It has been quite some time since the local Moose Family YMCA closed its doors. However, under the direction of the YMCA of Regina, youth programming continues here in Moose Jaw and the good people who provide the family-focused programming want to get the word out.
Jenni Montgomery is the manager of childcare and before and after school services in Moose Jaw.
"In Moose Jaw, we have five childcare centres, three early learning centres and we have two before and after school programs. We also have mentorship programming that runs throughout the summer," Jenni explained.
In fact, the local operation wants the community to know they have childcare spaces available and registration is now open for the before and after school programs for next school year and they're now hiring early childhood educators. 
"We have a posting out right now. All of our amazing early childhood educators have their current CPR and first aid training. They have cleared their criminal record checks and they also take courses to work towards their ECE certificates," Jenni said.
Jenni says you don't necessarily have to have credentials before applying. If you're a successful candidate, they'll work with you to get you certified.
"If you're a lucky candidate, you can apply for some courses through the YMCA and through Saskatchewan Polytechnic. They're all offered online and so you'll be able to get your schooling while you are employed," Jenni said.
And while local parents may be kicking back and enjoying summer right now, Jenni is urging interested parents to get registered soon for the before and after school programming soon.
"We have two before and after programs. One is located in King George Elementary School and the other is in St. Mary School. We have children ages 6 to 12, so typically grade one and up," Jenni explained.
She also wants to stress, the after-school programming isn't exactly a babysitting service. She says the staff takes time and care to keep the children engaged.
"We have a program that's called 'A Place to Connect'. It's designed to keep the kids active, healthy and to let them have fun. The emphasis is on letting children make their own choices. We develop a special relationship with each child and help them to develop new physical, cognitive, emotional and social skills in a nurturing and caring environment," Jenni said.
"Local families can expect a number of things from physical activities with games outdoors and indoors in the school gyms. We enjoy spending time and having fun with all of the children...there's planned activities driven by their interests to allow them to explore the arts, science, math, reading and more," Jenni said enthusiastically.
The quality of programming at the local YMCA facilities is always front and centre for Jenni and her staff and she says that's something they work on every day.
"We ensure programming quality by staff receiving comprehensive, ongoing training...we focus on relationship building along with the program planning," Jenni said.
"We have five childcare centres in the city. We have two located on South Hill with one right in Westmount School and the other is on 4th Avenue Southwest. We have two on North Hill with one on 13th Avenue Northwest and the other over on Montgomery Street. And we have one at Peacock Collegiate which is the Teen Parent Program. It offers a safe place for children to go while local teens continue their education themselves," Jenni said.
What's more? The YMCA also has two early learning centres in our city.
"We run them the same way we run the childcare and before and after school programs. We have two early learning centres with one at St. Margaret School where they have French immersion. The kids don't have to know French but it's a great segue for the kids to learn some French. And the other one is located in St. Michael School."
If you'd like more information about the local YMCA operations, go online to www.mjymca.ca or you can give Jenni a call at 306 694 5554.
Thu, Apr 25, 8:00 AM
Agriculture, Entry-Level, Full-time
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