DENVER — Most of Colorado’s biggest school districts will be closed on Thursday or Friday as teachers skip work to call for better pay, more school funding and pension funding.
That means thousands of students suddenly have a shorter-than-expected week and parents may be left wondering how to arrange for someone to watch their kids on those days.
MORE: Colorado's 10 largest school districts to close later this week for teacher walkouts
Districts have largely been leaving the issue of childcare up to parents. Some schools and districts have after-school care or daycare programs that will be open, but they may not be able to take all children and some programs may not be open at all if the school is closed. School District 27J, for example, said in a letter to parents that before- and after-school programs will not be available.
Officials with Denver Public Schools said that the district's before- and after-school care program, Discovery Link, would be offering full-day camps at 22 locations, but only for children already enrolled in the program.
Denver parents with additional questions about childcare options can call DPS's Family and Community Engagement Hotline at 720-423-3054.
Community organizations
Some organizations and nonprofits in the community may be able to take in children for the day but none of the organizations Denver7 contacted had any solid plans for open childcare. Places like the YMCA and the Boys and Girls Club offer daycare and/or before- or after-school programs but they might not take children who are not already registered. Check with your local chapter to find out what options they have available.
Children's Learning Adventure, which has locations in Thornton, Centennial and Parker, said it will be waiving its registration fee and offering the first day free for new families who sign up because of the teacher walkouts. For more information, go to childrenslearningadventure.com or call 303-562-1656.
Take your child to work day
Consider this a backup option if you can’t find childcare – Thursday is the annual “take your child to work” day, so if all else fails, you could take your little one with you for the day.
