Beginning Tuesday, the YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas, in partnership with Gloucester County Public Schools, will have before- and after-school care programs hosted at each of the five GCPS elementary schools. The program will provide a safe and engaging environment for students. “It’s been a labor of love for sure,” said YMCA Vice President of Child Care Caitlyn Leavens. In September of 2025, the Gloucester County School Board unanimously voted to move forward with the program. Since then, the YMCA and the principals of Abingdon, Achilles, Bethel, Botetourt and Petsworth elementary schools have been working together to start the program. The schools’ community engagement coordinators have also been instrumental in this process. Each school day, children from ages four to 12 can be dropped off as early as 6:30 a.m. at the school in which they are enrolled and will be watched until the school day starts. Students will be received upon dismissal and parents can pick up their children as...