The YMCA Early
Learning Academy partners with parents to grow happy children, ages six
weeks to five years. Much more than a simple day care, it's the best of what
research and common sense says kids need: healthy beginnings; positive
interaction with caring, well-trained adults; age-appropriate learning
activities; and plenty of time for fun and making friends. The trained,
supportive staff works to help participants have the best possible start in
their education.
Karissa Grubl has
been on staff for eight years. She says that in addition to helping
transform kid's lives, the Y has changed her life as well. "When you take on
the responsibility of caring for and educating children, you also become a
role model. It's so important that we're not only helping youngsters learn
the skills needed to be successful upon entering kindergarten, but also to
succeed in life." Karissa, along with the entire Y staff, demonstrates,
teaches and celebrates the Y's character development values of caring,
honesty, respect and responsibility on a daily basis.
"I feel like we're
the role models that the kids need," said Grubl. "If you want to change
lives, this is the place." Her daughter Blakely began attending the Y Early
Learning Academy when she was six weeks old. "Blakey's life has been changed
through her education and activities here. She took her first steps at the
Y, she's learned how to interact with other children and adults, and because
of the Y's focus on youth development and core values, Blakely has learned
so much from her teachers," Grubl added.
Program
participants are challenged to develop social-emotional, cognitive, physical
and language skills. The curriculum covers literacy, mathematics, science,
social studies and the arts in addition to STEM activities, Spanish lessons
and much more.
The Y Early
Learning Academy offers education and development programs, available Monday
through Friday from 5:45 a.m. until 6:30 p.m., for children ages 6 weeks-5
years. The Early Learning Academy is located at 651 W. Morgan Ave.,
Chesterton, at Entrance #8. Children are provided snacks and lunch each day.
Enrollment is
available full time for infants & toddlers. Preschool enrollment is
available full time or part time.
To register or
schedule a tour contact Kayla Lee by email klee@dunelandymca.org, or phone
219-921-0183.