Melrose Family YMCA Child Care Program Celebrates 15 Year Anniversary

STONEHAM, MA- This summer will mark the 15th anniversary of the Stoneham Child Care Center run by the Melrose Family YMCA.  When the site opened its doors in 1999 sixty children attended the infant, toddler, preschool, and pre-kindergarten programs.  Today the Stoneham Child Care Center enrolls 150 children a year in child care programs for children ages 6 weeks to 14 years old.  

“We opened the Stoneham Child Care Center in August of 1999 as the very first group child care center in Stoneham,” says Maureen McGurl, Child Care Director at the Stoneham Child Care Center.  “We started the center with just one infant class, two toddler classes, and two preschool classes and we now offer multiple child care programs for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school age children.  It is just amazing to see how far we have come.”  

With a focus on nurturing the potential of every child and teen, the Stoneham Child Care Center has also established partnerships with groups like the Family Resource Network to better meet the needs of children and families in the community.  Summer programs are also offered to keep children and teens active and learning during out of school time.  And this fall, the Stoneham Child Care site will begin offering enrichment programs, birthday parties, and adult fitness classes.

“Choosing the Stoneham Child Care Center was one of the best decisions we ever made,” says Lawrence Poirier, father of a past program participant. “During our first visit at the center it was evident that the children came first. The Y staff fostered our daughter’s natural curiosity and abilities while challenging her to develop all facets of learning.”

A Family Fun Day will be held at the end of August to celebrate the 15 year anniversary of the Melrose Family YMCA Child Care sites.

“We have some exciting things in store,” says McGurl. “I look forward to the next 15 years and continuing to make a difference in the lives of children and families each year.”

For details about the anniversary celebration or the Melrose Family YMCA Child Care Center in Stoneham visit www.ymcametronorth.org.

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The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Melrose Family YMCA welcomes men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors.