A new option for parents looking for child care is coming to Chatham-Kent.
Construction began on a new YMCA child care centre in Chatham on Monday, which will add an additional 49 spaces for children in the community. A total of three new classrooms will be established for 10 infant, 15 toddler and 24 preschool spaces.
The new centre will be added as an extension to the existing Chatham-Kent Children’s Services (CKCS) building, located at 495 Grand Ave. W, and will include additions for the outdoor play areas.
“We are in every way aligned with CKCS and their vision to provide accessible and inclusive Child Care and to ensure children and families have access to quality care,” said Andrew Lockie, CEO of YMCA of Southwestern Ontario, in a news release. “The values and skills learned early in life are vital building blocks for a successful adulthood, and we believe all children deserve a strong start and a safe place to grow.”
The YMCA will also be conducting a job fair in the near future to hire staff for the new child care centre. The YMCA said 18-20 people will be hired.
The new child care is expected to be completed by the summer of 2022.