“Atticus has been at the Y’s Child Care program for 4 years and 4 months. When we toured the YMCA while picking child care providers, the child care wing was still under construction. We saw the potential of what the Y was building and what they were aiming to achieve. Kathy Barros took us on a tour of the facility and answered all of our questions and made us feel like we found the perfect fit. We were both very upset when the Y had to close in March. Atticus missed seeing his friends. He was bored at home alone. He also missed the teachers and the activities that they were doing in the classroom. He returned back to the Y on July 1 in the summer child care program with Ms. Beth. Honestly, I was not worried about sending him back. I have always trusted the staff at the YMCA to put the safety and health of the children, staff and community first. They had a concrete plan for reopening safely while still letting the kids return to ‘normal.’ Now, he is thriving in Ms. Liz’s Kindergarten class! I have noticed a huge difference in his excitement for learning again and he really missed the social aspect. I am very happy with the safety and health procedures at the YMCA. I miss dropping him off in the classroom, but feel more comfortable knowing that there is less foot traffic with no parents going into the building. I am happy there are temperature checks and health questions asked before entering. It makes me feel good knowing that he can enjoy school again and be in a safe environment. It was such a relief that the YMCA started this Kindergarten program so he can learn in person safely. I am looking forward to the extra activities to slowly reopen. I would love for him to start swimming again, and to try some other classes. I hope before his Kindergarten year is over I will be able to go in and kiss him goodbye in the classroom!”