The Newton YMCA currently provides on-site childcare for over 150 children year round. Interim YMCA CEO Andy Karr says they could help many more parents if they had the space.

“There is a huge need for childcare in Jasper County and all of central Iowa really. We have put a real effort into using all the extra space we have for childcare, to have more people take advantage of our program. As soon as we get the space, we fill it up. That need continues to be there.”

In a partnership with the Newton School District, the Newton YMCA also operates a Before and After School Childcare Program at Thomas Jefferson and Emerson Hough Elementary schools. Karr notes tentative expansion plans for the YMCA includes more childcare space. But he also says that expansion, if it occurs, is a couple of years out. You can hear more about the Newton YMCA from Interim CEO Andy Karr on today’s Greater Newton Area Chamber of Commerce’s Let’s Talk Newton.