ECEC Provider in Focus: The YMCA NT 

Early childhood education and care (ECEC) provider The YMCA NT operates both early learning and outside school hours care (OSHC) programs in the Northern Territory. 

This piece focuses on the OSHC operations of the provider. 

What is the history of The YMCA NT?

The YMCA NT has been supporting the development of healthy, happy communities in the Northern Territory for over 70 years.

There are currently five services in four locations in the Northern Territory where YMCA NT operates: 

• Rosebery 
• Driver
• Braitling
• Alice Springs

What is the YMCA NT vision and approach to learning?

The YMCA NT designs robust learning curriculums and activities that aim to meet the holistic learning needs of every child. Each curriculum is underpinned by the organisation’s broader OSHC mission – to inspire a love of learning in children. 

The core pillars of the program are adapted to meet the unique needs of children and are tailored to each individual school community. The organisation prides itself on creating diverse experiences that are inclusive, fun and healthy.

The core pillars underpinning curriculum design are: 

• Forming healthy physical habits 
• Forming resilience 
• Learning through play and creativity 
• Learning through connection 
• Learning through self expression 
• Learning through cultural immersion 
• Connecting with community and environment
• Forming healthy psychological habits 

Are there any unique aspects to the YMCA NT offer? 

Yes, there are. 

YMCA NT programs celebrate the heritage of the multicultural communities in which the services operate, including local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Programs and activities are inclusive and designed to reflect the multicultural and multilingual nature of each community.

OSHC educators work collaboratively with children, families and the local community to incorporate cultural activities and celebrations of communities from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and celebrate Australian culture.

OSHC teams prepare culturally safe environments and respectful learning spaces, with a purposeful focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives within children’s programs. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives within the programs help shape a deeper understanding of history and culture in terms of what has been before us, and it supports the identity and culture in Indigenous children and their families, further enhancing the knowledge of all Australians.

What is the YMCA NT approach to educator professional development?

The YMCA NT strives to host OSHC educators who are highly skilled and qualified, with OSHC leaders providing mentoring and support to educators to ensure everyone has a rich understanding of contemporary OSHC practices.

Educators are well supported through continued upskilling by the internal and external experts such as Early Childhood NT (ECANT), ECANT Inclusion Support, and Quality Education and Care NT (QECNT.)

Staff engage in regular professional and personal development and seminars to ensure they are constantly up to date with sector standards and compliance, and that their wellbeing is fostered and valued.

To learn more about YMCA NT please see here.