The New Britain YMCA celebrated the opening of its newly expanded child care classrooms today with a ribbon cutting ceremony at its facility at 50 High Street. Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, City of New Britain Mayor Bobby Sanchez, OEC Commissioner Elena Trueworthy, DECD Deputy Commissioner Matt Pugliese and other community leaders, partners, and YMCA leadership gathered to mark this important investment in early childhood education for local families.
These new classrooms are licensed to serve 67 additional children, increasing access to affordable, high-quality care for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers while supporting working parents in the community.
The expansion was made possible through a $1.7 million grant from the Community Investment Fund from the Connecticut Department of Economic Development.
“We are thrilled to open these beautiful new classrooms to our families,” said John Benigni, CEO of the Meriden-New Britain-Berlin YMCA. “This expansion strengthens our ability to prepare young children for school success while providing dependable child care families can count on.”
"Our goal is to assist children in developing their social, emotional, cognitive, and physical skills while preparing for a sound educational future and success in school. The New Britain-Berlin YMCA creates a safe, nurturing environment for families and children to grow together," said Tina Valentin, Director Child Care Operations
As an Early Start site, the program offers a nurturing learning environment with qualified teachers. Care4Kids is accepted. The program follows the Creative Curriculum and uses the TeachingStrategies® tadpoles® app to keep families connected to their child’s daily activities. Infant formula, breakfast, lunch, and snacks are included. Families receive a New Britain YMCA household membership while enrolled.
The Meriden-New Britain-Berlin YMCA is one of the largest area child care providers and cares for over 1600 children in three communities in our infant, toddler, preschool and school age care programs. For more information about child care programs at the New Britain YMCA, contact Tina Valentin, Director of Child Care Operations at tvalentin@meridenymca.org or Kelly Pacheco Houston at 475-255-9029 or kpachecohouston@nbbymca.org, or visit nbbymca.org.