By Victoria Stone-Meadows
Two new early learning centres in Clyde North and Cranbourne opened their doors for the first time on Monday 16 January and after their first week have been deemed a success.
The new YMCA centres opened up on Heather Grove in Clyde North and on the corner of Sassafras Place and Wheelers Park Drive in Cranbourne North.
What sets these centres apart from many others in the region is they are attached to established primary schools.
This affiliation with established schools in the area means kids with siblings are not too far separated from family and the transition from early learning to primary school is much easier.
YMCA area manager Lucy Stabb said the first week of the new centres shows great possibilities for early learning in the City of Casey.
“The first week has gone really well,” Ms Stabb said.
“We’ve been really excited to see children and educators using the spaces and every day our numbers are growing with more and more children being booked in.”
The new centres have mainly attracted local two and three-year-olds, but are still taking bookings for many age groups.
Ms Stabb said because of the not-for-profit nature of the YMCA, they could offer great quality early years education while supporting the local area.
“Because the Y is a not for profit, we focus on community needs and really our core values are to provide a safe and fun environment that focuses on every child reaching their full potential,” she said.
“We are about looking at the local community needs and are open to opportunities that support the community.”
To find out how many spaces are left the Clyde North and Cranbourne North YMCA early learning centres, visit www.childrensprograms.ymca.org.au.
