Building future foundations

YMCA of the Northern Territory prides itself on the high quality of service and care they provide for children and families both in the out-of-school hours care sector, and in the long day care sector throughout the Territory.

YMCA of The Top End children and family services manager Julia Deveney said the programs and practices throughout children’s services were guided by the National Quality Standard for Early Childhood Education and School Age Care, reflecting the approved national learning frameworks, and practices that promote positive relationships with children, families and throughout the wider community.

“The latest addition to our children’s services is YMCA Special Education Centre OSHC, offering a much-needed service to the Palmerston com- munity, providing out of school hours care for children all of ages, with additional needs,” she said.

“All of our OSHC services, located on the school grounds in Driver Primary School, Durack Primary School, and Palmerston Senior College, Special Education Centre, offer care out of school hours, both before and after school, and throughout the holidays.”

Catering for school-aged children, it provides a place for children to have fun, be active and explore their potential.

“The child-focused, stimulating activities provided in our OSHC services, reflect the children’s interests, culture and abilities,” Ms Deveney said.

“We provide nutritious snacks, giving the children the energy for learning and playing with friends, and gaining lifelong skills and knowledge.

“Through our long day care centres we provide high quality care for children aged from six months to five years, delivering stimulating educational programs, and providing nurturing environments and we believe in the importance of developing positive, secure relationships with all of the children in our care.”

The long day care centres include Jingili Kindergarten, YMCA Early Learning Centre, Alice Springs and Grevillea Early Learning Centre, Alice Springs.

Educators in all of services hold qualifications in the education and care industry, and pride themselves on the high quality care they provide.

“Building positive relationships with children and families is the basis of our programs, ensuring that children get the best outcomes through great partnerships,” Ms Deveney said.