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Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend September 5, 2005 Richard Hawkins, 22, paints a jungle scene last week on a new day-care center for 3- to 5-year-olds run by the Medford YMCA. The center, which opens Tuesday, will offer full-time, part-time and drop-in care for 56 preschoolers. Mail Tribune / Bob Pennell YMCA day-care moves to a new home By JONEL ALECCIA Mail Tribune By 7 a.m. Tuesday, Debbie Rose promises that the murals will be dry, the computers will be running and the stage, quite literally, will be set at the Medford YMCA’s newest day-care venture. "This wall will come down and we’ll have velvety curtains and everything," said the agency’s program director, standing in the midst of a speedy renovation designed to expand child-care options for local 3- to 5-year-olds. An arts and theater performance room, complete with a nearly foot-high curtained stage, is one of several amenities planned in the space that boasts a jungle theme. "We’re saying, ‘It’s a jungle in here’ or ‘Welcome to the jungle,’ " said Rose, gesturing toward a leafy wall painting featuring a happy frog and a smiling snake. Rogue Valley Family YMCA officials recently inked a new lease on office space at 129 N. Oakdale Ave., in part of a building that houses the state employment division offices. Advertisement The move allows the nonprofit organization to create new day-care slots and space for 56 preschoolers, including full-time, part-time and rare drop-in care at a rate of $3.25 an hour. "Something is always coming up where I need just a couple hours here or there," said Cynthia Lallo, 35, of Jacksonville, a former YMCA employee who plans to send her 3-year-old daughter to the new program. "For moms, everything is about finding something that is flexible." The program, which will operate from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., also augments the YMCA’s preschool program. Parents can enroll their children in one of two preschool slots, 9 a.m. to noon or 1 to 4 p.m., and supplement with child care before or after. Cost for a full-time enrollment is $525 a month. Children will move between three classrooms offering distinct activities. The area also includes a children’s library and a computer lab. "As all-day children come from preschool, we’ll be able to change the environment and keep them in the program," Rose said. Plans for the $13,000 expansion arose from a clear need for expanded services, said Lisa Rupert, YMCA campaign director. The agency’s 45 preschool slots are almost always full; ditto for before- and after-hours care. About 20 slots will be available for the public in the new program, where the ratio is one trained staff member for every 10 kids. The rest will be reserved for partnerships with local employers, including Asante Health System, the employment department and a planned relief nursery for troubled families. "This is so brand new, nobody knows about it," Rupert said. The expanded space could set the stage for future day-care improvements as well. YMCA officials are pondering the possibility of offering child care during night and weekend shifts as well. "With Bear Creek Corp. and Sprint here, what do those people do?" Rupert said. Nearly 80 percent of Jackson County women with children under age 18 are in the work force, most recent U.S. Census figures showed. That includes about 64 percent of moms with children under age 6. In August alone, 473 families requested care through Child Care Resource Network run by the Job Council of Medford, said Hillary Moran, referral coordinator. The highest number of requests — 88 — came in from parents wanting care for 3- and 4-year-olds. "There’s always a demand for quality child care," said John Thompson, state child-care certifier based in Medford. "And what the YMCA is setting up over there looks like a quality program with many activities. " All children, including drop-ins, must be registered with the YMCA to receive care, Rose said. For more information, call 772-6295 or visit the YMCA’s child care office at 522 W. Sixth St., Medford. Reach reporter JoNel Aleccia at 776-4465, or e-mail YMCA day-care moves to a new home ">[email protected] . Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2005 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback www.bingo.com Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker dvd-r Distance Education Computer Security Ztech Media Hosting Sports Equipment Online Casino Student Loans tcg student loan consolidation Online Pharmacy Online Casino Reviews Myspace Home Equity Loans Windermere Van Vleet Rogue Valley Travel Discount Hotel Reservations Southern Oregon Loans Online Casino News Casino Gambling Sites Budget Website Templates Online Bingo Entertainment Guide Advertisement s