Learning Circle YMCA Opens New Kindergarten June 21

To meet what it calls a growing demand for child care and educational programs, the Learning Circle YMCA is opening a new kindergarten building at 95 Morris Avenue. A ribbon-cutting ceremony takes place June 21 at 5 p.m. to mark the grand opening of the site.     

Officials at the nonprofit Summit Area YMCA say they are opening the new kindergarten to meet a serious need in the Hill City.

“We recognized a growing need in the community for quality childcare,” said Darrell Johnson, the group's president and CEO. “The Y is all about youth development. We understand how important it is for parents to know that their children are in a safe and nurturing environment while they are at work.

"We saw this as an opportuntiy to provide that for more families.”

The Learning Circle YMCA’s expansion will allow eight more families to participate in the all-day kindergarten program and 12 more families to participate in the pre-K program. The new kindergarten will also allow the organization to provide an additional classroom for its toddler program and to expand its camp program to include kids in pre-K through second grade.

YMCA officials say it will also benefit from having a new, dedicated classroom for therapists to provide occupational, speech and physical therapy for children who require those services.

“By providing the children with a dedicated building that includes outdoor spaces and a garden, we can set apart the kindergarten from an emotional and educational standpoint as a unique ‘big kid experience’ with enriching activities well suited for their age,” said Learning Circle YMCA Executive Director Joyce Klimaski. “We are thrilled about this enhancement to our center because it benefits all of the children and their families in a meaningful way.” 

The new kindergarten building has won final approvals from the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Health and the Department of Children and Families, so officials said the building is ready to open just in time for summer camp.

The Summit Area YMCA said the new building was made possible due to donors including the Hyde & Watson Foundation, Union Foundation and E.J. Grassman Trust.