YMCA to Operate County Daycare Center

Written By Brandon Russell

Commissioners Approved MOU Last Meeting

It began over two years ago with an idea proposed by Commissioner Colvin–a county run childcare center catering to county employees, used as a recruiting tool for hard-to-fill vacancies. Though the plan has changed several times, the center is currently under construction with plans for the YMCA to manage its daily operations.

Originally, plans called for a modular building near Leonard Hall Recreation Center, accommodating over 70 children, with a price tag of $2.54M. But after sending an eviction letter to Leonard Hall Junior Naval Academy (LHJNA) in early 2024, the Commissioners directed the Department of Public Works & Transportation (DPWT) to explore what it would take to renovate the former school for use as a daycare. Since vacating the space, LHJNA has not found a new home. 

Ray Bivens, Director of Recreation & Parks (RP), asked the Commissioners in July 2025 for permission “to explore the possibility of partnering with a certified childcare provider” to operate the childcare center. The facility would need to reach 85% occupancy to break even, Bivens said, so finding an organization willing to oversee the center would help offset potential losses for the county. The county has already invested around $3M in the project.

On December 16th, Bivens asked the Commissioners for approval of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the county and the YMCA, who “expressed interest as a not-for-profit partner to operate the site” according to a memo. The MOU is a first step, signaling the intent to sign an agreement in the near future. The multi-year agreement would include the following conditions:

  • The county will build out the facility to accommodate 100 children, and provide furniture for the building. The county will also provide a one time $20,000 credit to help pay for technology infrastructure.

  • The YMCA is responsible for utility bills, and normal wear and tear on the building.

  • A revenue sharing model would net the county 4% of gross receipts in Year 1. At 90% enrollment, the county’s share goes to 7.5%, and at 95% enrollment it rises to 10%.

  • If the center expands to 16 hours days, revenue sharing drops to 7.5%; if 24 hour days, it drops to 5.5%;

  • Up to 50% of the lease fee paid by the YMCA can be used for credit at other YMCA facilities in the county for things like sports practice, summer camps, pool visits, and more.

  • The county agrees to provide the YMCA with a list of county employees, in priority order, who will have “first preference” for availability and waitlists.

Targeting an enrollment of 100 makes the center more financially feasible, said Robbie Gill, CEO of YMCA Chesapeake. Pricing is being determined based on cost models built from other childcare provider rates in the area, Gill explained. 

Commissioner Colvin, who voted against pursuing this plan at the July meeting, voiced concerns about the daycare center being a revenue generator. The original intent, he said, was as a recruitment tool for county employees. The agreement reinforces the relationship between the county and the YMCA, Bivens asserted, and will generate cost savings in RP’s budget through use of other YMCA facilities. 

Presumably, that includes the YMCA location under construction in Great Mills. Gill told the Commissioners that $19M of the $22M total budget has been secured, and they expect to raise the rest of the funds. The director has been hired and is relocating to the area in January, with the facility looking to open in June 2026. 

The Commissioners approved the MOU with the YMCA to operate the county’s childcare facility. The final agreement is scheduled for a vote on January 13, 2026.

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Brandon Russell
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