New Early Heard Start Classrooms Open at YWCA

A young student enjoys one of the new Head Start classrooms at the YWCA in Pottstown.

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by YWCA Tri-County Area.

YWCA Tri-County Area is opening two new Early Head Start classrooms atits  Early Education Center located at 315 King St. in Pottstown. 

The Y is collaborating with Maternity Care Coalition and the Office of Child Development and Early Learning to provide Early Head Start classrooms in Pottstown. 

The renovations, which began in July involved re-purposing administrative and conference room space (now located at Y’s newest building, 300 King St.) to create the new infant and toddler rooms.

The new Early Head Start rooms will follow teaching strategies gold curriculum, which focuses on creative learning, individualized lesson plans, and family engagement. 

Ashley Faison, assistant director of early head start, said, “we recognize that the parent is the first educator, we have very high standards and look to engage the family in the child’s learning at every opportunity.” 

Sixteen children ages six weeks to three years from the current infant and toddler rooms will be

A look at one of the new Early Head Start classrooms.

enrolled in the new EHS classrooms, leaving eight vacancies in each of the existing infant and toddler rooms.

Laura Simmers, senior early education director, is currently looking to fill these vacancies. 

“Our early education center provides unique learning opportunities to children in Pottstown,” Simmers said. “We really invest in educating and empowering our team, and the parents can see the difference.” 

Childcare staff all have a CDA or higher, complete 24 hours of mandatory training, and are encouraged and supported in pursuing higher education.

At the STARS 3-rated center, infants and toddlers participate in enrichment programming such as Mighty Movers aimed at starting healthy habits early, and monthly sign language classes.

Classrooms also regularly integrate diversity programming into the day through books, music, and lessons promoting respect and acceptance. 

Unlike most centers, the Y provides catered breakfast, lunch, and snack at no extra cost as well as wipes for the children.

The Y is also expecting to open a second early education center in the Royersford United Methodist Church, pending inspection and approval by DHS. 

Families who are interested in enrolling their children in either the Pottstown or Royersford centers should contact Laura Simmers at 610-323-1888 ext. 209.

YWCA Tri-County Area has been serving women, children, and families in Montgomery, Berks, and Chester counties since 1908. To learn more visit www.ywcatricountyarea.org, or call us at 610.323.1888.