Greyston Family Inn Of Yonkers Inc

Programs: Greyston learning center:greyston's early learning center has been providing quality childcare to low-income families in southwest, yonkers for more than 20 years. By providing a safe, stimulating, nurturing and educational environment for infants, toddlers and pre-schoolers, the greyston early learning center (the principal social program of the related greyston family inn not-for-profit entity) enables parents of young children to seek and keep employment. The greyston early learning center coaches and supports parents as they strive to advance their lives while providing for their children during the most vulnerable and important early years. To help children prepare for school, the center uses the creative curriculum (aligned with new york state's pre-kindergarten guidelines and common core standards). To accommodate the schedules of working parents, the center also offers after-school homework and recreational programs. Operating since 1991, since its founding the greyston early learning center has served over 2,000 children, supporting them on a pathway to becoming healthy, secure, and responsible members of our community. In 2016, 140 children were provided early learning and after-school services, while 78% of children met creative curriculum milestones and 420 hours were dedicated to parent-teacher conferences during the year. The center is only one of a handful in westchester county that has been awarded accreditation by the national association for the education of young children (naeyc). Our facility has held naeyc accreditation since 2004 and is currently in the process of re-accreditation. The process of accreditation is quite demanding and receiving it reflects the high degree of professionalism and commitment from our staff. High-quality, low-cost child care is needed in yonkers for two reasons. First, parents need reliable childcare in order to obtain and retain meaningful employment, which is the foundation for self-sufficiency. Second, children need programs that provide "fun with a purpose" - educational and recreational programs that support social, academic, and personal growth in a fun, safe, and caring environment. The early learning center teachers create an environment conducive to each child in her/his growth. Daily activities follow a stable routine that tracks age-appropriate time frames. Each day begins with circle time, which affords children the opportunity to transition calmly from home to day care. From there, teachers construct activities that support learning and socialization. Each classroom has learning areas, including: blocks, manipulative play, house, reading, art, and writing. Children have outdoor time in the playground and take walks to the greyston community gardens, the yonkers library, the post office, police station, and fire department. Daily nutritious lunches and snacks are provided. Nap time affords each child the rest they need to stay focused and productive. "parents as partners" is a unique program run by the early learning center staff that offers workshops designed to address parents' concerns and needs. There is a parent education committee that supports fundraising activities; helps organize educational trips; and focuses on parental engagement. A father's group is another way greyston engages parents. This group offers an opportunity for men to explore issues of fatherhood - the challenges and joys - in a safe environment, and learn ways to become better, more involved parents. A mental health consultant regularly observes the children and provides feedback regarding behavior challenges, introduces activities designed to enhance social and emotional development, and provides individual attention to parents as the need arises. This expertise has been a valuable resource to the center's teachers and parents alike.

greyston housing:the provision of affordable housing to vulnerable populations is essential to helping them achieve self-sufficiency. Greyston pioneered the concept of creating affordable permanent housing for homeless individuals combined with on-site tenant service in the mid-1980s. Over the past thirty years, greyston's housing portfolio has expanded to nearly 300 units of workforce housing, low-income housing, and permanent housing for individuals living with hiv/aids.