State Allows YWCA to Keep Day Care Programs Open | News, Sports, Jobs

Pictured is 401 N. Main St. in Jamestown. The YWCA building located at is seen. file-photo

It’s been a challenging time for the Jamestown Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) lately.

As previously reported by The Post-Journal, the YWCA received a notice of intent from the state’s Department of Children and Family Services to close the YWCA’s day and child care center. “Effective immediately, your day care program has been removed from the office’s day care provider referral list,” the state’s notice of violation reads in part of the official notice. “In the event the office decides to remove you from the limited and revoked category, your program will be reinstated on this list if you successfully appeal the office’s decision to limit and revoke your license.”

But YWCA officials appealed the decision and are working to correct any discrepancies cited by the state OCFS while improving existing child care programs and protocols. YWCA executive director Amanda Gesing said in a letter this week that the YWCA has reached an agreement with the state that allows it to reopen the Dandelion classroom and keep the agency’s nursery license as long as the YWCA complies with requirements set by the state.

“While we are committed to meeting these requirements, our goal goes beyond simply meeting regulatory requirements; we are committed to rebuilding the trust of the families we serve and our broader community,” Gesing wrote. “We recognize that recent events raise valid concerns and we take full responsibility for the challenges they present. In response, we have begun a comprehensive review of our ECE program and have implemented a number of corrective actions aimed at ensuring a high-quality program that meets the needs of both children and families.”

Gesing said the YWCA has created a Parent Advisory Board to encourage communication and feedback from families who use YWCA programs and to guide early childhood education programs. The agency is searching for a new day care director and has updated several policies, including those regarding name-to-face rates, whistleblower protections, mandatory reporting and room transitions. Our entire staff has been trained on the updated policies to ensure they are in full compliance with best practices and New York state regulations. The YWCA also partners with the local child care resource center.

“We know that rebuilding trust takes time, and we are committed to transparency, accountability, and continued improvement of our ECE program,” Gesing wrote. “Our ultimate goal is to maintain a safe, nurturing and high-quality environment where all children and families feel valued and supported.”

YWCA’s 401 N. Main St. The building at is first licensed by NYSOCFS in 1991, and its license will expire in 2028. The site is listed as having a capacity for 59 children, including eight infants, 12 toddlers and 39 children. preschool children.

“We will do better,” Gesing told The Post-Journal. “Many people rely on the YWCA for our early childhood education and day care programs. …We will meet and exceed their needs and expectations.”