DOWNEY — The local YMCA will take over four city-operated day care programs at when classes begin Sept. 3 in the Downey Unified School District.

The City Council Tuesday night terminated its contracts with the district to lease facilities and operate day care programs at Gallatin, Imperial and Rio San Gabriel elementary schools; thus paving the way for the Downey YMCA to take over those facilities.

Council also agreed to lease the city’s portable modular buildings in Furman Park, 10419 S. Rives Ave., to the YMCA to continue day care operations for the adjoining Rio Hondo Elementary School.

The vote was 3-0 as Mayor Mario Guerra and Councilman Luis Marquez recused themselves from the vote because they are active with the Downey Family YMCA, located at 11531 Downey Ave.

Thad Phillips, director of community services, said the change was requested by John Swift, executive director of the Downey Y, who said the Young Men’s Christian Association of Metropolitan Los Angeles plans to expand day care programs at various branches

The Downey Y already operates such programs at Price Elementary and West Middle School. It has been licensed by the state to offer day care services for school age children for 30 years, Phillips said.

He said halting the four programs, begun in 1989 at Imperial and in 2005 at the other three sites, will allow his department to spend more time on other matters caused by vacancies.

It also removes the liability problem from the city.

Phillips said the city broke even on the program, charging fees to cover costs, which the past year was about $452,000. In addition, the city will receive $11,691 a year for leasing the Furman Park facilities to the YMCA.

He noted that the city is licensed to provide before- and after-school care to students in grades one through six with up to 49 students at each site.

Tod Corrin, a member of the Downey school board and chairman of the YMCA board, a volunteer post, said “continuity is important” as children are more comfortable with familiar faces.

For that reason the YMCA will offer the current part-time day care workers, employed by the city full-time jobs with benefits if they would stay at the four sites, Corrin told the City Council.

He said the Y plans to add day care for kindergartners and expand hours, remaining open until 6:30 p.m.

Questioned by Mayor Pro Tem Anne Bayer about serving children from low-income families, Corrin said there are special programs for that and in fact many students in the existing programs are on special consideration.

Two parents voiced concerns about the change, noting past unsatisfactory experiences with YMCA day care. They said they attended the council meeting Tuesday to represent other parents as they were not formally advised of the change but had heard rumors.

“Is it a done deal?” asked Clayton McDonald. He said parents would not have much time to find other day care programs that offer homework help as the city does.

“We are concerned about quality care. We don’t want just baby-sitting,” said Connie Quintero, who said she expects her costs to increase under the YMCA as she would not qualify for special consideration.

It was uncertain if the YMCA fees would increase, Phillips said, noting the city also would raise rates if costs increased.

“The YMCA has a good reputation [in child care]. I hope we can ease the minds of the parents,” Councilman Roger Brossmer said.

Councilman Dave Gafin agreed, noting that many of the current day care staffers are expected to stay.

Swift said registration will start Monday and parent meetings will be held to explain the new rate structure in light of the added day care hours and kindergarten program.

Meetings will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday at Imperial and the same times for Rio Hondo (Furman Park) Tuesday, Rio San Gabriel Wednesday and Gallatin Aug. 6.