We appreciate everyone's understanding as we continue to ensure the safety of our children, teachers and families of Children's Alley to determine our reopening date.

Based on the latest decision from Boulder County to extend the Stay-at-Home Order until May 8, we will be moving back our phased reopening to Monday, May 11. 

We have determined a phased approach to reopening will ensure our alignment with Colorado Public Health guidelines.

This first phase will begin in early May:

On May 11, we will reopen part our Infant Development Center (IDC). We will be contacting families directly who currently have contracts with the YWCA.

On May 18, we will reopen part of our Pre-K program. We will be contacting families directly who currently have contracts with the YWCA.

We will not be able to offer traditional drop-in services at this time and our hours will be Monday - Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with no Saturday hours. We are working with Colorado Public Health to determine what that process will look like as we get further into the opening.

If you are in need of child care and would like to be included on the interest list, please email the Director of Children's Alley, Kate Hise, at: khise@ywcaboulder.org . We will reach out to these parents mid-May as we move into opening additional spots.

This phased reopening is to ensure we are in compliance with Colorado Public Health and their recommendation and requirements for social distancing and consistency of children being served. During this time, we appreciate your understanding and patience as we work together to ensure a safe environment for the children, families and staff.

#GivingTuesdayNow is a global day of giving and unity, set to take place on May 5, 2020 as an emergency response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19.

Here at YWCA Boulder County, we have worked to eliminate racism and empower women in our community for nearly 100 years. We have been proud to serve our community with quality, affordable childcare, and mentorship and anti-racism programs.

As businesses begin to reopen and people start to go back to work, we will be there for families in need of quality, early learning childcare for their children. The construction of two additional classrooms with 24 new permanent childcare spots will be needed more than ever. We are "breaking ground" on these renovations soon!

Stand with us on #GivingTuesdayNow by making a donation , if you are able, or by sharing on social media why our work to eliminate racism and empower women is important to you. Together, we can impact our community in lasting ways, now and after this crisis.

Your donation to YWCA Boulder County is tax-deductible and eligible for the Colorado Childcare Contribution Tax Credit, which further reduces the net cost of your donation. In 2020, those who do not itemize their taxes are also eligible to take a $300 income tax deduction for their charitable cash donations in 2020.

Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s Stand Against Racism Week! Last week we had some great participation in our virtual activities each day, and hope everyone will keep up the great work of spreading knowledge on social media, contacting their legislators, writing letters to the editor, and encouraging everyone they know to complete their 2020 Census.

As part of last week’s Stand Against Racism, YWCA USA convened national leaders for an inspiring Tele-Town Hall to discuss why voting rights, census participation, and civic engagement are, and have always been, essential to racial justice. Joined by approximately 1,000 viewers from across the country – including YWCA Boulder County staff and board members - the town hall was a great opportunity for people to unite digitally against injustices. You can learn more and watch the recording here.

Singer, songwriter, actor, and activist, Janelle Monáe gave opening remarks, and YWCA USA was joined by Supermajority, When We All Vote, the United State of Women, the National Domestic Workers Alliance, the League of Women Voters, The National Education Association, the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, Black Women’s Roundtable, and the Voto Latino Foundation. These national leaders in the movement for racial justice and gender equity discussed the impact of systemic and structural racism on communities of color, and shared strategies and tactics for effective civic engagement amidst social distancing due to COVID-19.

With your continued support , our collective efforts can root out injustice, transform institutions, and create a world that sees women, girls, and people of color as we do: Equal. Powerful. Unstoppable.

Our next Reading to End Racism Literary Book Club will cover the book The Newcomers by Helen Thorpe.

The introductory meeting for this book will be on the evening of May 12, and will be an opening conversation about the book and the book club. You will not need to have read any part of the book yet.

If you are interested in joining this Book Club, please email Debbie Pope at dpope@ywcaboulder.org. All are welcome!

YWCA Boulder County is dedicated to supporting parents and families during this crisis. As we all deal with the Coronavirus pandemic, the YWCA is providing virtual activities and learning opportunities from our Children's Alley teachers . 

In today's video, our ECE Curriculum Director Griffin McKeague reads "Not A Box" . Enjoy!

Sign up for our Parent Resource emails that go out every other Monday with tips and activities for infants, toddlers and preschoolers, as well as general parenting, mental health and self-care tips. We are here to help all parents and families with activity and wellness resources as we weather this challenging time together.

Like our Facebook page and stay tuned for more resources and more videos from our Children's Alley teaching staff! You can also read our past Parent Resource emails on our blog .

Introducing our YWCA Pre-K Virtual Classroom: A website designed with the intention of keeping our families and children involved in our classroom curriculum and with our teachers! We will be posting videos, resources, activity ideas, as well as sharing lessons, ideas, tips, and general conversations that we hope will help you navigate this time at home with your child. We are so excited to connect with you all in this new way.

Continue to check in for additional content, like story-times, cooking and nutrition classes, and more. We will add more weekly!

If you would like to receive the Parent Resource eNews, please sign up here or by clicking the button below.

We wanted to share an online event put together by a great organization, the Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity Council.

Friday, May 1, 10:00 - 11:00 AM - Pandemic & Privilege - In Everyone Affected Equally?

COVID-19: Is everyone impacted the same? How does privilege play a role? What actions today make a better tomorrow? Join the live conversation as we look at the impact of COVID-19 and life in quarantine on all populations. Consider how privilege influences the different ways individuals and families experience the effects. Do differences in age, class (socioeconomic status), race, ability/able-ness, gender, or sexuality result in differences in: experiences, accessibility to resources, susceptibility, mental and emotional health, etc? The ZOOM link will be provided after registration approval.

YWCA Boulder County | ywcaboulder.org