When it came to entrusting the care and educational development of her daughter, Stephanie Peoples wanted to be sure that the provider she selected would be the right fit for her, her family, and most importantly, her daughter. At age 3, Janae can already write her name, identify shapes and colors, and is able to express her emotions in a healthy, positive way.
“Every day she tells me what she learned. It’s always some thing new,” said Stephanie. “I’m glad the Y focuses on her physical development too. The open communication between the teachers and parents is great. I always feel like we are on the same page.”
The Akron Area YMCA, a longtime champion of local youth development, provides a number of learning and development related resources to the community such as Early Care & Education, Before & After School Enrichment programming, and CATCH (Coordinated Approach to Child Health) curriculum. By helping children through each of the critical stages in childhood, the Y roots them with positive encouragement and provides opportunities for growth they might not find outside of school hours. By combining learning with playful activity, infants, toddlers, and school-aged children receive nurturing guidance, a sense of belonging, a safe environment, and confidence-building experiences that will benefit them at school and home, preparing them for their future.
The Summit County CATCH Collaborative (SC3) partners are working together to help kids develop and sustain healthy behavioral habits during the foundational stages of childhood that are critical to long-term developmental success. Backed by 25 years of research, CATCH has been proven to launch kids and communities toward healthier lifestyles. It has the largest evidence base of any obesity prevention program and has been demonstrated nationwide to be the most cost-effective means of preventing obesity in an environment that’s safe, fun, and easy to maintain. This fall, the CATCH curriculum will be integrated into YMCA after-school programs throughout Summit County.
“Childhood obesity and inactivity is an epidemic we can’t ignore. It’s something that must be addressed at every level of our community for our kids to have a fighting chance at having the knowledge and skills to lead a healthy life,” said Akron Area YMCA COO & President Jill Kolesar. “SC3 partners are excited to step up to support our youth. This is an opportunity to make a real difference!”
CATCH Volunteer Opportunities 
The Akron Area YMCA is currently recruiting volunteers to help children develop and sustain healthy eating and activity behaviors. There are other volunteer opportunities that do not require training. For CATCH volunteer opportunities and training, contact Jessica Evans at 330-376-1335or [email protected].
For more information or to enroll your child in the Akron Area YMCA Early Care & Education Centers or the Before & After School Enrichment programs near you, please contact Beth Kelley, Early Care & Education Director, at 330-376-1335 or [email protected].