Merrimack Valley YMCA Expands Child Care in Lawrence
The Merrimack Valley YMCA’s new toddler room at the Lawrence YMCA is bursting with nine young learners growing together in a safe, affordable child care program.
Yasmeiry Guzman was thrilled when she learned the Y would have a space to care for her younger son, Liam, 2. Older brother Noah, 5, has been part of the Lawrence YMCA preschool for more than a year.
The Lawrence Y already serves more than 200 children ages 2.9 months to 13 in preschool and afterschool care. In April, the Y opened the first toddler room at the Lawrence location.
The new toddler space allows the Lawrence Y to serve children ages 15 months to 2.9 years old. The expanded program provides a vital service for working families.
“We love it here,” said Guzman, who enrolled Liam in the toddler room as soon as it opened. “My children have improved in their development and interactions. I would highly recommend the Lawrence Y early education program to other parents.”
Within just a few weeks of opening, the new toddler room was filled to capacity and the YMCA is looking at ways to expand further.
“Families in the Merrimack Valley need and deserve high-quality, safe child care,” said Francis J. Kenneally III, President and CEO of the Merrimack Valley YMCA. “All of our early education and after school programs provide that safety net on which working families rely. With our dedicated, trained staff, we are so excited that we can support development of our community’s youngest children.”
The Y celebrated the expanded child care space, which was supported by state funding, with a ribbon cutting this week. Joining Y staff for the celebratory opening were State Sen. Pavel Payano, State Rep. Frank Moran, State Rep. Estela Reyes, staff from Lawrence Mayor Brian De Pena’s office and the Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce.
“We are thrilled to celebrate the expansion of child care services in Lawrence with the new Toddler Room at the YMCA,” said Mayor De Pena. “This facility represents a significant step forward in ensuring that working families have access to quality care for their children. This is a testament to the strong community partnerships that make Lawrence a great place to live and raise a family.”
“Now more than ever, investing in our youth must be a top priority — and that begins with ensuring families have access to reliable, high-quality childcare,” said State Rep. Reyes. “I was proud to take part in the ribbon cutting for the new Lawrence YMCA Toddler Room, a meaningful step forward in supporting working families and nurturing the next generation.”
The Merrimack Valley YMCA serves 750 children daily from infants through school age at five locations in Methuen, Andover, Lawrence and Boxford. Learn more about YMCA child care.
