Above & Beyond
YMCA Early Learning Centres aim to go above and beyond expectations, to enrich young children’s lives and support families in our local communities. It is certainly, a place where young minds are encouraged to grow.
AT THE Y, WE BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF INSPIRED YOUNG PEOPLE; THIS IS OUR PURPOSE.
This inspiration begins with new opportunities and stimulating learning experiences at our Early Learning Centres. There are five YMCA Early Learning Centres in Melbourne’s South East, which are purpose built and cater for children from 6 weeks to 5 years of age. Each centre offers a full day of education and care, including three-year-old and four-year-old year old funded kindergarten programs.
Area Manager, Sally Robertson has over 30 years’ experience teaching and leading in the early childhood sector. Sally is passionate about the Y’s play-based learning philosophy that allows children to explore, experiment, discover, imagine, and of course have fun learning. “Preparing children for the future, where they can eagerly step forward into each stage of their young lives, with confident and inquisitive minds, is our goal,” she adds.
Sally explains that each YMCA Early Learning Centre is designed to convey a sense of excitement for learning, with a professional and friendly approach. We support children and families, creating respectful relationships with parents, carers and communities. We learn about each other’s cultures and provide opportunities to connect by joining in celebrations and events throughout the year. Involvement and inclusion are key factors to support children to learn and grow, and for families to feel connected.
At the Y, we nurture a child’s development by empowering them to embrace discovery and adventure in everything they do. Our engaging environments created by our educators, who are all trained and attentive to individual children’s needs, is a strength of our centres. These elements contribute to many families enrolling and becoming an integral part of the Y community.
The Y is a not-for-profit organisation, where funds are re-invested into the centres, programs and community, something we are proud of. Importantly, the Y is also a child-safe organisation, with a strong focus on children’s safety and wellbeing.
For many children, early learning programs are the first time they are away from their home environment. It may be their first experience with educators and playing with children outside their family social circle.
The global pandemic has meant a challenging two years for some families with young children. To make sure your child has socialisation and learning opportunities, such as those offered at early learning centres and kindergartens, it’s important to consider welcoming places and inspiring educators. YMCA Early Learning Centre team will go above and beyond to support you and your child.
Sally offers the following advice to parents and carers considering an early childhood place for their child.
• Attend tours to help find the centre that best suits you and your child.
• Be sure to ask questions during your child’s orientation process.
• Find out about the parent communication process; how to share the information on your child’s needs, routines and interests.
• Discuss how information will be shared with you about your child’s learning and wellbeing
• Make sure you feel a genuine connection to the staff you meet and that no issue is too small.
At the Y we value the uniqueness of each child, their interests, learning styles, and backgrounds. Our staff will certainly make you and your child welcome, so please make a time to visit one of our centres.
THE YMCA ELC’S IN THE CASEY AND CARDINIA
REGION INCLUDE:
• Narre Warren YMCA Early Learning Centre 4/12 The Avenue, Narre Warren South
• Clyde North Moroak Crescent YMCA Early Learning Centre 2A Moroak Cres, Clyde North
• Clyde North YMCA Early Learning Centre 35 Aayana St, Clyde North
• Cranbourne North YMCA Early Learning Centre 85 Wheelers Park Dr, Cranbourne North
• Pakenham YMCA Early Learning Centre 9 Gateway Ave, Pakenham.
CONFIDENT AND INQUISITIVE MINDS, IS OUR GOAL
For more information or to book your tour with the Centre Manager call 8371 0500 or visit www.childrensprograms.ymca.org.au
