YMCA launches Learning Labs to help families with distance learning

Posted

The Ponte Vedra Family YMCA is helping to make life a bit easier for families trying to navigate a school year complicated by COVID-19 protocols and concerns.

As with other First Coast YMCA locations, the Ponte Vedra facility has debuted Y Learning Labs, a safe place for students to keep up with distance-learning curriculum.

Learning Labs are equipped with quiet workspaces and WiFi for students and supervised by certified Y staff members, giving parents peace of mind.

The recent pandemic has led many families to pursue nontraditional avenues of education for their children. Many students still attend “brick-and-mortar” schools, but school-based distance learning, St. Johns Virtual School and homeschooling options have become a consideration for more families.

Whatever path a student takes, Y Learning Labs facilitate curriculum and offer enrichment activities. In addition, the Y provides homeschool P.E. options.

“The YMCA just felt like this was an opportunity to serve the community and provide that service,” said Ponte Vedra Family YMCA Executive Director Charlie Chacos, whose own daughter participates.

Students may bring classroom materials to the lab and access online learning options during the school day. The pacing and curriculum are determined by the schooling option selected by the families.

The program is especially useful for families in which both parents work.

“If a child in my daughter’s class tested positive, the whole class would have to go back in quarantine,” said Chacos. “That doesn’t really work for dual-working parents.”

The Y’s enrichment activities, such as STEM, the arts, physical activity, character development, diversity inclusion and leadership development add to the students’ “school day.”

“We try of fill the extra time with enrichment that they’re missing from not being able to be in school and build those relationships,” said Kimberly Green, senior program director.

Though the purpose of the labs is to facilitate a space where students can learn, Y staff can help those who have questions.

“If they have any questions, we help them get in touch with their teachers,” Green said. “Or if they have any extra need for a little bit more information on a different question, we help them with that.”

The school day runs from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and students follow the schedule set forth by the education option they choose. The labs have a cap of 12 students per classroom, so social distancing is easily observed.

The homeschool P.E. program offers an hour of exercise and activity.

It gives students a chance to have fun, “especially if they have been at home and stuck behind a computer,” said Healthy Living Director Tina Allen. “It just gives them something to look forward to.”

It also offers homeschooled students some social interaction they may be missing. The program is free to members, $80 a month to nonmembers. It is not necessary to sign up for the Learning Labs to participate in the P.E. program.

To register for the Learning Labs or get more information, go to fcymca.org.