By Rachel Monroe
When I first walked into the Care and Kids classroom, offered through the YMCA of Grays Harbor, with my young children, I felt excited and energized. Here was a program that understood what early learning was all about. My children were instantly engaged and I was thrilled.
Colorful stations, hands-on activities and engaging toys fill every area of the classroom. Kids’ artwork, a daily calendar, sorting boards, and photographs of smiling children adorn the walls. There is a dramatic play station filled with plastic foods, dress-up clothes, a tool bench and baby dolls to stimulate a child’s imagination and role playing. The reading corner sports cozy seats and a bookshelf brimming with engaging stories to foster early literacy. An art station equipped with markers, crayons, paint and craft supplies allow children to express their creativity. There is also a large collection of blocks, math manipulatives, play dough, finger puppets and puzzles for children to explore. The program is offered to the residents of Grays Harbor at no charge, enabling families of all income levels to attend.
Preparing Children for Kindergarten
Care and Kids began in 2013 when the YMCA of Grays Harbor received a grant from the YMCA of the USA to host an early learning program in our community. The goal of the program is to provide children, ages 0 to 5, with a learning experience that prepares them for school. “A lot of kids are not ready for kindergarten,” says Melissa Minato, the program supervisor. “Care and Kids tries to overcome that achievement gap.”
With 13 different stations, the program exposes children to math skills, science and writing. Children are introduced to the alphabet, numbers, colors, shapes and basic preschool skills. Kids also learn how to interact with one another, stand in line, and take turns. “The stations change each month, as does our theme,” says Sarah Moore, the classroom teacher and program facilitator. “For the month of April, our theme is ‘Under the Sea’ so all stations, songs, stories, and classroom décor will relate to the theme.” Previous themes include “My Family,” “My Community” and “Farm Animals.”
Making Early Learning Accessible
The Care and Kids learning model is developed by YMCA of the USA and is based off a program in Hawaii called “Tu-Tu and Me.” Successful components of this model, which was adopted by the YMCA of the USA, include encouraging parents and caregivers to attend with their child, offering classes free of charge, partnering with local resources in the community and focusing on school readiness. Over 30 Ys across the country have introduced Early Learning Readiness programs in their communities.
Let the Learning Begin
A day at Care and Kids begins with group circle time where children learn songs, rhymes, finger plays and listen to a story. After, children are free to explore the various stations with their parents or caregivers. A healthy snack is provided daily. “Through the Y, we promote healthy living and eating,” says Moore. “Our snack consists of a fruit or vegetable, a whole grain option, and milk or water. This can be a huge benefit for families that may be struggling to provide healthy options throughout the day for the family.”
Supporting Caregivers
One of the many advantages of Care and Kids is the support offered to parents and caregivers. “It really is a community and a family,” explains Minato. Families get to know each other, hang out after class and watch their children learn and grow together. “When parents have a support system to help deal with the stresses of raising children, it allows for better parenting and healthy interactions between parents and children,” Moore noted.
The classroom includes a “Caregiver Corner,” which features several binders of local resources and community events for families. Every day at circle time, Moore provides a short Caregiver Talk. “I try to get feedback from parents and caregivers to find out what they want to learn more about,” says Moore. Some of the topics covered in the Caregiver Talks include emergency preparedness, trying new foods, establishing a bedtime routine and encouraging kids to share.
Serving the Harbor
Originally from California, Minato came to the Harbor as a volunteer with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps Northwest. After working with the YMCA of Grays Harbor for a year, teaching in their afterschool programs and gymnastics classes, Minato decided she had made too many positive connections to leave the area. She joined the YMCA of Grays Harbor’s staff as their Director of Youth, Families & Enrichment in 2014. “What I love most about the Harbor are the people here, especially the way the community will rally together and help each other,” Minato said.
Moore also came to the YMCA of Grays Harbor as a Jesuit volunteer after graduating from Georgetown University where she studied biology and public health. Although still adjusting to our rainy climate, Moore treasures her role as teacher and program facilitator at Care and Kids. “I love hearing the kids tell me about their weekends, or what they will do when they leave the program,” she stated. “I love the artwork they make to decorate our classroom. The kids are the best part of Care and Kids. They bring the energy to the program.”
Join the Fun
Care and Kids meets at Washington Elementary School, Room 15 at 3003 Cherry Street in Hoquiam. The program operates Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Come check it out and help prepare your little ones for school!
