New, Innovative Early Learning Readiness Program Teaches Caregivers to Provide Better Development Opportunities to Preschoolers

For many working parents, preparing young children for kindergarten can be daunting, especially when that child spends an average of 33 hours each week being looked after by a grandparent, other relative, friend or babysitter. Not surprisingly, most of these informal caregivers focus on loving care and generally do not have early childhood development expertise.

To improve school readiness among children up to five years old, particularly from underserved and low-income communities, the Y has launched a pilot initiative at YMCAs across the country, called the Early Learning Readiness Program for Informal Family, Friend and Neighbor Caregivers.

The Early Learning Readiness Program provides a stimulating, preschool-like experience through learning centers that foster development, improve school readiness, and support the skills and confidence of caregivers. Its innovative approach provides caregivers with tools and support to give the children in their care better learning and development experiences. In addition, the Early Learning Readiness Program empowers caregivers with knowledge and provides a much needed intervention for a large number of children not enrolled in preschool, who might otherwise reach kindergarten unprepared. According to a recent U.S. Census Bureau report, children 5 years old and under were more likely to be cared for by a relative (42 percent) than by a nonrelative (33 percent), while 12 percent were regularly cared for by both, and 39 percent had no regular child care arrangement.

The Early Learning Readiness Program is FREE and offers high-quality physical, emotional and cognitive experiences for kids. Caregivers and children attend bi-weekly meetings together at neighborhood locations such as local Ys, community centers, libraries, schools and places of worship.

Launched two years ago, more than 40 Ys across the country now offer FREE Early Learning Readiness Program opportunities for caregivers, with the number of locations expected to grow 2014. To learn more about the Y’s commitment to youth development, visit ymca.net.