Listeners Club

Forgot Password

Not a Member? Sign up here!

banner

Local Headlines

YMCA shows off early childhood programs

5th District Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty paid a visit to the YMCA of Western Connecticut Children's Center in Bethel on Wednesday.  She says nonprofits are under stress and strain, so she wanted to find out what she can do to help.

 

Esty says YMCAs are the number one child care provider in the country.  She says they provide critical social services in a variety of ways.  She also noted their commitment around fitness, an issue vitally important to long term health and vitality of all people.

 

There are about 150 kids at the Bethel preschool center.

 

YMCA President and CEO Marie Miszewski says there was one aspect in particular they wanted to show off.  The work they're doing to close the achievement gap in the Greater Danbury area.  While the Y is generally known for swimming, gym, and fitness Miszewski says they're doing a lot of work to combat diabetes and youth obesity.

 

The achievement gap work stems from school readiness programs, which are federally funded.  Miszewski says it makes a huge difference in those kids lives, and the lives of their parents.  Because of their success in school readiness, the YMCA has gotten some grants.  Miszewski says the grants allow them to follow through with students all the way through first grade.

 

Miszewski cited research showing that if kids have a solid foundation through second grade, the odds of graduating from high school improve dramatically.

 

Miszewski says they also have a technology room with smart boards, iPads and computers.  The YMCA afterschool program is one of two Kahn Academy sites in the state.

On Air Now

Dave Rinelli

Local Headlines