PITTSTON — The Greater Pittston YMCA will open its doors again on Tuesday, Sept. 3 for early childhood programming for children ages 3 to 5. The preschool program will be offered from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Caregivers will have the option of choosing either part-time or full-time services.
The comprehensive curriculum will encourage independent exploration and follows monthly themes filled with fun activities. The program will include snacks, gym class time, playground time and structured swim lessons. Applications can be picked up at the front desk counter at 10 N. Main St.
Bri Dugas will head up the new program. Dugas comes with years of experience in early childhood education, having studied at LCCC and Wilkes University. Her most recent position was working for the Wilkes-Barre YMCA as a teacher. She also hosted an annual summer art show for the entire pre-school program.
“I have worked with infants, toddlers, preschool, school age children, and have extensive experience teaching the arts and working with medically fragile children. I am so excited to bring my years of experience to the Greater Pittston YMCA as we begin our new school year,” Dugas said. “I love working for the YMCA because it is a non-profit organization that offers endless opportunities to bring the community together and because it plays such a pivotal role in childcare for local families. I am so passionate about education and getting kids active and engaged so I’m really looking forward to utilizing the facility and getting the kids dancing in Zumba, boosting their creativity and imagination in art classes, and gaining confidence in the water!”
Executive Director Janelle Drach also noted, “They plan to engage local community groups to provide unique experiences for the preschoolers, as well. This program is a perfect fit for our YMCA as we have numerous amenities for the children to be active and to foster youth development, live healthier lives and to become socially responsible youth as they grow with our program. We are excited to re-start this program and provide a much needed service to our area.”
The Greater Pittston YMCA also offers before and afterschool care as an addition to daycare or as a stand-alone option for families, as well. All the details can be found on our website at www.greaterpittstonymca.org or by contacting Dugas directly at bdugas@greaterpittstonymca.org or at 570.655.2255 x103.
