Furlough Week Child Care Options Available

Monday marks the start of a weeklong furlough for Las Virgenes Unified students, a result of an agreement between the district's school board and the educators association designed to save 63 teaching jobs.

To reduce the stress placed on working parents worried about what to do with their kids during the week off, several child care programs and activities have been organized by the district with help from some outside organizations.

With the furlough week fast approaching, parents had plenty to say about their last-minute child care plans as they waited in a long line of cars in front of Bay Laurel Elementary School on Thursday afternoon. Many moms, such as Amy Jansen, plan on pooling their resources with other parents.

"I am still working on the babysitting details between a few of my friends," Jansen said. "One day home from work is much easier to take off than four."

 Susan Walsh was happy the district handed out a list of child care opportunities.

"I appreciate that I was able to look at some affordable options," Walsh said of the programs, some of which cost as little as $40 a day. "I haven't decided yet, but know I will today by necessity. No more procrastinating!"

The organizations below are offering programs during furlough week. Availability is as of Thursday afternoon.

Boys and Girls Club at Chaparral Elementary

Available Spots? Yes. Advisory: Tuesday and Wednesday are pretty full so call ASAP.

• Who: Grades K-4.

• What: A "countries" themed week of entertaining learning. Monday is Israel, Tuesday will be India, Wednesday is Mexico, Thursday will be France and Friday's theme is Norway.

• When: May 24-28, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. for the bulk of activities with care extended from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

• Where: Chaparral Elementary School, 22601 Liberty Bell Road, Calabasas

• Cost: $40 a day and $160 for the week.

• How to register: Call 818-224-3097.

Agoura Hills/ Calabasas Community Center Furlough Days Program

Available Spots? Yes.

• Who: Kids and teenagers of all ages, depending on the program.

• What: Sports N More Premium Sports Camp, May 24-28, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; Rock and Roll High, May 24-28, Mon-Fri, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

• Where: 27040 Malibu Hills Road, Calabasas

• Cost: Sports N More: $55 per day or $245 for the week; Rock and Roll High:  $350 for the week.

• How to register: Call 818-880-2993.

Wolf's Super Camp

Available Spots? Yes. 

• Who: Two age groups: Grades 4-5 and 6-8.

• What: A week of outdoor education at an adventure complex in Simi Valley. Science, arts and crafts and light sports activities included.

• When: May 24-28, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

• Where: Address available upon parent request.

• Cost: $42 per day, $185 for the week.

• How to register: Call 818-991-6707 or visit the site at wolfsupercamp.com.

Triunfo YMCA 

Available Spots? Yes. Call ASAP for specific availability by grade.        

• Who: Two age groups: Grades K-3 and 4-8.

• What: A themed week of fun. Monday is Sports Day, Tuesday is Carl's Jr. walking field trip day, Wednesday is Water Fun Day (bring swimsuit), Thursday is Rite Aid ice cream walking field trip day and Friday is Cooking Day.

• When: May 24-28, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. for the bulk of activities with care extended from 6:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

• Where: YMCA building on the Willow Elementary School campus, 29026 Laro Drive, Agoura Hills

• Cost: $175 for the week for non-YMCA members, $120 per week for members

• How to register: Call 818-706-0993.