn Childcare website at www.naperville203.org/Page/7781.