A free drop-in childcare program is launching in Penn Yan this October, giving parents and grandparents a place to leave young children for a few hours while they run errands, attend appointments, or handle other personal business.
Julie Champion of Child and Family Resources joined the FLX Morning Podcast on September 18 to discuss the new “Stay and Play” program, which will be held at the organization’s office at 263 Lake Street in Penn Yan — just past McDonald’s, next to the car wash. Starting in October, the program will run Tuesday afternoons from 1 to 3:30 p.m., with trained staff available to care for children ages four months to six years old. A Thursday morning option is being targeted for November as well.
The program is designed for occasional, intermittent use — not as a substitute for regular childcare. Drop-ins are capped at around eight children at a time, depending on the ages of those enrolled. Infants require a higher staff ratio, so capacity adjusts accordingly. Pickup must happen before the 3:30 p.m. cutoff, as the program’s exemption from New York State childcare licensing requirements depends on children being present for fewer than three hours.
Champion encouraged families to register in advance rather than on their first visit. A one-time registration packet must be completed, and bringing children along to meet the staff beforehand can make the first drop-off easier for everyone. Parents can also call up to 30 days ahead to reserve a spot for a specific date, though availability remains first come, first served. Walk-ins on the first October date are welcome, and families can also use that visit to complete paperwork for future use.
Champion also highlighted the organization’s existing Children’s Center at the Yates County Courthouse in Penn Yan — a free drop-in program for parents who need to attend court proceedings, meet with an attorney, or go to mediation. Child and Family Resources receives the majority of its funding through state and local grants, including support from the New York State Office of Children and Family Services Trust Fund.
For more information or to pre-register for Stay and Play, visit cfresources.org or stop by the 263 Lake Street office in Penn Yan. The site also includes resources about New York’s Child Care Assistance Portal for families seeking help with childcare costs.