The Gateway Family YMCA Awarded a 3-Star Rating from Grow NJ Kids

The Gateway Family YMCA – Five Points Branch Child Development Center, located in Union, NJ received a 3-star rating from Grow NJ Kids, the state-sponsored initiative to raise the quality of child care and early learning across New Jersey. Grow NJ Kids star ratings easily help families recognize high-quality programs and is just one of several factors to consider in finding the right program for your family’s needs.

“We are honored to receive a 3-Star Rating from Grow NJ Kids,” stated Jodi Pelano, Senior Executive of Branch Operations. “This distinction provides peace of mind for local families looking for a trusted resource to partner with in their child’s development.”

Ratings are based on a comprehensive assessment of documentation, including the program's curriculum and teacher/staff professional development records. In addition, raters review the classroom environment with in-person observations and other factors.

“To create a standard way to look at child care and early learning, Grow NJ Kids provides families with an objective rating system. Based on the findings of a preliminary assessment that the child care and early learning program does on itself, trained professionals work with the program staff to address areas needing improvement. Then, a trained rater, using a comprehensive, research-based tool, formally assesses the program,” says Assistant Director of the NJ Division of Family Development, Office of Child Care Andrea Breitwieser, which oversees the Grow NJ Kids program. “It also gives parents and families the tools needed to find programs that will make the most of their kid’s early learning experiences.”

“The Gateway Family YMCA should be proud of their rating, as rated programs provide a higher quality of care and are implementing standards significantly above New Jersey’s basic licensing requirements,” Breitwieser said.

The current rating in Union follows The Gateway Family YMCA – Youth Development Branch, located in Elizabeth also receiving a 3-star rating from Grow NJ Kids. In 2025, The Gateway Family YMCA achieved Praesidium Accreditation for child protection and was voted #1 Child Care and Top Pre-School in the Central Jersey Community Choice Awards.

The rating will help further the YMCA’s mission to provide quality child care services to Union and the surrounding communities for infant, toddler and preschool children and their families.

While Grow NJ Kids ratings are valid for three years, programs are provided the tools for ongoing quality improvement. Between ratings, providers work to maintain or improve upon their achieved level of quality. Programs receive continuous coaching, professional development, mentoring and in-class support and assistance.

The Gateway Family YMCA provides a full spectrum of child care services including Infant, Toddler and Preschool Child Care, SACC (School Age Child Care) Before/After School Care, Summer Day Camp and Vacation Day programs in Elizabeth, Rahway and Union, NJ for over 2,400 children and families each year.

The Gateway Family YMCA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, health and community service organization of caring staff and volunteers dedicated to strengthening community through Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility. The Gateway Family YMCA impacts the community by providing quality services for all. The Y doesn’t just strengthen bodies – it strengthens people, families and communities.

For more information about The Gateway Family YMCA, visit tgfymca.org or contact the Child Development Center at the Five Points Branch 908-688-9622 or Youth Development Branch 908-355-3061.