More lower cost day care options are starting to emerge for Richmond Public Schools students to attend virtual classes and relieving parents who must work or who feel ill-equipped to double as teachers.

Though still modest and far short of the 1,000 to 1,500 slots some estimate as the need, the program backed by $3 million in city funding is expanding to include school buildings, churches and other approved sites, including the BlackTop Kings & Queens Sports Academy in South Side.

In an update presented Monday, the Richmond School Board was informed that one of five school buildings the board approved for day care use is now open.

YMCA Richmond opened its first school-based Student Success Center Monday at Miles Jones Elementary School in South Side, with the 49 slots already filled. That adds to the 80 slots at two churches the YMCA began with.

The School Board was told that the YMCA is scrambling to add staff at Miles Jones Elementary in order to boost the program to the 100 slots allowed.

The YMCA also has plans to open day care centers with 100 slots each at Holton Elementary School in North Side and Huguenot High School in South Side, but has paused as it investigates staffing and community interest for those programs.

The YMCA, relying on the city subsidy, is charging a maximum of $33 a week for those day care centers, with even lower costs or no charge for families living at or below the poverty line or whose income mainly comes from government aid.

Registration information is online at YMCARichmond.org

Along with the YMCA, two other organizations are gearing up to offer a safe space for learning at two other city school buildings.

First, the Richmond Behavioral Health Authority plans to open its independent safe learning space at Blackwell Elementary School in South Side on Monday, Oct. 12, with operating hours from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Supported by Medicaid, that program’s 100 slots are reserved for students whom RBHA is treating for emotional difficulties, those recom- mended by Richmond Public Schools and for qualifying students whose parents ask for an evaluation, said Dr. John Lindstrom, RBHA’s chief executive officer. Already, 60 students are signed up, officials said.

RBHA is offering the program without charge to those with Medicaid or an inability to pay due to income, he said.

“We will support RPS’ virtual learning program along with providing therapeutic day services,” said Shenee McCray, RBHA’s chief operating officer for mental health services. “These services will help students manage their emotions, develop coping strategies and assist them to focus so they can successfully complete each virtual school day.”

Transportation is provided by RBHA, with daily breakfast and lunch provided by RPS.

For details on that program, call (804) 819- 4000 and ask for Rapid Access.

Separately, the Peter Paul Development Center plans to open its Promise Center with 100 spaces at the Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School in the East End on Monday, Oct. 19, with operating hours from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

A memorandum of understanding is now being worked out between the nonprofit located at 1708 N. 22nd St. in Church Hill and RPS, the School Board was told.

Damon Jiggetts, Peter Paul’s executive director, said the program aims to serve students in the second through eighth grade whose parents are teachers, essential workers or live in the East End.

He said the program at the school, which will have city financial support, would include help during the day so children can attend virtual classes and after-school enrichment.

Mr. Jiggetts said he is working with city partners on ways to provide transportation, though it initially would not be available. He said the goal is to provide the service without charge.