The YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce and Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board (BGCDSB) are excited to announce that the renovations at St. Anthony’s Catholic School are complete, and the new YMCA Child Care – Kincardine is ready to open.
The current Kincardine YMCA Child Care facility, which is now 18 years old, will be relocating to the newly renovated school on November 1, 2023. Designed to be fully accessible, the new centre is conveniently located and will allow parents who also have school-age children to utilize one central drop off point.
Inside the centre, controlled access will provide extra security to ensure the safety of all children. Four spacious rooms each with huge banks of windows will allow plenty of natural light. Each room includes bathroom facilities, and easy access to the secure outdoor play area. Space is also available for a designated stroller area and car seat shelving that will enable parents to leave their strollers and car seats in the event that they are designating another individual to pick up their child.
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“The YMCA is excited to be partnering with Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board (BGCDSB), and we are eager to open the child care centre at St. Anthony’s Catholic School. It has been designed and built for young learners to grow, build friendships and make memories,” says Cyndy Jefferson, Director of Child Care at the YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce. “The YMCA Child Care centre will offer more safe and affordable child care spaces, as well as Before and After School age spaces, which are much needed in our community.”
“We are very excited to partner with the YMCA and celebrate the opening of the St. Anthony location,” says Marylin Dawson, Superintendent of Education at Bruce-Grey Catholic. “Our Catholic schools are truly the heart of the community, and this opening is yet another indicator of our commitment to the people of the Kincardine neighbourhood. We look forward to welcoming the childcare and the students and families who will make it a vibrant place to learn and grow.”
The new centre is licensed for 78 children, which includes 30 toddlers (an increase of 20 from the former location) and 48 preschoolers. The YMCA Before and After School program that operates out of St. Anthony’s Catholic School is licensed for 26 junior and senior kindergarten students, and 60 children from Grade 1 to Grade 6 (12 years of age).
A formal opening celebration of the YMCA Child Care – Kincardine will be scheduled in the New Year in conjunction with the School.
The addition to St. Anthony’s School is part of the government’s $14 billion commitment over ten years to build new schools, improve existing facilities and expand child care.
St. Anthony’s School is located at 715 Russell Street, Kincardine. Those wishing to be placed on the wait list for a space at the YMCA Child Care – Kincardine or YMCA Before and After School care -visit the YMCA website at www.ymcaowensound.on.ca/child-care.
