Research found on usa.childcare.org shows that quality early childhood education and care provides a solid foundation for future success and has many long term academic and social benefits for both the child and society. Statistics point to long-lasting, positive outcomes on children who participate in high-quality programs during their early years as well. These children experience lasting effects on IQ, boosted academic and economic achievement, and lower incidences of childhood obesity and chronic illness.
Here on the South Shore, the South Shore YMCA’s Early Learning Centers in North Quincy, Quincy and Hanover help children ages 6 weeks to 5+ years old learn, thrive and grow, both socially and emotionally. There, they strengthen developmental basics while gaining school-readiness skills like confidence and the importance of teamwork in a safe and healthy classroom environment. Qualified early childhood educators implement a research-based curriculum that promotes critical thinking skills and recognizes the importance of brain development and its influences on learning by doing. Emphasis on the importance of routines, hands-on learning through exploration, and early literacy and language development help children enter elementary school as well adjusted, and eager learners.
“The first three years of a child’s life are arguably the most important, because each minute during this short window plays a major formative role in their development,” said Laureen Browning, Vice President of Youth Development, South Shore YMCA. “85% of who we are, including our intellect, our personality, and our social skills are developed by the age of 5. Statistics like these remind us of just how crucial the need is for strong Early Learning Programs and Educators throughout our community. Today, we serve close to 1,000 children in total between our Early Learning and Afterschool programs, with the demand for childcare continuing to grow year after year. We look forward to brightening the futures of many more children and families across the South Shore for years to come.”
At the SSYMCA Early Learning Centers, enrichment programs are embedded into the curriculum to provide children an even greater opportunity to become well-rounded learners. Depending on the age and location of your child, he/she will be involved in aquatic safety sessions, visits with nature center naturalists, hands-on farming education at the South Shore YMCA’s Family Farm in Hanover, music and movement, outdoor exploration and play, gymnastics, yoga, and more. All programs are developmentally appropriate and adaptive to fit the unique strengths and abilities of each individual child.
“The quality of an early education and care program matters in its ability to support a child’s positive growth and development,” said Thomas L. Weber, Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care. “The South Shore YMCA Early Learning program meets high levels of standards, ensuring that they provide safe and enriching environments for children, support educators’ professional development and qualifications, thoughtfully engage with families and the community, and demonstrate strong leadership. I commend their hard work, achievements and significant contribution to early education program quality in Massachusetts overall.”
To learn more about the South Shore YMCA’s Early Learning Centers in Quincy and Hanover, visit ssymca.org. New Pre-School and Pre-K classrooms for ages 2.9-6 are now open at their Early Learning Center in North Quincy. If you or someone you know would like to schedule a tour of the South Shore YMCA’s newest Early Learning Center in North Quincy, please contact Director Jojo Reed at jreed@ssymca.org or at (857) 403-4784.
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About the South Shore YMCA
The South Shore YMCA is a not-for-profit association of individuals dedicated to improving the quality of life for all through programs that promote healthy spirit, mind, and body. Serving the communities of Quincy, Randolph, Holbrook, Weymouth, Braintree, Milton, Hingham, Hull, Cohasset, Scituate, Norwell, Hanover and beyond, the South Shore Y provides the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive through its services and programs. Financial Assistance is a Y community benefit available to all families in need, applicable to all Y programs and services. To learn more about the South Shore YMCA, visit www.ssymca.org. The South Shore YMCA. The Better You Belongs Here.