Whittier Tech Teaming With YMCA to Open Childcare Center This Fall

Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School. (Jay Saulnier file photograph for WHAV News.)

Next fall, Greater Haverhill students and families will be able to take advantage of a unique resource at Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School when the Haverhill YMCA opens an early childcare center, to be constructed and staffed by students pursuing a variety of careers.

This week, Whittier and the Haverhill YMCA announced plans for the program—open to infants, toddlers and pre-school students in Amesbury, Merrimac, Haverhill, Byfield, Georgetown, Groveland, Salisbury, West Newbury, Newburyport and Newbury—which will be housed at the Tech in a self-contained wing of the school.

Early Education and Care teacher Michelle Ring explains the program will benefit students of all career tracks.

“The new center will allow students in every grade, starting with freshman exploratory, to work with children throughout every stage of their studies,” Ring said. “It was also important for us to remain competitive with our surrounding school districts that have child care centers on site.”

YMCA Regional Executive Director Tracy Fuller is equally as exited about the partnership.

“The YMCA is excited for this great collaboration and we are looking forward to offering high quality affordable early education as well as providing an opportunity for learning for Whittier Early Childhood Education students,” Fuller told WHAV.

As an added bonus, children enrolled at the center receive a free YMCA youth membership, Fuller said.

For more information on how to enroll at the Whittier Y, contact Early Education Director Allison Anthony [email protected].

Comments are closed.