Ticonderoga Community Early Learning Center Hosts Open Houses
The Ticonderoga Community Early Learning Center (TCELC) invites community members, families seeking childcare, and local businesses to participate in a series of open house events. These gatherings, scheduled for August 1, 2024, August 10, 2024, August 24, 2024, and August 29, 2024, will allow attendees to tour the facility, meet the staff, and learn about the center’s enrollment process.
The TCELC, operated by the Silver Bay YMCA, currently serves 29 children aged between 6 weeks and 5 years and employs a dedicated team of 10 full-time staff members. The center opened its doors nearly a year ago in response to a pressing community need for accessible, high-quality early learning options. This need has become increasingly critical, impacting workforce recruitment and retention in the Ticonderoga area.
Peter Doliber, CEO of Silver Bay YMCA, expressed the organization’s commitment to supporting families. “The addition of the Ticonderoga Community Early Learning Center aligns perfectly with Silver Bay YMCA’s mission to foster youth development across every stage of life,” he stated. He emphasized that the organization is dedicated to making childcare affordable, offering assistance with subsidy applications, a sliding scale fee structure, and scholarships for families in need.
A collaboration between the TCELC and the Ticonderoga Revitalization Alliance (TRA) began in the summer of 2024. Under this partnership, all operational costs are covered, allowing the TCELC to focus on delivering high-quality care and education. The Silver Bay YMCA expressed gratitude for community support, highlighting donor contributions that have facilitated scholarships and operational funding.
Nutrition and Additional Support Services
In addition to educational services, the TCELC addresses food insecurity, a prevalent issue in many rural communities. The center implements a structured meal program ensuring that all children receive nutritious meals while at the facility. This program not only supports children’s health and development but also alleviates stress for working families facing limited access to healthy food options.
The TCELC is part of a broader array of youth-focused initiatives by Silver Bay YMCA. These include the popular Silver Camp, which attracted over 700 children in 2024, thanks in part to scholarships from supportive donors. Beyond the summer program, the Teen Center provides a safe, free space for local youth, offering mentorship and programming throughout the school year.
Through these initiatives, Silver Bay YMCA demonstrates its commitment to nurturing the potential of young people and supporting their well-being across the communities it serves.
For further information about the TCELC, including details on how to support its operational fund or scholarships, visit silverbay.org/tcelc or contact Education Director Jackie Palandrani at [email protected].
