In a bind with your kids and virtual school time?

If so, the Butler YMCA Child Care Program offers emergency child care.

The program is accepting enrollments on a first-come, first-served basis, said Dianne Oesterling, director of child care and youth services for the Butler YMCA at 339 N. Washington St.

“More than ever, families need routine and a level of normalcy,” Oesterling said. “This new facet of the Y is allowing us to serve working parents.”

According to Christina Braden, school-age site director for the YMCA, the program helps students who are learning remotely to fully focus during lessons while allowing them to experience the YMCA.

“From quiet spaces to learn to gym time to burn off energy, it almost feels like a typical school day,” Braden said, adding each child is supported by staff as they independently learn.

“We’re here to assist with everything from connection issues to help logging into sessions, and more.”

Braden said that children are grouped consistently, typically by age or grade.

The program manages about 50 students, kindergarten through eighth grade, each week, with a capacity of 65. The program operates from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Virtual lessons begin at 9 a.m. and last until 3 p.m.

Braden said the YMCA staff maintains sanitation of highly touched surfaces and requires face coverings for students and staff and daily wellness checks of all who enter the facility.

Josh and Lori McWilliams have two children in the Butler Area School District who are enrolled, including Hope, 7, and Otto, 3. Hope is in the second grade.

“They really love their teachers,” Lori said. “And Hope really loves going to the gym. All the staff are really good with my kids.”

Lori’s nighttime work hours were a factor in her decision to send her children to the child-care program.

Oesterling said students must bring a bagged lunch and the YMCA provides an afternoon snack.

Membership at the YMCA is not required.

“It’s open to the community,” Oesterling said. “We knew there was a need here. It’s independent learning; the students are responsible to get to class.”

The school district or the families must supply the electronic devices, Oesterling said. Staff will help students log in and prepare for instructions.

Students and staff must wear masks at all times. The students are housed in small groups of 12 or less in different rooms and are required to “social distance as much as we can,” Oesterling said. There is access to the gym during break time.

The children are resilient and do what they have to do, she said.

“Whether you’re trying to balance working full-time, or working from home while trying to home school your kids, or are simply hoping to enrich your child’s academic and social skills despite the school shutdowns,” Oesterling said, “we’re here for you.”

For more information or to enroll, contact Christina Braden at cbraden@bcfymca.org or call 724-287-4733, Ext. 131.