ARROYO GRANDE, CA – The City's Recreation Services Department has created a GoFundMe campaign to support local families with child care costs during the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting distance learning education format.
In response to the State's mandate on July 17th restricting in-person school instruction, the Arroyo Grande Recreation Services Department developed a new program to provide child care to local families while following all CDC and County Public Health guidelines. In partnership with Lucia Mar Unified School District (LMUSD), the Enrichment Lab program provides children Kindergarten through 6th Grade with a safe and caring atmosphere while participating in distance learning. LMUSD has waived facility fees at Ocean View and Branch Elementary schools and enhanced custodial services, and the Arroyo Grande City Council also adopted a new fee for the child care program offered Monday-Friday, 7 am- 6 pm, to accommodate working families. However, the $195 per week fee for the Enrichment Lab program may still be too much for families who have not had time to prepare for such costs; therefore the GoFundMe account was created.
The 'Child Care Champions' GoFundMe account was created to support local children with distance learning while allowing parents and caregivers the opportunity to return to work. "Families in our community need our support now more than ever. Caregivers are struggling to work from home and/or return to their professions, and children's primary education should not be compromised due to unexpected child care costs," stated Recreation Services Director Sheridan Bohlken. "Children need a consistent and nurturing environment to succeed, and the Enrichment Lab program provides that to our community. Not everyone can afford the cost of the program, so we are reaching out to our community partners and those who may be able to help their fellow community members to assist."
While additional funding is also being sought through community fundraisers and support, the goal of the GoFundMe campaign is to raise $25,000 to assist local families with scholarships to cover registration fees through December 2020. The Enrichment Lab program currently has space available, and is accepting new participants at Ocean View and Branch Elementary Schools.
To donate towards the 'Child Care Champions' campaign, visit www.gf.me/u/yuniiw or for more information on the Enrichment Lab program, visit the Arroyo Grande Recreation Services website at https://www.arroyogrande.org/168/Recreation-Services.
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CONTACT INFORMATION:
Sheridan Bohlken, Recreation Services Director
sbohlken@arroyogrande.org