The following is a republished press release from Ithaca Welcomes Refugees and is NOT written by The Ithaca Voice. To submit community announcements directly to The Ithaca Voice, email tips@ithacavoice.com.
Ithaca Welcomes Refugees (IWR), a local organization dedicated to fostering a welcoming and fair environment for refugees in the local community, is working to address a pressing need for childcare in Ithaca. This fall, IWR will open Global Roots Playschool.
For many years, refugees and other immigrants in this community have struggled to attend English language classes, because they did not have access to affordable and conveniently located childcare.
To address this need, Global Roots will open downtown on North Aurora Street, just blocks from where ESL classes are offered. Parents will be able to attend class and learn English, knowing their children are safe and well cared for.
Since affordable childcare is a need for all families, in addition to serving the children of ESL students, Global Roots will also be open to other local children, as space is available.
The program will operate Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon. Global Roots will create a unique and intentional community that includes many cultures, ethnicities, languages, and customs. The focus will be on providing a safe and secure space for children to explore through play. The Play School’s director, Bronwyn Losey, has a master’s degree in early childhood development and 14 years of experience.
In order to ensure the program is affordable, all enrolled families will be charged tuition on a sliding scale according to family income.
IWR has launched a fundraising campaign to help cover program costs that will not be covered by tuition. To make a contribution, go to www.givegab.com/campaigns/global-roots-play-school
To find out more about the program, visit globalrootsplayschool.org.
To learn more about enrollment, please contact director@globalrootsplayschool.org for more information.
Featured image: “Jam” by Caroline is licensed under CC BY 2.0