Kayla Lee is the lead teacher for four-year old children at the Duneland YMCA Early Learning Facility. Lee says she’s had a life-long passion for helping children. She’s been working with children of all ages for ten years. While still in high school, she worked at the Duneland YMCA Early Learning Facility as a child care assistant. Lee then went on to graduate from Purdue North Central with a BA in Social Work, and came back to continue her work with children at the Y.
“I believe that positive reinforcement is the best tool for learning and behavior modification,” she said. “Kids enjoy learning when they’re praised, respected and inspired. Every day my class celebrates the Y character development values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.”
The Early Learning Facility’s classroom environment challenges children to develop skills in literacy, math, science, technology, social studies and the arts, while strengthening their social-emotional, physical, language and cognitive skills. Kids participate in a fitness class taught by a YMCA personal trainer and participate in sports skills development.
Minds-in-Motion activities are included daily that are designed to stimulate a child’s visual and auditory processing, as well as their motor skills. The outcome is a better integrated and balanced child who performs better in school and at home. Throughout the summer, children ages 3-5 years have swim lessons and take field trips. The Y’s Early Learning Facility represents the best of what research and common sense tell us kids need: healthy beginnings, positive interaction with caring adults, age-appropriate learning activities that focus on the development of the whole child and have plenty of time for fun and making friends.
The Duneland Family YMCA Early Learning Facility has education and development programs for children ages 6 weeks-5 years. The program is available Monday-Friday, from 5:45 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Snacks and a healthy lunch are provided each day. The facility features large classrooms, a large open play gym, an outdoor play area and a local playground. Registration is open year around.
Registration is open now. Preschool enrollment is available full time or part time. Enrollment is available full time only for toddlers. The Y’s Early Learning Facility is located at 651 Morgan Ave. in Chesterton at Door #8. To register your child or schedule a tour contact Melissa Griffith at (219) 921 0183 or mgriffith@dunelandymca.org. The Duneland Family YMCA is a leading nonprofit focusing on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.