Post Messenger Recorder -

Anyone who has ever worked with children knows that small surprises can make a lasting impact. While many moments are notable, Amanda Meighan, Director of Green County Family YMCA's childcare program, has one memory that stands out among her experiences working with young children.

"There was this little boy who was always so shy in my program. I wasn't sure if he was taking much away from class, and then one day during circle time, he joined his friends in reciting the alphabet and our calendar songs. He had the biggest smile on his face! I will never forget that moment," she recalled.

These special moments, along with working with children and families, and building relationships with them, are her favorite parts of her job. "I enjoy watching the children grow and develop into confident, self-sufficient learners," she said.

The Green County Family YMCA has been in existence since 1982. The YMCA noticed that Green County needed a safe place for children to come and learn and decided to help fill that space. The facility has offered childcare since the current facility at 1307 2nd Street was built in 1985. The center currently has a preschool and after-school program for ages 3 through 13 years old.

Since then, the YMCA has been a place for children to come learn, grow and thrive, she said.

"We support children by providing a safe and healthy place to learn foundational skills; develop healthy, trusting relationships; and build self-reliance through the Y values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility," Meighan explained. "At the Y, we believe the values and skills learned early on are vital building blocks for quality of life and future success."

The Y's program offers some unique features, including swimming and gymnastics lessons. The programs bring students from different schools together to form a bigger community, Meighan said.

"Our program truly brings families together by nurturing the potential of children, promoting healthy living, and fostering a sense of social responsibility. Those who walk through our doors are family to us," Meighan said.

There are challenges to running a center, of course. "One of the most challenging parts of my job is finding quality staff," Meighan said. "It is also a challenge to find the balance between classroom time and administrative time."

Childcare is essential for working families and for child development, she said. "If I could change anything about the childcare profession, it would be the pay and benefits for quality early childhood teachers. Many teachers decide to leave the early childhood field because of low pay and no benefits."

Meighan said she thinks it truly takes a village to raise a child. To that end, the community can better support childcare by finding a way to work together to provide resources for families, which is a solid first step, Meighan said.

"When families feel supported, they are better equipped to nurture and support their child's well-being, development and learning. Families should know what resources are available to them. When families are able to work with businesses and community members, they are able to create a solid foundation for their child(ren) to flourish and grow."