By Alana Mitchelson
YMCA has launched five new not-for-profit early learning centres across the southeast including one located in the heart of Pakenham.
The Pakenham children’s centre, located on Gateway Avenue near the new John Henry Primary School, opened on Monday 16 January for children aged eight weeks to five years old.
The centre’s proximity to the primary school has lent itself to future plans for the facilities to hold joint activities aimed at easing a child’s transition into Prep.
This may include giving children access to facilities such as the library or developing a ‘buddy’ system with students.
Pakenham centre manager Leah Wilson said YMCA had already commenced early learning programs in the northern suburbs and had received “really positive feedback”.
“Pakenham is one of Melbourne’s largest growth areas and there are many families moving into the area. YMCA is really focused on catering for the community’s needs,” Ms Wilson said.
“Our centre has six rooms to cater for 104 children, and we have eight staff and growing.
“We’ve had a great first week and enrolments are picking up quite fast. We’ve had tours of the facility booked every day.
“There is a lovely open, bright and natural play space and outdoor area with logs, rocks and plants – plenty of nice places for the children to explore.”
Ms Wilson said the centre would offer an outside school hours after care program, providing flexibility for a variety of families, especially for those parents working full-time.
Each YMCA learning centre will be associated to a new nearby primary school.
In addition to Pakenham, YMCA early learning centres have been introduced to Clyde North and Cranbourne.
The Pakenham centre is open from 6.30am until 6.30pm.
For more information about the new YMCA early learning centres, visit childrensprograms.ymca.org.au or phone 8371 0500.
