YWCA Princeton recently celebrated its newly renovated program building, including a new childcare wing, The Burke Foundation Early Childhood Center at YWCA Princeton.
The center will provide childcare and early education for children 8 weeks through 6 years old.
In addition to the new childcare wing, the building underwent a major refresh to improve the functionality, atmosphere and impact of the space.
“For working parents, the availability of affordable, quality child care is absolutely essential, but the new YWCA Childcare Center goes beyond offering this critical service,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy, who was in attendance on Sept. 26, according to information provided by Qorvis Communications. “By including a lactation room, classrooms for public pre-K classes, access to ESL classes, and more, this facility will support Princeton area families in a multitude of ways. I am thrilled to see the partnership between the Burke Foundation and YWCA Princeton come into fruition in such a meaningful way for the benefit of the surrounding community.”
YWCA Princeton provided summer childcare at a temporary location in July and August. Extensive safety protocols were followed including temperature screening and symptom checking upon arrival, small class sizes, and frequent sanitization of all surfaces. These practices will continue to be utilized at The Burke Foundation Early Childhood Center at YWCA Princeton, according to the statement.
“The successful reopening of our summer childcare program has given us confidence in our ability to safely provide childcare, and the confirmation that it is essential for the Princeton community,” Tay Walker, executive director of YWCA Princeton, said in the statement. “We are incredibly thankful to have partnered with The Burke Foundation to create a new childcare wing that will serve families for years to come. Our research-based curriculum prepares children to meet developmental milestones in order to thrive in kindergarten, and beyond.”
YWCA Princeton’s childcare program is structured to support cognitive, physical and social-emotional development. In addition, all nine classrooms, including the three from the Princeton Public Schools’ Preschool Expansion Program, are bilingual.
“The first five years is the most critical stage of development in a person’s life. High quality early education is the bedrock for children’s future learning, health and life success,” James Burke, president of the Burke Foundation, said in the statement. “That’s why quality childcare is one of the smartest investments a community can make in its future. Through this partnership, the Burke Foundation and the YWCA Princeton are committing to a stronger tomorrow for our children and our community.”
Registration for full day and partial day childcare is available at www.ywcaprinceton.org/childcare. A video detailing current safety protocols and frequently asked questions is also available on the website.
