Seattle to open 19 sites for child care, seven teen resource hubs

Seattle will provide day care to 550 elementary age kids at 19 locations that will help support their virtual learning, Mayor Jenny Durkan announced Tuesday. Additionally, the city will launch seven Teen Resource Hubs for internet access and other resources.

Majority of Washington students will be starting school year fully remote

Seattle Public Schools start remote instruction on Friday, Sept. 4.

“Students, families, and educators are all gearing up to go back to school. This time of year looks significantly different for our Seattle families than years past, and it’s required all of us to figure out how we’re best serving students and families in a virtual learning environment,” Mayor Durkan said in a press release. “We know that lack of access to child care is a huge issue for families, both in Seattle and nationally. Accessible and safe child care is a crucial element to our City’s recovery and the long-term health and success of our kids. The City is grateful to Seattle Public Schools for their ongoing partnership as we navigate the unprecedented remote learning environment.”

The city says registration is open for child care and scholarships are available to those who qualify. Already, 51% of families that have registered have received scholarships.

Families can register online here (click on “Sign Up for Classes, Activities & More,” and then under Activities click “licensed child care”), or by contacting a preferred child care location, or by contacting the Business Service Center at 206-684-5177. A full list of locations is here.

The program begins Tuesday, Sept. 8, and will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. WiFi is available at all sites. Also included is equipment provided by Seattle Public Schools.

Families can expect each location to follow current public health guidelines which include: daily wellness and temperature checks upon entry, regular cleaning and sanitation, clear policies about any illnesses, and the requirement of mask wearing by both staff and children.

The city is opening free Teen Resource Hubs on Tuesday, Sept. 8, at Southwest Teen Life Center, Miller Community Center, Garfield Teen Life Center, Meadowbrook Teen Life Center, Magnuson Community Center, Bitterlake Community Center, and South Lake High School. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Each hub will serve 200 students daily and lunch will be provided.

Families should register online starting Sept. 2 here.

Follow @http://twitter.com/Mynorthwest