Changes in How Parents Work Re-Shape Child Care Landscape Local Provider Responds with More Options, Greater Flexibility

As employment increasingly makes a transition from the typical 9 to 5 workday to around-the-clock operation, workers who formerly worked a set shift everyday not work different shifts, sometimes at irregular hours at more than one job.

For parents, this new world of work brings with it difficult decisions concerningchild care. Parents recognize the value of stable, structured childcare. At the same time, they have struggled trying to find providers who can match their disjointed schedules. Many times, parents find themselves piecing together child care from several sources, including relatives, neighbors, or even staying home alone.

To help parents meet this challenge, the YMCA and JCC of Greater Toledo recently introduced new, flexible child care options. Already the largest provider of child care in the area, YMCA and JCC staff will work with parents to develop a plan that meets their specific needs.

The flexible child care options also provide a solution for unexpected child care problems—if school is cancelled or delayed, the YMCA and JCC will still be there.

"There are more and more parents juggling jobs who need just a couple hours of care for their children. It is important that children are not alone for those couple hours or shifted from one caregiver to the next," explained Becky Spencer, vice president of child care services at the YMCA and JCC of Greater Toledo. "The YMCA/JCC provides the flexibility parents need so their children are in a safe, stable environment."Spencer went on to note that studies show that children in a stable, consistent environment have fewer behavioral problems."We wanted to develop options to meet the parents’ scheduling needs," said Spencer. "This will result in children being safer with fewer discipline problems, and improved development."Whether it is full time, part time, or just a few hours a week, the YMCA and JCC  are committed to providing the kind of care that meets parents’ busy schedules while giving kids the care they deserve.

The YMCA and JCC offer flexible scheduling, affordable prices and comprehensive care for children ages 18 months to 12 years old at 45 locations throughout Northwest Ohio. For more information, please call 419-474-3995.