Princeton YWCA Opens Early Childhood Center

PRINCETON, NJ – The YWCA in Princeton reopened its newly renovated program building on Saturday last week.

The building includes a new childcare wing — The Burke Foundation Early Childhood Center. The center will provide childcare and early education for children aged eight weeks through 6-years-old.

A virtual ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Saturday, with New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy as keynote speaker. In attendance were Councilwoman Leticia Fraga and James Burke.

“For working parents, the availability of affordable, quality childcare is absolutely essential, but the new YWCA Childcare Center goes beyond offering this critical service,” said Murphy in a statement. “By including a lactation room, classrooms for public Pre-K classes, access to ESL classes and more, this facility will support Princeton area families in a multitude of ways.”

The building was designed keeping in mind sustainability, functionality, and safety. In addition to a lactation room, a new stroller bunker was created for storage, with a grid built to run rainwater and melting snow away from the strollers inside.

“Our childcare center is a major part of building our future and serving families with the best care we can possibly provide,” said Tay Walker, Executive Director of YWCA Princeton.

“The first five years is the most critical stage of development in a person’s life. High quality early education is the bedrock for children’s future learning, health and life success.” said James Burke, President of The Burke Foundation, in a statement.

The center is now accepting applications for enrollment. It is open Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. In addition, a special after care program has been created for children ages 3 to 6, who may be learning remotely during the day. There are three free childcare slots available for economically disadvantaged children.

Princeton families can register here: www.ywcaprinceton.org/childcare. A video detailing safety protocols and frequently asked questions is also available on the website.