SANFORD — Now that the new YMCA expansion is up and running, officials are proceeding with the next steps — renovating the former fitness center in the older portion of the building into a new Early Learning Center space for kids.

The Y Owls Preschool program will transition into the Sanford-Springvale YMCA Early Learning Center later this month. 

According to Marketing Director Sari Hazzard, the new Early Learning Center will offer a 2,440-square-foot program environment, more than doubling the current Y Owls Preschool space. 

“The program is designed to support the scheduling needs of all families by providing year-round, quality care from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, said Hazzard in a prepared statement.

“A key component to a quality early childhood education program is the learning environment,” said the Y’s Youth and Family Services Director Matt Ouellette. “We are very excited to share our newly renovated, larger classroom environment with young learners to provide them with the foundation they need for a successful educational journey.” 

Children will be able to take part in activities like swimming, creative art projects, music and movement activities, story time, and outdoor play, as well as regular field trips and weekly excursions to the local library for “read and romp” time. 

Other highlights of the new Early Learning Center will include private playground access, newly renovated play space and exclusive access for parents through an independent entrance for increased security. 

When renovations in the new space are finished at the end of the month, the Y Owls Preschool will transition to the new space. 

The new center will be able to serve up to 40 children daily.

Hazzard said  Y is currently accepting registrations with limited enrollment opportunities. Learn more at sanfordymca.org. 

— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282-1535, ext. 327 or twells@journaltribune.com.