TRAVERSE CITY -- More than once, Tom Van Deinse listened as local business leaders described a need for more regional child care.
The conversations were intended to gain support among the corporate community for a new facility for the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA, of which Van Deinse is chief executive officer. But more than anything else, he heard employers wanted a wider selection of affordable care for their workers' children.
Two phone surveys later confirmed the anecdotes, and a child care center opened in February. More than 20 children are enrolled from birth to age 5.
"It takes awhile to establish," said Van Deinse of the facility, on Woodmere Avenue in Traverse City. "We're pretty much on track for the growth we wanted to see."
Parents this fall will have another education option for their children when the YMCA launches a kindergarten enrichment program for students who attend school part time.
Many kindergarten students in the area are enrolled in classes that meet for two full days and one half-day. Children would attend the YMCA program on their days off from school.
"At that age, we have so many other programs that can intermingle," said Molly Brown, the YMCA's child care director. "A lot of it is starting that Y kid."
Students will learn from an academic curriculum used in Traverse City Area Public Schools, and instructors will emphasize fitness, motor skills and the YMCA's Christian values, Brown said.
The program will run from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and offer breakfast and two snacks. Students will need to bring lunch.
"We have everything in place for the most part," Brown said. "It just takes time."
Numbers are small, with at least six children enrolled in preschool and two in the enrichment program, she said. Employees want to strengthen the program's referral system to attract more students.
At capacity, the entire center could hold 56 children, Van Deinse said.
Traverse City Area Public Schools and Grand Traverse Academy also offer enrichment programs to kindergartners.
Megan Woolcott's son will attend kindergarten at the latter charter school, but is enrolled in enrichment at the YMCA because he participates in the nonprofit's summer programs and because it offers tuition aid.
"We can afford it here," said Woolcott, of Traverse City. "I've just been really impressed by the staff."
For more information
The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA will start a kindergarten enrichment program this fall. The program will run from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and cost $35 a day, including half-days.
Kindergarten enrichment programs also exist in Traverse City Area Public Schools and at Grand Traverse Academy. TCAPS' program is at select elementary schools and costs $27 per day and $16 for half days. Grand Traverse Academy's program is $4 an hour and runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
