Bradford YMCA Early Learning and Child Care Center now has a new director, while it also received its Keystone STAR 3 accreditation.

Joette Morgan has been named as the child care director of the Bradford YMCA Early Learning and Child Care Center.

A graduate of St. Bonaventure University, Morgan previously worked at the Bradford YMCA as assistant director for 2½ years.

“I could not be more proud of the culture that Joette has created in the Bradford Family YMCA Early Learning Center,” said Brent Raabe, executive director of Bradford Family YMCA. “She and her team always put the children’s needs first and every child that comes through the door is treated as family.”

She was promoted May 1.

Meanwhile, the center’s Keystone STAR 3 accreditation offers families a way to evaluate the quality of child care programs, so that they can make an informed decision that best suits their needs, as well as the needs of their children.

“Being a facility that participates in Keystone STARS, the program that our Early Learning Center offers creates an environment for children and their families in which learning and exploration are encouraged,” Raabe said. “Teachers and staff are constantly learning and practicing different skills and methods to better themselves through high standards, professional training and development, and the highest-end resources available.”

To earn a STAR 3 rating, the center had to meet certain research-based standards for program quality. For example, all lead teachers in a STAR 3 centers and group child care homes must have an associate’s degree in early childhood education. Teachers assess children’s skills three times a year, and hold at least two family conferences each year to discuss the child’s progress and behavioral, social and physical needs.

Facility officials said that the Bradford YMCA Early Learning and Child Care Facility is more than just child care center. The center uses what’s known as Highscope curriculum.

“The teachers create and implement lesson plans for ages 6 weeks through 5 years,” officials said. “Close proximity to the main branch allows the children to utilize the Bradford YMCA’s Adventure Center and gymnasium.”

Preschoolers also participate in weekly swim lessons.

For the more information, to take a tour, or to enroll a child, contact Morgan at 814-368-1610 or joettem@yourymca.org.