Child Care
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Early Learning Care
The Y’s Grow NJ Kids rated Early Learning programs combine a safe and happy educational environment with an intentional, proven curriculum designed to stimulate intellectual, emotional, and social growth – all with the focus of preparing children for success in kindergarten and beyond. Our Early Learning programs start at infancy and extend through Pre-K to provide consistent, safe, and exceptional care.
State Access Pre-K
The YMCA of MEWSA is proud to offer state access Pre-K at Grace Early Learning Center & Harborview Early Learning Center in Perth Amboy, NJ and the Edison YMCA & Ken Shirk Learning Center in Edison, NJ. This program through the state of New Jersey offers free access to Y Pre-K programming to families who meet state requirements. Through the Y, families in our region can have access to critical child care, growth, opportunities, and learning.
School Age Care
The Y’s Before & After School Enrichment Program helps fill a gap for working families by keeping kids safe when not in school. Kindergartners and school age kids balance learning and fun before and after school while developing social skills and engaging with positive adult role models.
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Y Summer Camps
Grouped by age and grade, campers learn how to create new friendships and explore the natural world around them. Camp activities like art, music, nature, swimming, and sports are designed to build confidence, new skills, and untapped talent. Themes, special activities, and events make it a different adventure every week.
Financial Assistance Services
We believe that all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. That’s why the Y is committed to working with families to provide affordable access to child care through our financial assistance program.
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Join Our Team
We have many on and offsite positions open throughout the year including School Age Child Care Counselors, Before/After School Care Counselors, and Teaching positions.
Child Care Resources
Financial Assistance For Child Care and Programs
The YMCA of Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge and South Amboy believes that everyone, regardless of age and their financial situation, deserves access to our services to help them live healthier lives and a chance to realize their full potential. At the Y, no one is turned away because of an inability to pay. Assistance is awarded based on household income, size, extenuating circumstances and the availability of funds on a first come, first served basis. Our Financial Assistance program is made possible through our YMCA’s Annual Support Campaign, special events and donors.
Community Child Care Solutions
https://communitychildcaresolutions.org/
Local child care resource and referral (CCR&R) organizations help parents take the guesswork out of choosing care – giving them referrals to local child care providers, information on state licensing requirements, availability of child care subsidies, and other pertinent information. CCR&Rs provide guidance by phone, in person, and in other ways, such as internet, that are tailored to each individual family.
Department of Children and Families
The New Jersey Department of Children and Families is the state’s first Cabinet-level agency devoted exclusively to serving and supporting at-risk children and families. It is made up of about 6,600 staff who are focused on and committed to assisting and empowering residents to be safe, healthy and connected.
Grow New Jersey Kids
There are many things to think about when you’re looking for child care – you want to find a program that’s convenient, open when you need it and within your budget. But most importantly, you need child care that makes sure your child is safe, healthy and learning. Grow NJ Kids can help you find quality child care in your area.
Child Care Help Line
Connects families to the local Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agencies to help families determine if they are eligible for New Jersey’s Subsidy Program, find and locate quality child care services and other child care options.
Department of Education Pre-K Programs
The focus of the Division of Early Childhood Education (DECE) is to enhance social, emotional, physical, and academic development of New Jersey's children -- preschool through third grade -- by providing leadership, resources, and professional development in support of high-quality early childhood programs within a comprehensive, collaborative program.
SPAN Parent Advocacy Network
Supporting families as advocates and partners in improving education, health, and mental health outcomes for infants, toddlers, children, and youth.
New Jersey Department of Health Early Intervention Services
https://www.nj.gov/health/fhs/eis/for-families/when/
Early intervention services are designed to address a problem or delay in development as early as possible. The services are available for infants and toddlers up to age three.
For More Information
Vice President of Child Care Operations
Dr. Jennice Webb
jennice.webb@ymcaofmewsa.org
Metuchen School Age Child Care Director
Natalie Cox
natalie.cox@ymcaofmewsa.org
Metuchen Preschool Coordinator
Linda Rutter
linda.rutter@ymcaofmewsa.org
Edison Child Care Director
Jennifer Guthlein
jennifer.guthlein@ymcaofmewsa.org
South Amboy Child Care Director
Sequan Redmond-Petty
sequan.redmond-petty@ymcaofmewsa.org
Avenel Learning Center Director
Marcia Ramos
marcia.ramos@ymcaofmewsa.org
Centenary Learning Center Director
Melinda Wilson
melinda.wilson@ymcaofmewsa.org
Colonia Learning Center Director
Heidi Robbins
heidi.robbins@ymcaofmewsa.org
Edgar Early Learning Center Director
Jeanna Kim
jeanna.kim@ymcaofmewsa.org
Grace Early Learning Center Director
Shanae Clark
shanae.clark@ymcaofmewsa.org
Harborview Early Learning Center Director
Rita MacNeill
rita.macneill@ymcaofmewsa.org
Ken Shirk Learning Center Director
Sequoia Richardson
sequoia.richardson@ymcaofmewsa.org