Parents have always sought out ways to keep their children safe and well-cared for. Before there were public schools in the United States, most early YMCAs cared for children of the poor through free Sunday schools and mission schools. The Salem YMCA had one of the first mission schools, which offered classes and social gatherings for children who otherwise might not have had such opportunities.
Public education in the United States was widely available by the end of the 19th century. YMCAs departed from child care at this time. In the 1960s, YMCA youth workers realized that teens often cared for their younger siblings while parents worked, so they developed high quality, affordable child care for all ages.
The Cabot Street YMCA in Beverly began offering preschool child care in 1968; the Marblehead/Swampscott Y began operating a preschool in 1970; and the Salem YMCA began providing preschool care in 1983. They were among the first child care providers that also focused on education before children went to elementary school. Starting in 1993, The Ipswich YMCA operated the "Preschool Patch."
In the early years, the focus of the program was on basic care of young children, but over the years the program moved toward early education with curriculum that prepares children for elementary school.
"The Marblehead/Swampscott YMCA child care started as an opportunity to socialize children and it has evolved into a program to educate them as well," said Mary Orne, early education director for the Marblehead/Swampscott Y.
"Over the years, we went from basic day care to an early learning education curriculum" she said. Our focus is on educating children by letting them discover, play and learn through experimentation, socialization in group times and using their senses. We also aid other types of development with enrichment classes like swimming, gymnastics and music. It provides children with a well rounded experience."
After early education, the YMCA services extended to quality before- and after-school programming for elementary and middle school students. The focus of these programs changed over time as well, and now included additional learning opportunities, homework help and enrichment classes.
"The Y has recognized the need to enrich children in far more than the usual after school of past programming," said Anne Curry, after-school curriculum specialist.
This type of curriculum exposes the children to concepts, themes and activities usually reserved for the classroom, but in a less stringent atmosphere, allowing all children to flourish no matter their academic ability. As a result, we see an after-school program with highly engaged children learning and building on their social skills while at play."
Today, the YMCAs' Early Learning Centers give 350 infants, toddlers and preschoolers a head start in life with programs that care, nurture and educate our young children. YMCA before- and after-school programs keep over 900 kids in grades Kindergarten through 8 engaged in fun activities while learning life lessons and social skills. In addition, middle-school programs help young teens gain freedom and self-confidence through activities that build on school curriculum and give them the chance to spread their wings.
Through the 26 child care programs, the Y meets the needs of working families providing programs for infants ages 6-weeks through middle school students. YMCA child care has evolved over the last 150 years and the YMCA will continue to pioneer new programs that meet the changing needs of today's families.
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Stephanie Lyons works for the YMCA of the North Shore, which celebrates its 150th anniversary this year. In honor of the milestone, The Salem News will run a monthly story on the history of the Y and its accomplishments. For more information on the YMCA of the North Shore, call 978-922-0990 or visit www.northshoreymca.org.
