Staff members, from left, Stephanie Boulet, Emma Decosta, Diane Hopkins, and Childcare Director Andrea Gardner at the Old Colony YMCA Childcare Center parent open house on Aug. 24. (Photo courtesy Old Colony YMCA) 
The Old Colony YMCA Childcare Center parent open house on Aug. 24. (Photo courtesy Old Colony YMCA) 
The Old Colony YMCA Childcare Center parent open house on Aug. 24. (Photo courtesy Old Colony YMCA) 
From left, Old Colony YMCA Executive Director Darcy Paiva, Superintendent Lisha Cabral, and Childcare Director Andrea Gardner at the Old Colony YMCA Childcare Center grand opening. (Photo courtesy Old Colony YMCA)
EASTON — Superintendent Lisha Cabral, Oliver Ames High School Principal Kelly Cavanaugh, and Old Colony YMCA Executive Director Darcy Paiva are pleased to share that Easton Public Schools and the Old Colony YMCA have partnered to introduce a daily childcare center.
The center opened on Aug. 28 at Blanche A. Ames Elementary School, providing full-day care for EPS and Town of Easton employees. It will serve infants through preschool-age students and will be open year round.
Superintendent Cabral approached the YMCA with the idea to create a childcare center that served both students and staff members. An internship program was developed for the new Old Colony YMCA Childcare Center for Oliver Ames High School students who are interested in pursuing a career in early education. Participating students will gain a real-life, mentored experience in childcare and youth development. Students will develop and enhance the knowledge and skills necessary to have a positive impact on children’s learning and overall development.
The district started offering childcare at Oliver Ames, but did not have an opportunity for the high school students to work directly with children. Having the facilities on one campus now allows the high school students to walk to the elementary school and work in an authentic childcare environment.
“This is an invaluable opportunity for the students in our Child Development course to experience an authentic, real-world application of their coursework and build relationships with the staff and children at the YMCA,” said Principal Cavanaugh. “Oliver Ames is very thankful for this partnership.”
“The Easton Public Schools and the YMCA continue to mutually benefit from our extraordinary collaboration,” said Superintendent Cabral. “These valuable partners help us improve our level of service for all of our children and their families. It can be difficult to find quality, flexible childcare. We want all of our team members to feel confident they can be fully present at work during the day and evening events and know their children are safe and close by. This program will also be our first opportunity to have a setting for our high school childcare students to work directly with children, which is an experience that cannot be replicated in a high school classroom alone!”
The Old Colony YMCA Childcare Center is hiring for full-time and part-time Teacher and Teacher Aide positions. The preschool program has some open spots for families who are residents of Easton and are on the EPS waiting list. Those interested in childcare or starting a career at the Old Colony YMCA Childcare Center are encouraged to contact Childcare Director Andrea Gardner at AGardner@oldcolonyymca.org.
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