WESTFIELD-Registration is underway for a “new adventure” for the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Westfield — a full-day, pre-school program – set to start in late summer.
“We did a feasibility study that showed there was a need for full-day, year-round child care for pre-school age children in the Greater Westfield area,” said Kellie Brown, director of operations, adding, “With the new expansion we can offer this to families in a new state of the art facility.”
Staff members of the new Boys and Girls Club of Greater Westfield’s full-day, pre-school program are Trudy Mazza, Kelly Bouchard and Alexa London. (BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF GREATER WESTFIELD PHOTO)
The program, for ages 2.9-5, offers opportunities for children to explore their environment, and develop as well as expand their social, creative, and problem-solving skills all while promoting physical fitness and healthy lifestyle choices.
Program hours are Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., and includes breakfast, lunch, snack and dinner. Parents are welcome to provide their own meals as well.
“We have three certified Early Education and Care teachers that have a combined total of over 70 years of experience,” said Brown.
Kelly Bouchard and Alexa London are the lead teachers in the program, assisted by Trudy Mazza who serves as the club’s kindergarten coordinator. Charisse Balicki and Brown are the program administrators since the program becomes a part of the club’s existing licensed child care Kidz Klub program.
“As we embark on this new adventure the community support is overwhelming,” said Brown.
Nicki Lamb, parent of Lorelai Lamb, 2.10-years-old, is among the parents welcoming the program.
“I can’t even believe it,” said Lamb. “This is really an answered prayer for our family. Thank you so much for everything and we look forward to all that’s to come!”
The cost of the program is $225 per week per child with financial assistance offered and vouchers will be accepted upon opening.
Brown said programming covers a wide variety of areas, from early literacy development and problem-solving, to developing healthy habits for life. Additionally, teachers will focus on creative expression, exploration of one’s environment and technology, and building social skills.
A rendering of the future playground when complete at the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Westfield. (BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF GREATER WESTFIELD PHOTO)
“Messages from families who had children in our program and those children now registering their little ones for the pre-school has truly brought things full circle,” said Brown. “It’s hard to believe we now have programs for ages 2.9-18. Realistically a child can be a member for almost 17 years. That’s amazing when you think about it.”
A rendering of what the playground will look like when complete. (BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF GREATER WESTFIELD PHOTO)
For more details on the program and to complete a registration form, visit bgcwestfield.org or call (413) 562-2301.
