GREENVILLE — The Child Care Center at the Greenville branch of the Darke County YMCA recently underwent renovations, and the improvements are continuing with a new name, new programs, expanded hours and a new director.
The center is now called The Greenville Y Child Development Center, to better reflect the ongoing commitment to providing the highest quality early learning and childcare for Darke County residents.
“As one of our YMCA national areas of focus, youth development is foundational to us,” said YMCA CEO Sam Casalano. “We believe that the skills and values children learn early on are vital building blocks for quality of life and future success. As we strive to support the development of every child cognitively, physically, spiritually and socially, and also recognize the essential nature of our partnership between school and home, it is our desire that every child realize their full potential, resulting in confident kids today and contributing and engaged adults tomorrow. Our name change is part of our journey and we are grateful to partner with families in our wonderful community.”
The Child Development Center also has welcomed a new director, Katelyn “Katie” Roberts. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Miami University with a specialty in Early Childhood Education. She previously served as a lead toddler teacher in a NAEYC accredited program (the National Association for the Education of Young Children is the highest and most distinguished accrediting board), served as a YMCA day camp director and also as a YMCA camp counselor and YMCA before and after school administrator. Both her background in education as well as previous YMCA experience position her well to take the early learning programs to the next level of excellence.
“I started July 8, and I absolutely love it,” Roberts said. “It’s been awesome working with this staff and the children, getting to know them and improving the child development program.”
Interim Director Shanna Good, who also serves as the YMCA Member Services Director, will remain as the Associate Director of Child Development. Good’s extensive knowledge of the community and years of YMCA service make her an ideal fit to compliment and complete the leadership team, YMCA representatives said.
“We are excited to welcome Katie and we look forward to great things under her leadership. We are also pleased to have Shanna Good remain with our Child Development Center as part of her ongoing YMCA responsibilities. Shanna also serves as our Member Services Director and is a strong asset to our association,” Casalano said.
To better serve families, hours of operation will expand to 5:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday, effective in September.
“We are doing before-and-after (school) care, as always, during the school year, starting Sept. 2,” Roberts said.
Research shows that children enrolled in high quality early learning programs are more likely to stay in school, attend college, earn more money and be employed in high-skilled jobs than their peers.
“We have a curriculum for preschool that we’re using for kindergarten readiness,” Roberts said. “We’re just improving the resources we have, and building on our curriculum and the care we provide.”
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits, which operates with the goal of strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Registration is underway for the 2015-16 school year.
For more information about the Greenville Y Child Development Center, call 937-548-3777 or email [email protected].
