How the Sarah and Richard Hardy YMCA Child Center Is Shaping Young Lives
The Sarah and Richard Hardy YMCA Child Development Center is privileged to provide high-quality childcare in Southbridge. Offering children a caring, safe, engaging space, with a variety of activities that promote fun and learning, we love watching children flourish under the guidance and nurture of our highly skilled teachers. Because we are passionate about nurturing young minds, we use a research-based curriculum that teaches children to be creative, confident thinkers. We strive to provide a program that is developmentally appropriate for all of the children in our care and meets the needs of children from diverse backgrounds, with varying skill levels. Our goal is to provide a safe space where children can flourish and grow to reach their full potential.
YMCA Childcare Excellence in Southbridge, MA
An early childhood education center should offer a variety of engaging activities in a clean, safe environment, under the nurturing guidance of a caring and experienced team. We have all that and more, and offer the following programs:
- Infants: 4 weeks to 15 months: Our individualized curriculum gives babies the space to move around and learn about the world, as they transition from infants to toddlers.
- Toddlers: 15 months to 2 years and 9 months: Inquisitive toddlers need a well-planned environment, with opportunities for physical activity, self-directed play, and supportive teaching. We give them this, with reading nooks, sensory tables, pretend play resources, musical instruments, and the chance for outdoor exploration. The learning experiences we provide are created to promote independence and confidence, nurture social skills, and help them prepare for preschool.
- Preschool: 2 years and 9 months to 4 years: Focusing on newly emergent skills, our preschool program encourages the development of language, math, and scientific thought. We provide learning centers that promote individual skills and emerging interests, to stimulate children’s curiosity and prepare them for lifelong learning. Upon completion of their time in preschool, children are well-prepared to move to pre-K, with all the skills they need to succeed.
- Pre-kindergarten: 4 years: Expanding on the skills gained in preschool and continuing to embrace children’s exploratory nature and natural curiosity, our pre-k program promotes kindergarten readiness. By helping children develop beginning reading and writing skills, understand math and science concepts, and engage in creative art, technology, and social and emotional development, we help them build a foundation of success.
- Kindergarten through 5th Grade: Out of School Time: After-school care, back-up care for school holidays and closing days, and summer day camps all provide school-age children with the support they need to grow in independence, self-sufficiency, and mutual respect. By providing a wealth of engaging enrichment activities, we give kids the opportunity to learn and socialize in a relaxed setting, while giving parents the support of a safe place for their children to go.
The Importance of Early Education Programs
Research consistently shows that children benefit from early childhood education in myriad ways. The support children receive from a high-quality early education program helps them develop trust, empathy, and communication skills. They learn cooperation, conflict resolution, and emotional regulation, and develop resilience and a positive self-image. Early education promotes school readiness, builds literacy skills, encourages cognitive development, and can lead to a life-long love of learning.
YMCA Family Services
At the YMCA of Central Massachusetts, we are committed to nurturing not only children but also families. Our child development centers are excellent, but they are not the only resource available to families with children. We also offer drop-in childcare, to make it easy for parents to go to work, after-school care and a place for kids to go when school is out, and day camps during the summer and other school vacations. We even offer amazing birthday parties, with different themes and activities, for a memorable day in which kids can have fun and parents can relax, letting the Y handle the details.
YMCA of Central Massachusetts Cares for Families
There is no better place than the YMCA to find care for your family members. Since the 1800s, the YMCA of Central Massachusetts has been an association united by the common goal of strengthening our communities. The members, volunteers, donors, and staff of the Y are engaged in a movement beyond themselves, committed to creating a place in which everyone can learn, grow, and thrive. At our five locations in Central MA- Fitchburg, Leominster, Westborough, Worcester, and Southbridge, we provide youth, adults, and families with support, guidance, resources, and the care and respect all people need. To learn more about all we have to offer, contact us through our website.
