Due to the overwhelming response from the community, college employees, and LSC-North Harris students, the Aldine-Greenspoint YMCA at Lone Star College-North Harris Child Care Center has expanded its child care offerings to six programs, which now includes an all-day pre-school care for children ages 18 to 35 months, 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. for $125 per week and a new partial-week alternative for preschool aged children 18 months to five years of age for $35 a day. These new options are open to area residents.
Still available to the community is separate all-day pre-school specifically for children who are three to four years of age, 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. for $110 per week and an after-school program for ages five to 12, 3 to 6:30 p.m. for $50 per week. Both of these programs were part of the original child care choices when the center opened in August 2008.

The YMCA at LSC-North Harris also offers unique programs designed specifically for employees and students.

For students attending the LSC-North Harris campus, the center has a Child Watch program for children ages 18 months to five years of age. It is specifically designed for those students who may need child care during the times they attend classes or when a student's regular day care falls through. New for employees this semester, is a drop-in care program for school aged children, 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. for $35 a day. This program really comes into play when an employee's holiday schedule does not coincide with their children's school holidays.

"We are delighted to be able to expand our original programs and our mission of community outreach in 2009," says Ralph Wheeler, Aldine-Greenspoint YMCA executive director. "The philosophy of our early child care program is simple. We view youth as assets to our community. All young people, regardless of ethnicity, gender, economic, geographic or religious background, face choices that can positively or negatively influence their futures. Under the guidance of caring adults, children can learn fair play and positive communication-all skills that are needed to succeed."

YMCA at Lone Star College-North Harris operational hours are 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. For more information about enrolling your child call 281.765.7730.

Lone Star College-North Harris is located at 2700 W.W. Thorne Drive, one-half mile south of FM 1960 E, between Aldine-Westfield and Hardy Roads. For more information about the college, call 281.618.5400 or visit: NorthHarris.LoneStar.edu.