The program will serve children from 6 weeks old to preschool age
WELLSVILLE, NY – The YMCA has exciting news for parents of young children in the Wellsville area. This fall the doors of the Wellsville YMCA Early Learning Center will open for the first time.
“As a mother and member of the Wellsville community it has always been a dream of mine to bring an education-based Early Learning Center to our area. Research proves that quality preschool programs have a clear positive effect on children’s early literacy and mathematics skills,” expresses Brianna Simms, Wellsville YMCA Executive Director. “The Y chose to fast track this dream into reality after watching how the pandemic diminished childcare availability even further. The overwhelming response from families has confirmed how much this center will mean to our community. The mission of the Y is to serve our community and we are excited to do so in this new and much needed way.”
The mission of the YMCA is youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, and the Wellsville ELC will address all three of these impact areas. A high-quality early child care and education experience contributes to the overall well being of all children. The ELC will offer developmentally appropriate activities in a nurturing, respectful environment, while meeting the needs of families. All programs incorporate health and wellness into the curriculum to ensure children are developing healthy habits that will shape a lifetime of wellness.
About the Facility
Construction has begun just two doors down from the Wellsville YMCA at 143 Bolivar Road in the Riverwalk plaza. The renovation will include building 5 classrooms, two for ages 6 weeks to 18 months, two for ages 18-36 months, and one for ages 3-5 years old. An outdoor playground will also be constructed in the green space next to the center.
About the Program
The OCFS licensed child care site will provide an educational year-round curriculum based child care program. The Nursery and Preschool curriculums include Kindergarten readiness skills, arts and crafts, outdoor play, physical movement and more. Nutritious meals and snacks will be provided. The ELC will operate Monday through Friday from 6:30am to 6:00pm. The center will have a capacity to serve 50 children.
About the Staff
The Wellsville YMCA is hiring additional child care employees and teachers to staff the center. All YMCA Early Learning Staff must undergo an FBI clearance, state criminal background check and child abuse clearance. Staff receive 30 hours of annual training including child abuse, fire safety, water safety, and Pediatric First Aid/CPR. Staff are also trained with “Darkness to Light”, a child abuse prevention program.
Financial Assistance
Child care discounts and financial assistance are available. YMCA Family Members receive an additional discount when enrolling. DSS child care subsidy will be accepted at the center as well as YMCA scholarships available to families who do not qualify for DSS.
“This Early Learning Center is coming at a critical time where many families are in serious need of child care in Wellsville and the surrounding communities.” explains Jeff Townsend, YMCA of the Twin Tiers CEO. “This new center will be a beacon of hope for families needing a safe place for their child while they are at work, or so they can return to work, but spaces are limited, so it is very important that interested families secure their spots now before the center fills.”
For more information, to register your child, or to inquire about employment, please contact Brianna Simms, Executive Director of the Wellsville YMCA. She can be reached at 585-593-3246 or by email at BriannaS@TwinTiersYMCA.org.
