Mahaska YMCA Receives 1 of 3 Iowa Public Television Learning Centers

The Mahaska County YMCA

OSKALOOSA – The Mahaska County YMCA has been given an IPTV (Iowa Public Television) Ready for School Learning Center, one of three given to Oskaloosa. Children spending time at the Y, the Pediatric and Young Adult Clinic and the Mahaska Health Partnership, can now take advantage of these new resources which are being provided to help promote the love of books and learning.

Kathy Chamra, YMCA’s Child Care Director said, “We are very pleased to partner with IPTV on this initiative. They (IPTV) have donated books, a book case, a TV/DVD player and several DVDs for the learning center which will be set up in our Child Watch Room. This will provide another opportunity at the Y for parents to spend time with their children in a fun environment ready books or watching an age-appropriate short video.”

Molly Philips, Executive Director and General Manager at Iowa Public Television said, “We are excited to bring three Ready for School Learning Centers to Oskaloosa. IPT uses the power of media to spark children’s curiosity to get them excited about learning.”

The initiative is part of IPTV’s commitment to early childhood education. It partners IPTV educational specialists with educators, parents, care providers and community partners to implement literacy-based activities designed to enhance early reading and math skills for children ages 2 through 8. Phillips said IPTV provides high-quality educational media resources including online games, instructional materials and educational activities that help children increase their school readiness and success.

Contact Chamra (641.673.7409) for more information about the Y’s learning center gift. More about Ready for School can be found at iptv.ord/readyforschool.