YMCA Announces Launch Of Worstell Family Center For Excellence
(From the Findlay Family YMCA)
The Findlay Family YMCA is proud to announce the launch of the Worstell Family Center for Excellence, an initiative dedicated to strengthening the early childhood workforce in Hancock County.
Named in honor of the Worstell family’s longstanding commitment to community growth and education, the Center for Excellence represents the people who shape the earliest years of children’s lives, focusing on childcare professionals.
The Worstell Family Center for Excellence is a YMCA-led initiative focused on supporting early educators through meaningful professional development with a strong emphasis on leadership engagement. Its vision is to cultivate a culture where early childhood professionals feel equipped, empowered, and inspired to build long-term, rewarding careers in childcare.
“Childcare professionals are foundational to our community’s success,” said Kari Redman, Early Learning District Director with the Findlay YMCA. “The Worstell Family Center for Excellence vision focuses on those who care for our youngest learners receive the training and support they deserve.”
The initiative comes at a critical time. According to a recent report from Policy Matters Ohio, the number of childcare workers in Ohio declined by 35.89% between 2017 and 2022. This workforce shortage has impacted families, employers, and the broader economy.
The YMCA, through the Worstell Family Center for Excellence, is currently planning its first Hancock County-wide Professional Development event for childcare professionals, offered free of charge and providing OCCRRA-approved training hours. This event will bring together childcare providers from across the county for high-quality learning and support. More details will be announced soon.
By investing in workforce development, the Center for Excellence not only strengthens childcare quality but also enhances economic stability for families and employers across the region.
Key components of the Worstell Family Center for Excellence include:
- Ongoing professional development and childcare center support
- CPR and First Aid certification access
- Leadership engagement through Director Roundtables
- A focus on staff wellness and career longevity
The Findlay Family YMCA’s Early Learning Center currently serves hundreds of children and families, and the addition of the Worstell Family Center for Excellence further solidifies the YMCA’s commitment to being a leader in childcare innovation and workforce sustainability.
For more information about the Worstell Family Center for Excellence or to learn how to get involved, contact Kari Redman at [email protected].
