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Newburyport YWCA's Kids Clubhouse a Win-Win for Area Families

The YWCA's supervised playroom lets kids cut loose while parents get fit.

By Sponsored February 24, 2015

For many parents, quality childcare isn't just a gym-membership amenity - it's a necessity. If you live in the Newburyport area, you're in luck: There's a well-regarded fitness center with excellent drop-in childcare service right under your nose.

The Greater Newburyport YWCA's Kids Clubhouse (KCH) has been a dedicated spot for drop-in childcare since 2008, when the YWCA launched as a full-service health and wellness center. KCH is available for an additional fee to any member with a wellness plan, which includes access to both indoor and warm-water pools, the fitness center, and a wide range of group classes from barre to zumba.

"Credible, high-quality childcare is hard to come by in a gym setting, and KCH is known for exemplary drop-in childcare," says Wellness Director Ilene Harnch-Grady, who estimates that about 80 member families take advantage of the service.


"I do love the YWCA," says Maria Martellucci, whose two kids (now 5 and 7) have been regulars at KCH since they were toddlers. "For me, it meant a little freedom or 'me' time and I knew the kids were happy and safe. And Bella was way more prepared for school because she had been in the care of others prior to starting pre-k."

KCH is divided into age-appropriate recreation areas for babies, young children, and kids up to 12. There's no TV at KCH; staff members organize seasonally themed crafts and other activities and pride themselves on interacting with the kids instead of relying on toys to entertain them. There are usually between two and three staff members on duty at any time, according to Harnch-Grady.

"Kids don't cry when their parents drop them off," says Harnch-Grady. "They cry when their parents come to pick them up!"

Staff member Kristin Daly, who has worked at KCH since 2010, enjoys the space so much that she had her baby shower there (her son is now 17 months old and a regular at the facility). "It's like a family growing up together," she says. "There are kids I've watched grow from infants to second-graders." 



It really does take a village, apparently. When a kid ran into some trouble in the potty-training department, his buddy happily gave him her extra set of (pink!) pants.

"The social aspect was wonderful," Martellucci agrees. "I made tons of friends through the YWCA - mom friends and kid friends," she says. "Plus I got the beat on what's up around the Port!"


"KCH embodies the YWCA's core mission to establish lasting relationships within the community," says Harnch-Grady. That philosophy extends beyond the Y's members: KCH is available to the public for birthday party rentals or other special events.


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Greater Newburyport YWCA is located at 13 Market St., Newburyport. For membership information, call the front desk at 

978-465-9922 or click here.