The Mt. Diablo Region YMCA is now offering families free memberships to the Delta Family YMCA in Oakley or the Irvin Deutscher Family YMCA in Pleasant Hill if they enroll their child in a child care program, representing a $950 annual savings per family.

In addition, the East County YMCA child care facilities are waiving the registration fee for child care, a $75 savings, until Aug. 31. The YMCA aims to support its community during this difficult economic climate and is striving to make membership and child care affordable to parents that require child care assistance before or after school. The YMCA also offers full or partial financial assistance scholarships to assist families to pay for the child care.

The Mt. Diablo Region YMCA child care program offers many benefits to children, including enriching activities carefully planned each week to provide the right balance of learning and fun. The program offers homework support, games, sports, outdoor activities, art and crafts projects, music and singing that help children with all aspects of their development, including creativity, coordination and teamwork. All child care programs are administered by YMCA site directors, who are state-licensed child care professionals.

“Now more than ever, the families in our community need an affordable, positive and life enriching place to come together and participate in healthy activities and programs,” said Michael F. Erwin, president and CEO of the Mt. Diablo Region YMCA. ... We hope that by offering fun, healthy and creative activities, we can ease the pressure and burden on the families in our community.”

According to Dawn Maddox, parent and community member of Antioch, “My daughter attends the YMCA child care at Lone Tree Elementary, and when it came time to sign her up for the coming year I was wondering whether I could afford it. When I was informed that the registration is free this year, I was so relieved. I’m thankful for all the wonderful care they give my daughter; it puts my mind at ease knowing she is in good hands. We are looking forward to the opportunity to participate in the YMCA family membership this year.”

Child Care Locations

Antioch School District: Carmen Dragon Elementary, Diablo Vista Elementary, Grant Elementary, Jack London Elementary, John Muir Elementary, Lone Tree Elementary, Mission Elementary and Sutter Elementary.

Byron School District: Discovery Bay Elementary.

Knightsen School District: Old River Elementary.

Oakley School District: Gehringer Elementary, Laurel Elementary, Vintage Elementary.

For more information, call the Delta Family YMCA at 925-625-9333.