MONDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2021
YMCA of Southwestern Ontario Announces Partnership with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent and Chatham-Kent Children's Services
All partners are proud to announce the development of a new Child Care centre in Chatham-Kent.
At the Y, our mission is to build healthy communities. By partnering with organizations that support our mission, we're able to reach more people and accomplish our goals together. YMCA of Southwestern Ontario is incredibly excited to announce the development of a new Child Care centre in Chatham-Kent. With the partnership and support of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent and Chatham-Kent Children's Services (CKCS), families in the community will have more options for child care.
"We are in every way aligned with CKCS and their vision to provide accessible and inclusive Child Care and to ensure children and families have access to quality care. The values and skills learned early in life are vital building blocks for a successful adulthood, and we believe all children deserve a strong start and a safe place to grow." - Andrew Lockie, CEO, YMCA of Southwestern Ontario.
The new Child Care centre is scheduled to begin construction with the collaboration of ROA Studio Inc. and Westhoek Construction Ltd. today, December 13, 2021. Construction will involve an extension to the existing CKCS centre located at 495 Grand Ave W, Chatham, as well as additions to the outdoor play areas. A total of 3 classrooms will be established (10 infant, 15 toddler, 24 preschool spaces) - providing child care to over 50 children in the community. The Y will be conducting a job fair to support staffing requirements of 18 to 20 individuals in the community.
The project is estimated for completion by the summer of 2022.
"A shift towards prevention and early intervention in service delivery for the children and families of Chatham-Kent was a key incentive for CKCS to pursue the child care development. We are committed to being a resource and caring ally. We share common values and commitments with the Y to build healthy futures for the children in CK." - Teri Thomas-Vanos, Executive Director of Chatham-Kent Children's Services.
"This partnership will produce much needed high-quality, licensed child care spaces that will prepare children for success and make life easier for working families." - Kelly Emery, Director of Child Care and Early Years, Chatham-Kent.