CSS 2020-08-24 Item 1C - Update - Fall Childcare and Family Support

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Allan Ekberg, Mayor Parks & Recreation Department - Rick Still, Director TO: Community Services & Safety Committee FROM: Rick Still, Parks & Recreation Director BY: Darren Hawkins, Youth Program Specialist CC: Mayor Ekberg DATE: August 18, 2020 SUBJECT: Fall Childcare and Family Support ISSUE Childcare is quickly becoming a major need for the Tukwila families as parents return to work and the school year approaches. Local schools are offering online only learning and several childcare facilities are still closed or operating with limited capacity. There is a major shortage of childcare options and many Tukwila residents need to return to work to provide for their families. BACKGROUND Tukwila Parks and Recreation staff have distributed thousands of meals and activity kits to Tukwila children through the new Park n' Play mobile recreation and outreach program this summer. Staff have heard several childcare concerns from parents and caregivers. Now that the Tukwila School District and Impact Schools have announced online learning only as they enter the 2020-2021 school year, concerns have become even more prominent. Recreation Staff have developed a fall Childcare and Family Support Program to help families with childcare needs and learning assistance while providing physical, social, and emotional enrichment for children. Daily activities will be designed to assist students with online learning and provide opportunities to play and interaction with other children through recreation, art, STEM, and outdoor activities. An overview of the program is as follows: • Full day childcare in a safe, fun, and productive environment for Tukwila students. • Program Dates: September 14 - December 18, 2020, Monday -Thursday from 8:00 am-4:00 pm at the Tukwila Community Center. Note: start date is subject to change. • Program Grades: 2nd - 5th grade students. 1st grade students would be considered, however due to limited staff capabilities older students would need less computer assistance, therefore, staff could support more children while maximizing program effectiveness by focusing on grades 2-5. • Eligibility: Registration will be open to Tukwila Residents only. • Health and safety protocols would be strictly enforced following King County Public Health and CDC guidelines including but not limited to: o Basic health and temperature completed daily upon arrival to the program. Social distancing would be strictly adhered to. o Curbside drop-off and pick-up only. Parents/guardians would not enter the building. o Hygiene protocols including handwashing/sanitizing would occur throughout the day. o Students would remain in one group through the duration of the program and would not interact with other groups. Tukwila City Hall • 6200 Southcenter Boulevard • Tukwila, WA 98188 • 206-433-1800 • Website: TukwilaWA.gov 33