The Greater Augusta Family YMCA is launching its Play and Learn child enrichment program at all ten CSRA area branches, Monday, September 24, 2018.  The custom program is the only one its kind in the region.
 
The program has been uniquely developed by the Y’s educational experts to provide engaging curriculum to help children develop in the areas of music and movement, literacy, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math), and arts and crafts while parents are utilizing branch facilities for up to two-hour blocks of time.  The service is free to all active Y members.
 
During normal branch operating hours, parents can place their child in Play and Learn for rotating sessions including music and movement, devotionals, storytelling and reading, STEAM and arts and crafts with age appropriate activities for every child.  Play and Learn is designed to stimulate minds and bodies, while teaching competence to build autonomy and reinforce positive attitudes and actions.
 
Curriculum themes change every week throughout the year, with the same offerings each day at every branch should a member utilize multiple facilities for consistency.  The program is on a voluntary basis for families and religious beliefs are respected and inclusive, should families have specific preferences.
 
“Play and Learn is designed to help children identify and reinforce their individual strengths, grow their abilities with their natural talents and gain confidence to believe in themselves,” says Cheryl Lizama, Family YMCA Child Development Director.  “We have created a fun and engaging environment for children to learn and develop, while providing parents the assurance that their child is being cared for during their workout in a meaningful way.”
 
“We’re excited for my two-year old daughter to use Play and Learn to give her a positive way to socially interact and build her confidence while learning new things.  Plus, I can enjoy my workouts knowing that she’s not just supervised, but really interacting and learning,” says Baylee Ready, YMCA member.