River Crossing YMCA has announced the opening of a new childcare center in partnership with Whitehall-Coplay School District. The new center, located on the school district campus at 2932 Zephyr Blvd., Whitehall, is open and accepting enrollment for children aged 6 weeks through pre-kindergarten.

An open house is scheduled for 5-7 p.m. April 2 and will include refreshments and snacks, raffle giveaways and a fun craft for children.

“There is a need for more high-quality early childhood education and care for families throughout the Lehigh Valley,” explained Skylar Lynn, senior director of child development for River Crossing YMCA in the Lehigh Valley. “We are excited and grateful to partner with the Whitehall-Coplay School District to bring safe, healthy and positive learning experiences to children and families in this community.”

The new childcare center, which also offers before- and after-school care for students who attend Gockley and Zephyr elementary schools, is operating in the building previously occupied by Gockley Elementary. Gockley is now in a newly constructed school building on the same campus. The new center is open 6:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday.

“I love the programs the Y provides for my school-age son Kaden,” shared Tiara Vereen, who has two children enrolled at the new center in Whitehall. “Having before-school and after-school care really gives working parents like myself the opportunity to work normal hours without having to make any additional changes (to my schedule). When I was informed of the new center opening, I was thrilled. When I was made aware of the opening date, I immediately enrolled Kameron, so he could start in the toddler program as soon as possible. The staff is phenomenal, and I can really tell that my children love what they do there.”

Information about the center, curriculum and tours can be found on the center’s website, ymcarivercrossing.org/child-care/whitehall-child-care-center, or by calling 610-439-1431, ext. 4109. A sibling discount of 10% is available for families who need care for more than one child, and financial assistance is available to those who qualify.

River Crossing YMCA (formerly YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties and Greater Valley YMCA) is a charitable, nonprofit organization committed to strengthening communities through membership and programs that foster youth development, healthy living and social responsibility for all. Annually, the Y serves more than 142,000 members and participants at its 12 member branches, 13 early childhood centers, 20 summer camp locations and 37 school-age childcare programs.

River Crossing YMCA provides more than $12 million of community impact annually in the form of financial assistance to individuals and families in need and free programming for veterans, cancer survivors, older adults and more. To learn more, visit ymcarivercrossing.org.