July 23, 2024 – On Tuesday, dozens of community members gathered at the Sanford-Springvale YMCA for a ribbon cutting ceremony for its new childcare center.

Using a $250,000 Jobs Plan Child Care Infrastructure Grant provided through the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, the Sanford-Springvale YMCA built three new classrooms that will accommodate 46 additional children in its childcare program.

“High-quality early childhood programs prepare kids for success and give parents important peace of mind knowing that their children are learning in a safe environment,” said Maine Governor Janet Mills, whose Jobs & Recovery Plan funded the project.

Starting this fall, one of the new classrooms will provide 16 children with access to full-day public pre-kindergarten offered in partnership with the Sanford School Department.

Thanks to a grant through the Department of Education, the first year of the program will be offered to families free of charge.

“Since 1941, the Sanford-Springvale YMCA has been serving Sanford, Springvale and our surrounding communities, focusing on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. As one of the largest providers of child care and camp in York County, we continue to seek ways to meet the growing need for quality childcare,” said Andy Orazio, CEO of the Sanford-Springvale YMCA.