Minneapolis parents weigh child care options during teacher strike

Ellen Galles KSTP

Families are trying to figure out last-minute child care options as they face a teacher strike.

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The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board will open 10 “hub sites” at recreation centers around Minneapolis from noon to 3 p.m. in the event of a strike. Each location can take on about 45 kids. The service is free and registration is already filling up.

The YMCA also has programming on standby for students impacted by a strike. Three locations in Minneapolis and St. Paul will offer all-day programming from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. for impacted kids. The costs range from $12 to $45, depending on the location. Registration is now open at the Blaisdell and North Community locations.

Dave Grote with the YMCA says the curriculum model was already in place from distance learning.

“We’ve got a standard curriculum from arts and humanities … to science programs … to social/emotional learning. We also have some fun for the kids with gym games,” he said.

Educators rally ahead of a potential teacher strike in Minneapolis. (KSTP-TV)

And, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities will open for current and new members, in the event of a strike. The clubs say operating hours will run from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. each day until the strike ends. Breakfast and lunch will be served to youth utilizing the clubs, and academic programming will also be provided.

Additionally, annual membership fees will be waived for all new members during a teacher strike, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities says. However, due to staffing and capacity restraints, spaces will be limited.

The clubs urge any interested parents to reach out immediately to start registration paperwork. CLICK HERE for more information.

The Minneapolis school district says it will have limited child care for elementary-age students. The capacity is based on staffing and could differ from school to school. The district is asking that these slots be reserved for families without other options.

Teachers for the districts could go on strike as soon as Tuesday but no announcement of a strike has been announced yet.

Editor’s Note: This article has been updated now that a tentative agreement has been reached in the St. Paul Public School District.