Exciting Changes Coming to Laurens, SC: New Child Development Center Set to Open Soon
In the heart of Laurens, South Carolina, a long-awaited dream is finally coming true! The Lakelands YMCA Association is gearing up to unveil their brand-new 9,800 square foot Child Development Center, replacing their current facility on West Main Street. This has been a decade-long journey, and the anticipation in the community is palpable. According to Brian Harlan, the CEO of Lakelands YMCA, “The project has progressed very well with minimal challenges. We are most proud we selected P&F Construction as our contractor.”
What to Expect from the New Center
Scheduled for completion in just a few weeks, hopefully by late September or early October, the new center is designed with children in mind. The building will house eight classrooms and a spacious open-floor area for activities, ensuring that kids get the best learning experience possible. There will also be a fenced-in playground, allowing children to play in a safe environment. Harlan emphasizes that the facility is meant to cater to children as young as six weeks old, up to those in pre-k, providing them with the foundational skills they’ll need for public and private school later on.
A Welcoming Space for Families
Transitioning from the current site, the new center will make it easier for children to continue their development in a top-notch environment. Crissy Roach, the Director of the Child Development Center, shared the excitement: “The community is very excited about Laurens County being able to provide more options for quality childcare.” Since the announcement of the center, there’s been a surge of interest, with 17 new children added to the waitlist.
Quality Education and Care
The center will also incorporate an interactive Montessori-based curriculum to enrich the educational experience of each child. Parents can look forward to a nurturing and enriching atmosphere where their little ones can learn and grow. “We desire to continue offering the highest quality care, education, and experience for our participants in a safe environment that each of our donors, community members, and parents will be proud of,” Harlan stated.
Adding More Opportunities
Once the building is complete, there will also be an opportunity to expand the services offered. Harlan mentioned, “In January, we plan to offer another opportunity to join a new wait list that could have up to 28 additional opportunities.” This means even more families will have access to quality childcare and early education, a vital resource especially in today’s growing demand for such services.
How to Get Involved
For those interested in securing a spot for their child at the new center, a waiting list is actively being compiled. Those wanting to get on the list can reach out to Roach or Assistant Director Emily Hughes at 864-681-0203, where they can receive the waiting list form via email. Please note that there’s a one-time, non-refundable waiting list fee of $100 to secure a place.
The YMCA is also on the lookout for dedicated individuals interested in contributing to the Child Development Program. If you’re passionate about education and childcare, consider reaching out to Roach or Hughes or visiting the YMCA at 410 Anderson Dr. to fill out an application.
A Community Effort
The creation of this center is truly a community effort, made possible through the hard work of the Corporate Board, County Officials, State Leaders, and generous donors. It’s a perfect illustration of what can happen when the community comes together for a common cause: enriching the lives of our children.
As we look forward to welcoming more little ones into this exciting new space, it’s clear that the future of childcare in Laurens County is brighter than ever.
