March 2026 – Childcare Outside the Box: Exploring Unique Childcare Options for San Diego
Posted on: March 31, 2026 | Posted in: Community Blog
Convening Topic
Childcare Outside the Box: Exploring Childcare Options for San Diego
Missed our March Convening or want a refresher? Check out our post with links that help with different childcare options! 39 individuals attended from over 24 different organizations and programs!
We discussed several key themes related to supporting military families as they navigate childcare options:
Building Community Support: The importance of military families developing strong community connections to provide support during emergency situations was emphasized.
Updates to the Primetime Program: The Primetime program is undergoing changes. Registration will take place from Monday, April 20, 2026, at 8:00 AM through Friday, May 1, 2026, at 3:00 PM (PST). All applications submitted during this window will be accepted. Additional details are available here. Families interested in learning more about the fall program are encouraged to attend the Parents as Partners meeting on Tuesday, April 7, from 5:30–6:30 PM (via Zoom).
Available Childcare Programs: A variety of programs are available to support families, including organizations such as the ASYMCA, Boys & Girls Club, and local recreation centers.
Financial Assistance Resources: Several organizations offer programs that may help offset childcare costs, including the Foundation for Women Warriors and the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society.
Childcare During Medical: Free childcare may be available at certain medical facilities. For example, the Cohen Veterans Clinic and Balboa Hospital offer childcare services when reserved in advance.
Our amazing speakers were:
– Cam Moralez, Branch Manager, Linda Vista Ron Roberts Boys & Girls Club.
Cam Morales has dedicated the past ten years to serving youth and families in a variety of roles focused on enrichment, mentorship and safe, supportive childcare environments. For the last five years, she has been with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego, where she currently serves as the Branch Manager of the Linda Vista Ron Roberts Boys & Girls Club. She is passionate about ensuring families have access to reliable, affordable, and enriching childcare options.
– Haydee Ramirez, Senior Program Director of Family Youth Enrichment, Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) San Diego
Haydee Ramirez is the Senior Program Director of Family Youth Enrichment at the Armed Services YMCA San Diego, with over 15 years of nonprofit experience in youth and family programming. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from San Diego State University and began her work with military youth through international internships in Spain, Japan, and England. These experiences sparked her passion for supporting military families and continue to shape her empathetic, mission-driven approach.
Throughout her career, she has led program development and organizational growth across multiple YMCA branches and now drives impact-focused initiatives and national standardization efforts at ASYMCA San Diego. Haydee also contributed to the development of the Center for Military Excellence, expanding youth programs and childcare access, and enjoys spending her free time with her family, staying active, and exploring San Diego.
– Keshia Javis-Jones, Program Director at Foundation for Women Warriors
RESOURCES
If you have any resources you’d like us to add in this month’s resource folder, please email mfrc@saysandiego.org. Please remember that it must be free, covered by the government (Tricare, GI Bill, etc), or extremely discounted. Please make sure to check the “Other Resources” tab while you’re in there for resources that are outside our topic of the month. We have a scholarship opportunity in there for high school seniors!
You could have connected with the following organizations/programs at the convening! EFMP, NPSHV, NMCRS, BGCGSD, FAPVA-NBC, MCRD SD, County of San Diego, MCCS, Empowered Fathers, FFSC, Operation Homefront, Cohen Veterans Clinic, ASYMCA, Smogborg, SAY San Diego, Telemynd, NPS, FFSC NBC, Boys and Girls Club, Courage to Call, SDVC, MCAS Miramar School Liaison, Blue Star Families, & Motivated Youth Academy.
Make sure to join us in April as our theme is Supporting Hearts & Minds: Mental Health Resources for Military Children!
