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Minneapolis, MN – The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, recently announced a new Early Childhood Learning Center will be opening in Lakeville on September 24.  

This new Early Childhood Learning Center, located on 16331 Kenrick Avenue in Lakeville, MN, will serve 150 children in the south metro community. There are currently 10 other Y Early Childhood Learning Centers in the greater Twin Cities where 98 percent of graduating YMCA Preschool & Pre-K students surpass local school district Kindergarten readiness requirements.

“We are excited to be opening an Early Childhood Learning Center that will support families in Lakeville and surrounding communities,” said Glen Gunderson, president and CEO of the YMCA of the North. “Children are the future and the YMCA is committed to investing in them by providing experiences that help youth grow and develop into confident, caring, happy and healthy individuals.”

Gunderson added that the YMCA Early Childhood Learning programs are rooted in the Y’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and equity. From those basic values comes a child care experience designed to develop a child’s potential through creative, intellectual, emotional, social and physical skills while they grow. They Y’s Learn Through Play is based on children learning a lot through interaction and exploration because playing is learning. For example, tea time builds organizational skills, playing with blocks teaches innovation and so on. 

The Y’s early childhood learning programs, which have earned national accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and 4 Star Aware and licensed by the State of Minnesota, give kids the chance to explore freely through:

  • sensory activities that help with math and science comprehension 
  • arts and humanities projects that develop fine motor skills
  • physical activities and nutritious food to encourage healthy habits
  • swimming and water safety classes in a safe aquatic environment
  • enrichment opportunities, including music & movement classes and an introduction to languages like Spanish or American Sign Language

These activities help to develop skills like critical thinking, communication and creativity. The Y offers a warm and welcoming environment in which every child can thrive. Most importantly, children have a place to grow with the guidance of caring adults while their parents are at work.

Early enrollment is available through October 1, 2018. Families who choose early enrollment will be able to sign up for a free, six-month YMCA membership or $775 in Y Bucks, program “dollars” that can be used toward a wide variety of fee-based classes and programs designed to support healthy habits that will make a difference for the entire family.  Some restrictions apply. The YMCA offers financial assistance to cover the cost of tuition for child care. YMCA membership is not required to enroll. To enroll, go to ymcamn.org/lakevilleeclc, or call 651-728-5344. 

Parents/guardians will have the opportunity to attend open houses to see the new child care center, meet the teachers and learn more about the program. Open Houses will be:

  • Thursday, August 30 at 4-6 p.m.
  • Monday, September 10 at 5-7 p.m.
  • Saturday, September 15 at 10 a.m.-Noon
  • Wednesday, September 19 at 4-6 p.m.

Dates may be subject to change. Check the website ymcamn.org/lakevilleeclc for up-to-date information.

About the YMCA of the North

The YMCA of the North is a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Established 162 years ago, the Ys provide life-strengthening services across 12 counties of the greater Twin Cities metro region, southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin communities. The 28 Y locations and program sites, seven overnight camps, 10 day camps, and more than 90 child care sites engage more than 350,000 men, women and children of all ages, incomes and backgrounds. To learn more about the Y’s mission and work, visit www.ymcamn.org.