EL MONTE, Calif. — The children who partake in an after-school program in El Monte may not recognize their city's mayor, Andre Quintero, but he's played a crucial role in starting it up.

"We are doing as much as we can with what we have to support our community," Quintero said.

It’s called the COVID-19 Youth Learn & Care Program, courtesy of the El Monte Parks and Rec Department.

The program is free and open to kids 7-12 years old on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.  From 3-6 p.m., the children participate in a variety of outdoor activities, both educational and recreational.

"It gives parents breathing room so they can take a little bit of a break," said Quintero. "And it gives children the opportunity to be with other children."

Ruben Macias is one of the rec leaders who helps students with various learning projects, such as helping the kids build marshmallow towers — a hidden lesson in engineering. He works to challenge their minds and spark creativity.

"What measurements, what techniques they have used to make the tower stand and work," Macias said.

They also make time for fun, especially on those hot days. The kids participate in water balloon races and get some time to run through the sprinklers.

Masks are required, and staff members do their best to ensure everyone practices physical distancing. Gibson-Mariposa Park is one five parks hosting the after-school programs, which are limited to 20 children per site.

The mayor says money for programs came from both state and federal COVID-19 resources.

"If it works and we’re successful at it, hopefully we can expand it and include more children," Quintero said.

In a community filled with many single-parent and working-class families, he hopes this will let them catch their breath, so they can survive this rocky start to the school year.

"We’re hopeful that that time will come again where we can go out and enjoy each other’s company and not be fearful of contracting COVID."