Giving Families Peace of Mind Through Reliable, High-Quality Child Care

The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago’s mission to strengthen community by connecting all people to their purpose, potential, and each other — including our youngest community members — calls upon us to show up for local youth in every way we can. 

During negotiations between Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and the Chicago Teachers Union in early 2022, the Y continued to fulfill our commitment to our community by providing high-quality enrichment and care options for youth across the city.

Throughout the negotiations, several of our sites offered Schools Day Out, the Y’s signature child care program for days when school isn’t in session.

Youth aged 6 to 12 participated in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) activities, arts and crafts, sports, and enriching games led by the Y’s caring and knowledgeable staff. Meanwhile, parents and guardians were able to have peace of mind knowing their kids were staying engaged in a safe community space.

“While parents and caregivers are at work, our Ys provide quality education enrichment to CPS students while classes are not in session, giving them a safe and engaging learning environment,” said Dorri McWhorter, President and CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago. “The Y’s Schools Day Out program brings positive learning activities led by caring role models to our community’s young people, helping them reach their full potential so they can grow into thriving adults.”

The Y is committed to making child care more accessible to Chicagoland’s families and offers financial assistance.