Editor's note: This story was last updated on Friday, Aug. 14
Starting this month, Tucson organizations are offering new programs to help working parents of school-age children who are looking for a safe, supervised environment and remote learning support.
Here are a few we've found so far, and we'll be sure to update this list as we learn of new programs.
Tucson Unified School District Childcare
What: TUSD is offering childcare at nine district schools for families whose children require supervision and remote learning support and have no other options through its Community Schools and Preschool Programs. Students will be kept in classrooms with a ratio of one adult for every ten students and they must bring their device for online learning. Breakfast, lunch and snacks will be available through TUSD's food services program. TUSD accepts DES subsidies for its sponsored programs. Masks are required for children ages 5 and up. Tucson Parks and Recreations' KIDCO program will also be held at select TUSD schools, more information is found in the next section.
Ages: Open to children in preschool through 12 years old.
When: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday starting Monday, Aug. 17.
Where: The program will be offered at nine different TUSD schools.
Cost: $150 per week.
More info: Find all the details and contact information for each location to register your child on TUSD's website.
Re-imagined KIDCO
What: Tucson Parks and Recreation's popular KIDCO program is back for full-day care and remote learning support for elementary school children who attend school in the Tucson Unified or Amphi school districts. Children will be supervised by KIDCO staff who can help monitor and assist with remote learning during school hours and will also engage the children in activities, games, sports and art projects after school. Children must wear a mask and bring their own devices and any other supplies required for their assignments such as textbooks.
Ages: Students currently enrolled in kindergarten through fifth grade in Tucson Unified and Amphi school districts.
When: Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. starting Monday, Aug. 17.
Where: The program is being offered at ten different sites in the TUSD and Amphi school districts and each location is limited to 20-30 students.
Cost: $125 for city residents; $157 for non-residents per month. City residents may qualify for a 50% discount. Find more information about the discount program here.
More info: Registration begins at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, August 11. Register at EZEEreg.com.
Boys and Girls Club of Tucson
What: All six Boys and Girls Club of Tucson clubhouses are offering a full-day program to assist students with virtual instruction and provide other activities focused on youth development such as recreation and arts. Masks are required and students must bring their learning devices to the clubhouse. Meals are provided through Tucson Unified School District's meal program. So far, registration is only available for the month of August, but the organization will soon be making a decision about whether the program will be extended to other months.
Ages: For students ages 7-17.
When: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Where: Six Boys and Girls Club of Tucson clubhouses throughout the city. Find the locations and information here.
Cost: $50 for the month of August.
More info: Find more information and register on the Boys and Girls Club of Tucson website.
J-Care Plus
What: The Tucson Jewish Community Center has support staff to help students in kindergarten through fifth grade log on to their class meetings and ensure they are completing their school assignments. All students and staff will be required to wear masks, group sizes will be limited to 10 and staff will conduct health screenings upon entry to the building. Staff will also provide other fun activities including physical education and art for students to do when they have completed their schoolwork. The center will provide two snacks per day.
Ages: Kindergarten through fifth grade.
When: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Early care is available at 7:30 a.m. The program starts on Aug. 17, so far registration is only available for the month of August.
Where: Tucson Jewish Community Center, 3800 E. River Road
Cost: $325 from Aug. 17-31.
More info: Find more details and register here.
YKids Choice at the YMCA of Southern Arizona
What: Students will be supervised as they complete their virtual schoolwork and can participate in different themed activities each day with their group when their work is finished. Kids who attend the program can also participate in the Safety Around Water program to learn swimming and water safety skills.
Ages: Open to students ages 5-12.
When: Monday through Friday at least through October 9.
Where: The program is offered at five YMCA locations throughout Tucson.
Cost: $35 per day. There is a $10 daily discount for families who need financial assistance. Registration is for two-week blocks, but families can choose any number of days they would like to attend in that timeframe.
More info: Find more details and register on the YMCA of Southern Arizona website.
Dis-Dance Learning Lab
What: Dance Force-1 is offering remote learning support plus the opportunity for kids to take dance and art classes at its Foothills studio. Staff will help kids follow their school schedule and then allow kids to participate in enrichment classes when their work is complete. Masks will be required when students enter or leave the building or when interacting with staff, but they will be allowed to remove them once they are seated in their own physically-distanced desks and working on their schoolwork. Temperatures will be checked when students enter the building. Students will need to bring their own snacks, lunch, water bottle and learning devices. Capacity is limited to 15 students.
Ages: Open to students in kindergarten through 12th grade.
When: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Where: Dance Force-1, 5445 N. Kolb Road.
Cost: $30-$45 per day depending on the number of days you choose.
More info: Find all the details and register on the Dance Force-1 website.
The Learning Space at Creative Juice
What: Tucson paint studio Creative Juice has half-day or full-day options to assist kids with remote learning, tutoring, homework help and enrichment activities. The studio is run by Chellie Krajnak who worked an an elementary school teacher before opening the studio and the students will be supervised by Krajnak and an assistant. Krajnak says she will continue to offer this program for as long as there is a need for it. Space is limited to 15 students per week. Students must bring their own laptop or device and headphones.
Ages: Open to students in kindergarten through sixth grade.
When: Monday through Friday starting Monday, Aug. 17.
Where: Creative Juice, 6530 E. Tanque Verde Road
Cost: $230 per week for academic support from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.; $275 per week for academic support followed by tutoring, homework help and enrichment classes from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
More info: Find all the details and registration information on the Creative Juice website.
Trusting Connections in-home educator service
What: Trusting Connections Nanny Agency offers several options for families including virtual and in-home educators. Educators are certified teachers or have at least two years classroom experience and they can help students with their school-provided curriculum or plan and implement a curriculum tailored for each child. There is also an option to share services with other families.
Ages: Most options are for children up to eighth grade, but there are options for older children as well.
When: Families can determine the schedule that meets their needs.
Cost: The hourly cost ranges between $20-$50 per hour depending on the option you choose.
More info: Find out more information and the different options available on the Trusting Connections website.
