Any parent who has had to search for affordable, quality child care knows how daunting the task can be. That's why the Georgia Mountains YMCA is launching a new program in Gainesville later this month.
After studying the child care landscape in Gainesville and Hall County for the last couple of years, the Y will open the Georgia Mountains YMCA Child Development Center at Evangel Church on Pine Valley Road, a venture no other YMCA in the area has attempted.
"The idea came from the dire need for quality child care in Hall County," said Cassandra Whisnant, the program director for the new facility.
The YMCA is already well-known for their after-school programs offered in the area, and the new facility will allow staff to expand those offerings, as well.
"We will have infant rooms through toddler and pre-school and then we will also be serving the Enota and New Holland schools [in Gainesville] for after-school care," Whisnant said.
Kaitlin Allman, Marketing and Communications Director for the Georgia Mountains YMCA, said the Y worked to make sure weekly costs for day care would be affordable. Prices range from $150 to $180 per week, depending on the age of the child. The Y will offer financial assistance to those who need it, as well.
Additionally, she said the Y will use the same mission at the Child Development Center that's used in other programs.
"Our curriculum is really different from most because we focus on youth development skills," Allman said.
The partnership with Evangel Church is also unique, according to Whisnant.
"This has been a really unique opportunity to connect with other leaders in the community and forge new relationships," Whisnant said.
Registration for the new child development center should begin early next week.
An open house for the new facility is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 4 from 4-6 p.m. at Evangel Church at 1537 Pine Valley Road in Gainesville. For more information, contact Cassandra Whisnant at [email protected] or 770-297-9622.
