The Lompoc Unified School District along with with Lompoc Family YMCA and Lompoc Valley Medical Center (LVMC) have their child care program in full swing helping to support essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lompoc Unified was one of the first districts in Santa Barbara County to initiate the childcare essential services for first-responders, hospital workers, and other essential personnel.

“Having this for those who are putting themselves in harm’s way to keep our community safe and functioning is the right thing to do,” said Superintendent Trevor McDonald. 

“I am incredibly grateful to the YMCA staff for their efforts and hard work with our children. We are all in this together and will to do our part during these trying times,” shared Patty L, an essential worker. 

Lompoc Unified provides breakfast and lunch for the students,as well as curriculum for them during their time at the facility on La Canada’s campus. In addition, LVMC provides snacks and Tom’s Restaurant is providing dinner. The program is currently free to essential workers.

“Working collaboratively with the different public-service agencies in Lompoc really shows what our small community is all about doing what’s best for kids,” said Bree Valla, assistant superintendent of human resources. The facility is currently caring for about 20 students per day and is ready to increase to serve a larger population.

Strict policies are in place to ensure the safety of the students and staff, according to Tommy Speidel, YMCA regional executive director.

“We are adhering to the CDC guidelines including strict social distancing,” Speidel said. “We screen students at the start of the day, have strict policies to prevent co-mingling of staff and students, and we have students wash their hands and use personal hand-sanitizer bottles frequently.”

To register, visit https://www.ciymca.org/childcare-essential-services or email Stephanie.Saucedo@ciymca.org.