6 childcare options in Hamilton during Monday's teacher strike
'Register today so you're not turned away on Monday'
As Hamilton's elementary school teachers are striking on Monday, some parents in the city may be scrambling to find arrangements for their kids.
Here's a look at some places offering camps for students during the strike.
The YWCA
Both the McNab Street and Ottawa Street YWCA locations will be offering day camps for boys and girls age five to 13.
At the moment, there are 30 spaces available at each camp, says Ashley Mikitzel, the supervisor of the girls and youth program.
"I'm trying to encourage parents to register today so they're not turned away on Monday," Mikitzel said.
The camp includes games, crafts and swimming — but no trips because it was arranged last minute.
The basic camp runs from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., and costs $28. An extended camp runs from 7:30 a.m. until 5:45 p.m. and costs $36.
For more information, call 905-522-9922.
Liberty Karate
Liberty Karate at 120 San Antonio Drive will be holding a karate day camp for kids age six and up.
There's no physical contact, and no previous experience is required, says instructor Jeff Burroughs. "We're just going to be practicing," Burroughs said. "They'll be learning the basics behind karate, and character development."
The camp starts at 8 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m. It costs $25 and includes a pizza lunch. Parents are asked to provide kids with snacks and something to drink.
For more information, call 905-218-6958.
The Royal Botanical Gardens
The RBG is offering outdoor environmental education camps for students on Monday.
"Students get to learn about plants, animals, people and how they're all connected," said Jason van Veen of the Royal Botanical Gardens.
The camp is mostly outdoors and runs rain or shine, so parents should have their kids dress for the weather, he said.
It runs from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. and costs $50 for RBG members and $54 for non-members.
For more information, call 905-527-1158.
Parenting and Family Literacy Centres
The HWDSB has said that Parenting and Family Literacy Centres will remain open for their normally scheduled hours, and childcare services offered in schools will continue to operate for students already registered in the program.
However, a parent or guardian must be present with children at the centre.
Hamilton recreation programs
The city is offering help for help parents who need alternative childcare during Monday’s elementary school teacher’s strike.
To register a child for a recreation program on Monday, create an account at: http://rec.hamilton.ca and select ‘courses & lessons’ and then choose camps for 5 – 11 year olds/PA Day camps.
You can also call the rec centres directly at these numbers:
- Ancaster Rotary Centre 905-540-9165
- Bennetto Community Centre 905-546-4944
- Huntington Park Recreation Centre 905-546-4880
- Sir Allan MacNab Recreation Centre 905-546-2554
- Stoney Creek Recreation 905-573-3600
The camp costs $23.50 per child for residents and $34.75 for non-residents.
Today's Family
Today's Family is offering games, crafts, arts and outdoor activities (weather permitting) in over 150 Hamilton homes during the strike.
Cost is $37.50 per day and and care runs from 7 a.m. until 6 a.m. Parents can visit Todaysfamily.ca or call 905-574-9344 for availabilty.
Is your business offering emergency childcare service on Monday because of the strike? If so, let us know at Hamilton@cbc.ca.