Pictured is the YWCA building located at 401 N. Main St. in Jamestown. File-photo

Recently, It’s been a rough go for the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) of Jamestown.

As previously reported by The Post-Journal, the YWCA received a notice of intent by the state’s Office of Child and Family Services to close the YWCA’s day and child care center. The official notification read in part “Effective immediately, your day care program has been removed from the office’s day care provider referral list,” the state’s notice of violation states. “Your program will be reinstated to this list if you successfully challenge the office’s determination to limit and revoke your license if the office determines to remove you from the limited and revoked category.”

However, YWCA officials have appealed the decision and are working toward rectifying any discrepancy noted by the state OCFS, while enhancing its current childcare programs and protocols. Amanda Gesing, YWCA executive director, said this week in a letter that the YWCA has reached an agreement with the state that allows it to reopen the Dandelion classroom and retain the agency’s daycare license as long as the YWCA complies with terms set by the state.

“While we are committed to meeting these stipulations, our goal goes beyond merely satisfying regulatory requirements – we are dedicated to rebuilding the trust of the families we serve and our wider community,” Gesing wrote. “We acknowledge that recent incidents have raised valid concerns, and we take full responsibility for the challenges they have presented. In response, we have already begun a thorough review of our ECE program and implemented a series of corrective actions aimed at ensuring a high-quality program that meets the needs of both children and families.”

Gesing said the YWCA has created a Parent Advisory Board to promote communication and feedback from the families using YWCA programs and to help guide early childhood education programs. The agency is looking for a new daycare director and has updated several policies, including those related to name-to-face ratios, whistleblower protections, mandated reporting and room transitions. All staff members have undergone training on the updated policies to ensure they are fully aligned with best practices and New York state regulations. The YWCA is also partnering with its local childcare resource center.

“We recognize that rebuilding trust takes time, and we are committed to transparency, accountability, and the continuous improvement of our ECE program,” Gesing wrote. “Our ultimate goal is to maintain a safe, nurturing, and high-quality environment where all children and families feel valued and supported.”

The YWCA’s building, located at 401 N. Main St., was first issued a license by NYSOCFS in 1991, and is set to expire in 2028. The site is listed as having capacity for 59 children, including eight infants, 12 toddlers and 39 preschoolers.

“We will do better,” Gesing told The Post-Journal. “Many people depend on the YWCA for our early childhood educational and daycare programs. …We will meet and exceed their needs and expectations.”