Daycare extends services at LAC

by biAncA UrzUA

Long Beach City College continues to launch programs that help break down barriers for students.

LBCC announces the new program “The Viking Club House” with Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach to help student parents have the option to enroll their children in free after-school programming while they attend their classes.

The program is free for LBCC students and provides after-school care for children ages 6 to 18. The clubhouse is open Monday through Friday from 2 p.m. – 8 p.m.

There are two locations, one located on-site at the Liberal Arts Campus and the other location at the John C. & Alice Wallace Boys & Girls Club of Long Beach. The program was envisioned by superintendent-president Dr. Mike Munoz in order to help student parents reach their educational goals as he himself was a student parent when he attended college.

“I reflect on my own personal experience as a single student parent working to get my degree and make a better life for myself and my daughter. I know firsthand the struggle to find affordable and dependable after-school care so I could attend evening classes or study groups as a community college student,” said Munoz.

There are currently 47 children enrolled in the clubhouse. The activities provided for the children are homework help, arts and crafts, music lessons, STEM activities, outdoor play, sports and a hot meal. Staff members provide individualized attention for the children to build their skill sets and focus on working with the children one on one.

Amy Huynh, site coordinator for boys and girls club, shares that she is delighted to hear the positive feedback from parents and that the clubhouse is providing an atmosphere where their kids see their parents go to classes which also encourages them to think about going to college one day.

The program has demonstrated so much change and aid to all the student parents enrolled at LBCC. Also creating new programs for students and continuing to break down any educational barriers.