New expansion of Child Care allows more families to be served in Karns City and Chicora Areas!
BUTLER COUNTY — The Butler YMCA Child Care Program, known for its top-notch care, is answering the call by expanding its services to include School-Age and Preschool Child Care Programs for the Karns City and Chicora areas. Dianne Oesterling, Director of Child Care and Youth Services for the Butler Y, explains how the program will not only help more families receive quality care for their children but connect communities to the plethora of resources and programs the Y offers. “We saw a lot of growth in the past year, and so many families need extra support and a system that works for them and their busy schedules,” Oesterling shares, “School is all about getting back to routine, and we’re thrilled to have partnered with the Karns City Area School District to make it easier and much more convenient for families seeking affordable care!” This new child care program is currently accepting new families!
The School-Age Program is open to children entering Kindergarten through 6th grade and includes homework supervision, daily educational activities, and social interaction. “With many students learning remotely last year,” Oesterling continues, “getting back to socializing, and just allowing kids to be kids is a big cornerstone of this program.” Children are bussed to and from the high school to their elementary schools (Chicora or Sugar Creek), and care is available for delays, half days, early dismissals, snow days, and vacation days. A second room in the high school will be for a new YMCA Preschool Program, open to children ages 3-5/Kindergarten. Care is offered from 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM for both School-Age and Preschool students to accommodate working parents’ schedules.
“Our curriculum is designed using creative art, literature, science, mathematics, and dramatic play in accordance with PA Early Learning Standards,” Oesterling shares. “We’re here to help students stay engaged when they’re not in the classroom.” Sandra Ihlenfeld, Executive Director of the Butler YMCA, says this new program is the perfect extension of the Butler Y’s campus. “Our focus on youth development and unwavering commitment to ensuring quality care for all children is a cornerstone for the YMCA,” Ihlenfeld states, “We’re excited and equipped to help more and more youth across the County. Two rooms at Karns City Area High School have been fully furnished with brand new equipment, toys, and furniture; and can provide services for up to seventy-five children… Our hope is to offer infant and toddler care early next year.” The Butler YMCA already provides similar services at Emily Brittain, Center Township, and McQuistion Elementary in Butler Area School District and in the South Butler Primary, Intermediate, and Middle Schools, along with Early Care & School Age Care at HIS Kids Christian School. “We’re going to continue to step up and already looking forward to partnering with even more schools to give kiddos the care and supervision they deserve,” Ihlenfeld says. Along with serving more communities, the Y is thrilled to hire more team members, especially future teachers and those who love being a part of a child’s development. “Our team is educated, trained, and eager,” Ihlenfeld shares, “and we’re hoping to hire folks who are from the local area.”
“We continue to adapt and change,” Oesterling concludes, “to better serve our community. It’s all about relationships, and we are excited to partner with the school district in welcoming families to our new program.”
For more information about The YMCA’s Child Care Program in Karns City, or to enroll, please contact Dianne Oesterling, Director of Child Care/Youth Services, at (724) 287-4733 Ext. 130 or at doesterling@bcfymca.org
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