LAUSD schools are closed. Here’s where parents and kids can go for child care and support

All Los Angeles Unified schools have been closed since Thursday due to hazardous air conditions caused by wildfires across Los Angeles County. 

The district announced on Sunday that it will reopen most schools and all district offices on Monday, Jan. 13.

READ MORE: See a list of schools that will remain closed.

For some families in need of child care, the closures pose significant challenges. The following are some resources in the neighborhood available to students and families affected. We’ll update this list as more become available: 

Free meals from LAUSD

• LAUSD is providing meals to students from 8 – 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 10 (or through school closures). Families are able to receive two meals per student. The following locations are open:
  • North: Mulholland Middle School, Sepulveda Middle School, San Fernando Middle School, Richard E. Byrd Middle School
  • East: Hollenbeck Middle School, South Gate High School, Los Angeles Academy Middle School, John H. Liechty Middle School
  • South: Fremont High School, Harry Bridges Span School, Edwin Markham Middle School, Barack Obama Global Preparation Academy
  • West: Marina Del Rey Middle School, Sonia Sotomayor Arts and Sciences and Magnet, Berendo Middle School, Fairfax High School
• Hollenbeck Middle School (2510 E. 6th Street) is the closest designated school in the District’s Region East (view additional locations here).

Child care

• YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles has partnered with LAUSD to offer free child care, activities and resources to those affected by the fires. Eligibility includes children of essential workers and families affected by displacement or property loss. Programs are available for children aged 4 years, 9 months through 8th grade and teens between 12 and up and are designed to assist families whose schools are currently closed. Families can register online through the YMCA portal at YMCA Registration.
• In addition to child care, the YMCA is also welcoming all teens aged 12 and up to its facilities, free of charge.
• The East L.A. YMCA in Boyle Heights (2900 Whittier Boulevard) will offer child care for elementary-age children from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10 (limited spaces are available). For more information contact afterschool@ymca.org

Community hubs

• Barrio Action (4927 Huntington Drive North) is open to all students from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday. Here you’ll find a computer lab, homework assistance, activities and recreation. 
• The Boyle Heights Arts Conservatory (2708 E. Cesar E. Chavez Avenue) will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, offering a space with WiFi, air conditioning, refreshments and masks. Students are welcome. 
• Wabash Recreation Center (2765 Wabash Ave, Los Angeles, California 90033) is open to students on Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Mental health support

• LAUSD has a resource line for those in need of mental health and wellness support. You can call (213) 241-3840 anytime from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. 

What you can do

Make sure to check in with your children about the fires, as it can be a stressful time. LAist has a guide to how to talk with your kids about this stress-inducing event: 

• https://laist.com/brief/news/climate-environment/how-to-talk-to-children-about-wildfires-evacuations-and-losing-a-home