“Our son Arlo has been in the child care program for the last two years, since he was about eight months old. Two things really stood out about the Y’s program as opposed to some others in the area – one is we really liked that the Y had a focus on physical activity as well as socialization and academics. The other thing that impressed us when we took our tour was the happy kids we saw – in each classroom the kids were playing and interacting with each other and their teachers – and it felt like a very warm and welcoming environment. Before the closure, I was really impressed with all Arlo was learning at ‘school’ as he calls it – he would come home singing a new song or with a new word and that was impressive. Arlo loved and still loves circle/music time. He loves to sing – so we would hear a lot about what songs he was singing. It was sad and a bit scary when the Y closed in March. During the closure, I think all of us missed the routine. As much as Arlo probably wouldn’t admit it, he liked his routine at school and the transitions to new activities that he didn’t get at home. While we did try to structure his day when he was home, Miss Tanya and Miss Liz are amazing at what they do and he had a much more defined day at the Y. Arlo returned to the Y in July. We thought a lot about the safety measures that were being put into place and felt that with cases low and the social distancing that was being put into place, that this was probably the best time to send him back. Arlo has been enjoying seeing his friends again. I am glad he is getting the socialization again of playing and sharing with his peers. He is also very excited to have music time again! I feel that the Y is taking every precaution to keep the kids and the staff safe. I know it is a lot of extra work to keeps those rooms clean and wiped down, but it seems like it has made a difference and the kids are safe and not getting sick. Pre-COVID I was looking forward to Arlo moving up to the next room and swim lessons starting. This year, I am just looking forward to the socialization of Arlo getting to see his friends in a safe way. I think being around children his own age is so important and I am really happy he gets to interact with them even though the pandemic is not over yet.”