Dallas ISD to launch two childcare sites next week for families with first responders, healthcare and other essential workers

Beginning next week, Dallas ISD, in partnership with YMCA and Big Thought, will launch two emergency childcare sites next week serving children ages 5 through 12. These sites will provide conveniently located childcare to first responders, healthcare and other essential workers who may be facing childcare challenges during the COVID-19 reality.

The two centers will be located at: César Chávez Learning Center, 1710 N. Carroll Ave., and Montessori Academy at Onesimo Hernandez, 5555 Maple Ave. Each site will open from 6 a.m.–7:30 p.m. The childcare centers will be open for a total of at least eight business days, with partners then reevaluating the possibility of operating for additional days after that.

Cesar Chavez will open with the YMCA acting as the operating partner on Monday, April 20. Onesimo Hernandez will open with Big Thought as the operating partner on Wednesday, April 22. Both sites will operate on first-come-first-served basis with a maximum of 50 students per site.

These emergency childcare centers will have strict health and safety protocols in place that include:  temperature screening for staff and children; curbside drop-off and pick-up; limited class sizes of no more than 10, including the adults; personal protective equipment provisions; and daily cleaning, among others. Children will be provided with breakfast, lunch and supper, while remaining in their designated classrooms.

While everyone is encouraged to keep their children at home and practice social distancing, these sites will serve the front line essential workers who may have no other option. For the initial launch, the sites will be free of charge to families.