FAQs
How long has the Richard F. Blake Children’s Center been in operation?
Over 21 years. First as the Y’s Owls Child Care Center, now renamed the R.F. Blake Children’s Center.
What are the qualifications and tenure of the staff?
There is a N.J. State Certified teacher in every classroom and our average tenure for staff is an impressive 10.5 years. We’ve had college students come back to visit their teachers!
Are the staff trained in First Aid and CPR?
Yes, in infant/child and adult C.P.R. and standard first aid.
Why is your NAEYC accreditation important?
Our accreditation is important because it means we have achieved the mark of high quality in child care. It shows that we are willing to undergo the rigorous requirements of NAEYC and have our staff, program and facility evaluated by an outside, unbiased group of child care experts. It also gives you the confidence that you are choosing the best child care program for your child.
Do you have a Parent’s Organization and/or a Board of Representatives?
Yes, we have a very active parents association. As a YMCA, we believe that engaging volunteers makes us special. Our parent’s association has meetings 6 times a year that are open to all parents. The association also sends out newsletters, plans the annual family picnic, coordinates staff appreciation events and sponsors special children’s events. Our association is called Y.O.P.A.
Do you really provide swim lessons for Preschoolers?
Yes! We believe that swimming is a necessary life skill. Our Y has been teaching children how to swim since 1874! The preschool 2 and 3 classes attend once a week lessons next door at the Y. The lessons are free for all full-day children whose regularly scheduled day is the day of swim lessons.
Does my child need to be a member of the YMCA to participate in the program?
Yes, Child Care membership is $75.00 annually . We do not have a registration fee.
What family and/or community activities do you offer?
We offer monthly family nights and special events like: Healthy Kids Day, Spring Egg Hunt, Photo’s with Santa, Drive In Movie Nights, and Holiday Sing Alongs.
What is the Center’s schedule of operation?
Weekdays 6:30AM to 6:00PM
Does the center close for any holidays?
Only for the major holidays: Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, Fourth of July, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day. If the holiday falls on a weekend, the center will close on the Friday or Monday closest to the holiday.
What are the registration requirements?
A parent orientation and all enrollment documentation, including deposit and fees, and a visit to the center and classroom for you and your child to become acclimated.
How can I arrange a tour?
Call 973-984-2255 today!