The Arlington Boys & Girls Club, in partnership with local school districts, will offer free childcare for families of healthcare workers and other essential employees during the COVID-19 shutdown.
When Gov. Jay Inslee shut down schools until April 24 he also requested school districts find ways to provide childcare to children of healthcare workers and other essential workers.
The Arlington School District, the Lakewood School District and the Darrington School District have partnered with the Arlington Boys & Girls Club to do that.
"We have an opportunity here to provide free childcare for students of healthcare workers, first responders, pharmacy workers and grocery store workers," said Chrys Sweeting, superintendent of the Arlington School District.
The club is providing child care from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day for free to children of those kinds of workers. Other children can receive childcare, however there is a cost.
"We're taking all measures to make sure that the kids are remaining healthy," said Lyanne Rolf, unit director for the Arlington Boys & Girls Club.
Screenings are given at the beginning of the day to check the temperature for kids that come into the club.
Social distancing for the kids is also being followed.
"We're keeping them separated as much as possible. They're kids so we have to remind them," said Rolf.
Children rotate between four rooms throughout the day, including the computer room, the gym and the teen center.
"Usually, only kids 13 and up are allowed to be here in the teen center, so our younger guys are loving coming in here," said Rolf.
Every other computer station has been closed to ensure social distancing. Games being played in the gym are chosen so that kids are not touching each other.
School districts are providing food for lunch and breakfast for the program.
"This is for our families with healthcare workers, first responders or other essential employees. We know you're on the frontlines fighting for us and we want you to have this support," she said.
Rolf said that those interested in more information or in dropping of their child should call 360-435-4442 to register.
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