Santa Maria Valley YMCA prepares to reopen childcare with health protocols

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - Diana Borjas struggled finding childcare for her toddler during the pandemic.

"It’s huge ... I was one of the parents that was suffering during the pandemic to try to find affordable daycare," said Borjas.

The Santa Maria Valley YMCA preschool was one of several childcare centers that closed throughout the pandemic.

"It's for parents right now … trying to find childcare … A lot of parents have to work … choosing between staying home or providing for their families," said preschool coordinator at the Santa Maria Valley YMCA.

As registration opens for childcare at the Y, Borjas can’t wait.

"I’m so excited it’s going to be fun to have the laughter the chaos and everything," said Borjas.

Managers at the Y say some of the local preschools had to close permanently due to the pandemic.

While childcare can be costly, the Y is working to make its services for families affordable with scholarships.

Managers say there will still be health protocols in place including mask wearing inside the preschool.

The Y's preschool is set to reopen August 1.