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Harbor View YMCA Closing; Some Families Left Without Childcare
posted: February 5th, 2010 07:26 am |
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Before school childcare just got a lot more complicated for Harbor View families.
For years, the YMCA operated a program on the school’s campus from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. For working parents, the YMCA staff makes sure students arrive to class on time and are picked up after school — even if they had tricky kindergarten schedules that don’t jibe with the school’s main bell schedule.
Last week, however, families learned the YMCA is closing the Harbor View program. Families needing after-school childcare can participate in the city-run Community Youth Center program located just off campus at nearby Grant Howald Park.
Those who need before-school care, or help with kindergarten students who have shorter days, are simply out of luck.
Harbor View’s principal, Charlene Metoyer, said she knew of about six students who will be without childcare options after the YMCA closes at the end of the month. She asked whether the CYC could expand its services to include before-school programs, but city officials said no.
“It is economic,” said Tara Finnigan, a Newport Beach spokeswoman. “Recreation isn’t budgeted or staffed for before-school care, and during these economic times… the department doesn’t plan to expand programming to add preschool care.”
The YMCA has operated the Harbor View facility for more than five years; a spokeswoman was out of the office and not immediately available for comment on why the program was closing mid-school year.
