YMCA Enriches and Educates the Youngest Members of Twin Cities Communities

Yadmin — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 23:03:45 +0000

YMCA Enriches and Educates the Youngest Members of Twin Cities Communities Yadmin Mon, 02/01/2016 - 17:03

The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, offers child care and preschool opportunities at its early childhood centers, which give children ages six weeks to five years a safe, nurturing environment that allows them to develop key skills at their own pace.

Eighty percent of a child’s brain is developed by the time they are three years old. A child’s experiences and relationships influence the brain’s architecture as it develops, according to the Harvard Center for the Developing Child.
Research has shown that play is an effective vehicle for learning because it enhances language development, social skills, creativity, imagination and problem solving.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, first-time kindergarteners whose families’ socioeconomic status was in the lowest 20 percent consistently scored 7-15 points lower than their peers on reading, math and science tests.

Studies show that early childhood is a key time for social and cognitive development. However, child care can be expensive, and lack of access sets kids back. Children from low-income families can also face the risk of receiving inadequate care. To help address this achievement gap early on, the Y works with families to make quality early childhood learning affordable for all.

“The Y’s mission is to get every child ready for kindergarten and to ignite their passion for learning,” said Stephanie Thomas, executive director of child care for the Y. “Our team of child care experts give kids opportunities to be inquisitive and learn through play.”

Thomas added that the Y’s child care programs, which have earned national accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, are designed to motivate kids intellectually, socially, emotionally and physically. Play-based learning at the Y gives 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.

Discover how the Y welcomed Mia and her grandmother Kathy and became a beacon of love and learning – Mia’s Story.

Learn how working mom Joanna found a second family for her two sons at the Y – Israel and Kasch’s Story.

Often, a parent’s work day does not begin and end with their child’s school bell. To bridge the gap, many Y locations also provide school age care for students in kindergarten to 5th grade. Their buses pick up and drop off at the Y, and they spend time in quality programming while their parents finish their shifts. Some of these programs are run in the schools themselves, and the Y also offers extended programming on school release days.

Because the Y is a leading nonprofit committed to helping all children and families learn, grow and thrive, financial assistance is available to those in need to ensure all have the opportunity to participate in Y programs. Learn more about the Y’s child care programs.

YMCA CEO Glen Gunderson’s Perspective on the Importance of Educating and Enriching the Youngest Members of Our Community

Yadmin — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 21:50:04 +0000

YMCA CEO Glen Gunderson’s Perspective on the Importance of Educating and Enriching the Youngest Members of Our Community Yadmin Mon, 02/01/2016 - 15:50

Time is a challenge for everybody.

And for a new parent, after the arrival of a child, your whole world gets turned upside down, and no one has offered an extra 24 hours in a day to juggle all the responsibilities.

But the juxtaposition is that, based on research, age 0-5 means everything. What immersion does he or she have in socialization? When is he or she introduced to music, concepts, language?

The clock is ticking from Day One, and you have a very narrow band of time to get it right.

So I find myself asking: Are we doing a good enough job of educating parents about how important age 0-5 is?

If you wait for preschool or kindergarten, you may have waited too late. The statistic that 80 percent of a child’s brain is developed by the time he or she is three years old is eye-opening. But what happens to the numbers if a child has one parent who is not involved, or a child is in foster care? Then all bets are off, in terms of the ability for the child to have that same fighting chance for a strong head start.

My wife and I didn’t do everything right for our daughter and son, by any stretch. But we did sign them up for early music education, my daughter at 2 and my son at 1. I believe that exposure greatly enhanced their language and math skills. And since, they’ve both developed an affinity toward music, which is a plus.

I was struck by the video of Israel and Kasch and what their mother said. Israel and Kasch’s Story

“This has been the most stable part of my kids’ life, coming to and from the YMCA every day,” she said.

We don't take that responsibility and opportunity to serve lightly.

Our child development centers provide a nurturing and safe environment.

And we are committed to all kids.

I think of Ryan, a special needs child with muscle disorders. In a music class, he and other children were given ribbons to “shake around.” After a few moments, Ryan takes off and shakes that salmon-colored ribbon with so much enthusiasm.

It’s a moment of joy for all involved, from Ryan, to his family members and to anyone who watched the camera-phone shot video.

“You have been a HUGE part of Ryan’s experience,” one of his parents wrote to us. “Thanks for this tremendous mission moment. It has been fun to see this evolve slowly over time as a story, as it will continue to evolve in the future.”

But can the Y do more?

Are we doing enough in a pre-natal situation to emphasize how important it’s going to be when the clock starts ticking at Day 1? Can we do more to prepare parents about possible resources and opportunities to help their child’s immediate development?

Those are some questions I hope to have a better answer to sooner than later. Because for all the kids in our care, the clock is ticking.

YMCA News Archive

YMCA Enriches and Educates the Youngest Members of Twin Cities Communities

YMCA CEO Glen Gunderson’s Perspective on the Importance of Educating and Enriching the Youngest Members of Our Community

Time is a challenge for everybody.