Family Values at Russell Barber YMCA Child Care Centre: A letter from Cristina

Every day, more than 19,000 children have fun, socialize and learn at our 230 Child Care centres across the GTA. We recently received a letter from Cristina, whose son Vincenzo is part of the close-knit community at the Russell Barber YMCA Centre in Brampton. 

To whom it may concern:

Like many parents, I was a first-time child care mom who was very nervous and reluctant to put my little boy Vincenzo in day care.

I spoke with the centre’s director, Natalie, two weeks before Vincenzo started the program, but on his first day at the Brampton Russell Barber YMCA Centre I still walked away in tears, with my son crying for me. That day I called the centre several times to check on him. Dorothy was so patient and forthcoming with information about my son’s well-being on his first day.

Over the next few months, I have had the pleasure of meeting the many members of the extended family at Russell Barber. There’s Rachel, the Community Living representative, who possesses the same positivity as the teachers who attend to Vincenzo’s every need.  Kathleen was the first of his many teachers; she, alongside Michelle, have been enlightening Vincenzo and all of his classmates with learning during play. In fact, I started to see a difference in Vincenzo’s development in a matter of weeks.

Fast forward to December 2014. My son is now attending the centre three days a week. The staff always greet me with a wave and friendly conversation, and Marina the chef is still making magical meals. Michelle, with her spunky personality and Tania with her nurturing style continues to be an integral part of my son’s overall child care experience.

I’d like to congratulate all of the teachers for their hard work.  We all know in this day and age that it isn’t easy to be a parent, a teacher, or any type of caregiver.  Children expect and want more from us, no matter their age.  This is why I felt the need to take the time to write this letter, as it isn’t often that people will send a positive note to congratulate and give applause to those who do make a difference, no matter how small or large.

The leadership and team at the Brampton Russell Barber YMCA Centre deserve kudos for taking care of young minds and preparing them for school and social life. Vincenzo looks forward to spending more school days at the YMCA!

Sincerely,

Cristina

For more information about the YMCA of Greater Toronto, please visit http://ymcagta.org