The Penobscot Bay YMCA, in partnership with RSU 13, is relocating its Rockland Harbor child care program to a new home within the South School building in Rockland.

Beginning this fall, three new classrooms in South School will welcome toddlers, three year olds, and the YMCA’s third year of Public Pre-K students. Enrollment is now open for the toddler and 3-year-old classrooms, with daily child care available from 7 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.

As part of the move, the YMCA will transition its child care staff and operations from the Rockland Harbor YMCA on Water Street to South School.

The Rockland Harbor YMCA Fitness Center will continue operating as usual while the YMCA explores future uses for the former child care space, to the Y, in a news release. Child care services at the YMCA's Rockport location on Union Street remain unchanged.

"This partnership represents an exciting new chapter for children and families in southern Knox County," said Penobscot Bay YMCA CEO Whitney Files, in the release. "Across Maine, child care providers are facing unprecedented financial challenges, and many programs have been forced to close their doors. Thanks to our partnership with RSU13, we will be able to build a stronger program and sustain this vital service for local families for years to come."

The move to South School reflects a shared commitment by the YMCA and RSU 13 to invest in young children and ensure families have continued access to high-quality early childhood education, according to Files.

"Our children and teachers are moving from a space that has served us well for many years into larger, brighter, sunnier classrooms designed to support learning and exploration," she said. "The new location offers expansive outdoor play spaces where children will have room to run, climb, imagine, and play, along with access to South School's new nature trails for outdoor discovery and learning. It's a wonderful upgrade that will enrich the daily experience for every child in our care."

"The Y has been a trusted partner supporting families in RSU13 for many years," said RSU13 Assistant Superintendent Steffany Tribou. "Our shared commitment to helping children succeed is more important than ever as the demand for high-quality, affordable child care continues to challenge families in southern Knox County. We're thrilled to welcome the YMCA to South School and look forward to strengthening this partnership for the benefit of children and families."

Kim Watson has been hired as the YMCA's Child Care Director at South School. Watson brings more than 20 years of experience in preschool and elementary education, with expertise in curriculum development, inclusive programming, and supporting children’s social-emotional development. She holds teaching certifications in Early Childhood, Early Childhood Special Education, and Elementary Education (K–8).

"I strongly believe that one of the most effective ways to support young children's growth and development is by building strong partnerships with families," said Watson. "When families feel supported, respected, and included, they are better equipped to meet their child's changing developmental needs and foster their overall well-being."

According to the news release, the Penobscot Bay YMCA remains committed to ensuring that every family can access high-quality child care, regardless of financial circumstances. The YMCA offers a voluntary tiered pricing/sliding scale model that allows families to choose the rate that best reflects what they can afford. The YMCA also accepts DHHS state child care subsidies and provides Y financial assistance to families who do not qualify for subsidy. Community donations to the YMCA's Child Care Campaign help make these opportunities possible for Midcoast families.

The Y is seeking one-time funding to support the cost of new furniture, rugs, bookshelves, and learning centers in their new South School location. Donations can be made online here.

PreK registration at the Y is managed by RSU 13 and can be requested online here.

Child care rates for the South School location can be found on the Y’s website here. Contact Senior Director of Operations Meredith Gutheinz for enrollment inquiries for three year old and toddler classrooms here: mgutheinz@penbayymca.org / 207-236-3375.

Financial assistance is available for all qualified families. The application and financial documentation requirements are available on the Y’s website.

Penobscot Bay YMCA Child Care programs are NAEYC Accredited, recipients of the 5210 Let’s Go! Gold Award, and maintain a 5-Star Quality Rating (QRIS) with Rising Stars for ME.

The Penobscot Bay YMCA is a charitable, mission-driven organization committed to strengthening the foundations of community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Y provides financial assistance to ensure all are welcome, and proudly serves 11,000 individuals annually throughout the Midcoast. Learn more at www.penbayymca.org.