A local YMCA is about to expand its pre-school options.

River Valley Regional YMCA’s Eastern Lycoming Branch in Muncy Township will open Bright Beginnings in January, according to Mandy Minnella, a YMCA spokeswoman.

Located at 145 Ashler Manor Drive, this new preschool initially will have openings for 20 children ages 3 to 5 years old.

The preschool, under the direction of Kim Dempsey, preschool childcare director for the Eastern Lycoming branch, will be assisted by lead teacher, Madison DeWald, as they oversee daily operations.

Currently, the preschool inside the Eastern Lycoming branch is serving more than 40 families, offering two preschool classrooms for the 3 to 5 year old range.

“We definitely see a need in our community for additional preschool and childcare services,” explained Dempsey. “We’re happy to be able to serve those families who need care.”

Bright Beginnings will follow the same curriculum guidelines as the Eastern Lycoming branch preschool in preparing children for kindergarten.

Along with classrooms, Bright Beginnings has a large activity room, where children can have fun while working on their gross motor skills. There is a fenced-in outdoor play area as well.

“The new facility is beautiful and was made perfectly for children to learn and grow,” Dempsey said. “We may also have the ability to expand to accommodate more children and possibly more age groups.”

A parent attested to the success of the East Lycoming branch preschool.

“The preschool program at the ELYMCA has made a huge positive impact on my son and our family,” said Courtney Kasenchak, Childcare Parent. “As a working parent, it gave me great comfort to know my son was growing, learning, and cared for every day at the Y.”

With the new facility, there will also be a need for staffing.

The Eastern Lycoming branch will be hiring a Lead Preschool Teacher as well as a full-time Classroom Assistant.

Open interviews will be conducted on Dec. 4, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Bright Beginnings facility.

Learn more at rvrymca.org or email Kim Dempsey at kimd@rvrymca.org.