The City of Yonkers is partnering with Yonkers Public Schools and local community-based organizations in opening health care providers/first responders childcare centers to accommodate students age 4 through 12 who are the children of essential service providers who are working to battle the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Yonkers Community Development Agency, which fosters partnerships among all levels of government and the private sector to provide economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income persons living in Yonkers, will fund the childcare services for YPS students.
“These are uncertain times, but as a city and community leaders, our job is to lift each other up and lend a hand where and when we can,” said Mayor Mike Spano, who is chairman of the Yonkers Community Development Agency. “This partnership will provide those battling COVID-19 on the frontlines the ease of mind that their children are in a safe and supportive environment while they work. Thank you to our schools and CBOs for stepping up so we can defeat this pandemic and become a stronger, more united Yonkers.”
Two childcare centers will operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and include two meals, until YPS reopens: Healthy Kids Extended Day Program, Casimir Pulaski School, 150 Kings Cross, Yonkers; and Neighborhood Kids Achievement Program, School 16, 759 N. Broadway, Yonkers. Both have the capacity for two classrooms, or 20 students.
“These are times when the community comes together and unites to support one another, whatever the cost,” said Board of Education President the Rev. Steve Lopez. “The trustees didn’t hesitate for a moment to safely shelter the precious children of the men and women on the first line of defense in our community.”
Dr. Edwin Quezada, Superintendent of Schools, said the entire learning community is grateful for the relentless work and commitment of Yonkers health care providers and first-responders during these tenuous times and on a daily basis.
“The decision to assist by offering a safe haven for their children was one way to offer thanks to these courageous individuals while they put their lives on the line,” he said. “We are honored to be able to do our part.”
“During this unprecedented, global health crisis, Yonkers health care providers and first-responders are on the front lines dealing with the effects of novel Coronavirus,” added Yonkers City Council President Mike Khader. “While most of us are at home practicing social-distancing, for these individuals, that simply isn’t possible. That’s why I’m happy Yonkers Public Schools will be opening two childcare centers for the children of these critical service personnel. We need them focused on doing their jobs, not on finding safe, supportive environments for their children. I’m glad we can support them as they fight to get our city back up and running.”
Essential health care workers who qualify for the services may include licensed health professionals such as physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and nurse assistants or laboratory personnel and pharmacists. First responders may include paramedics, emergency medical technicians, police officers and firefighters.
As space permits, health care providers and first responders childcare centers will accommodate children of YPS district essential employees.
Parents interested in the childcare service are asked to email Dr. Corey Reynolds, assistant superintendent, at creynolds@yonkerspublicschools.org. Seating is limited. Any parent who wishes to utilize the service but does not have a registered YPS student will be charged a daily fee per child, not to exceed $60 per child, per day.
