Forks Education Center Celebrates 20 years in Easton Community

EASTON - River Crossing YMCA hosted community leaders, elected officials and guests at the Forks Education Center on Sept. 23 to celebrate its 20th anniversary providing high-quality early childhood education and care to the Easton community.

PA State Representative Ann Flood (138th district), Northampton County Executive Tara Zrinski and Easton Mayor Sal Panto visited the center throughout the morning to read stories to classes and present official certificates of congratulations. State Senator Lisa Boscola spoke with children and presented the YMCA 

with a Senate citation commending the milestone.

“I love being here with the children, reading to them and celebrating their 20th anniversary,” said Boscola. “To see how dedicated the teachers and staff are is incredible. They’re making sure the children get to grow up and be who they want to be. Being part of this community, helping them get the resources they need and coming out here to show support and present this commendation means a lot to me.”

Students honored their guests with a parade through the school and outside in the sunshine featuring noisemakers, kazoos and party horns. Center director Julie Novick, who has been serving the YMCA child care community for nearly 20 years, addressed the children, parents, guests and leaders who were on hand following the parade.

“I began my career at the YMCA here at the Forks Education Center 19 years ago,” Novick shared. “I

 take great pride in supporting the families, children and staff who make up our team here. We are teachers, nurturers, advocates, lifelong learners, and most importantly, here for our community. I am excited for the future of our family here at the Forks Education Center as we continue to evolve and grow.”

Since 2006, the Keystone Stars accredited 4-star center, located at 1350 Sullivan Trail in Easton, has provided affordable high quality education and care to over 1,000 children (infants through Pre-K) and families. As part of the 20th anniversary celebration, families past and present have been sending testimonials and remembrances of their experiences at the center for inclusion in a time capsule being assembled for future burial on the school grounds.

“As parents, there are few things more important than knowing that when you drop your children off each day, they are surrounded by people who genuinely care about them,” wrote 

Kristin Polet, whose children currently attend the center. “That is exactly how we feel at Forks Education Center. Ruth and Theo truly love going to school, and we love knowing that while they are there, they are happy, safe, supported, and encouraged to grow.”

The YMCA Forks Education Center provides a developmentally appropriate, research-based curriculum and healthy meals to the children every day. The center accepts families on the Child Care Works subsidy program through the Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC), and offers free preschool through the PA Pre-K Counts program. Financial assistance is also available through River Crossing YMCA for families who qualify. Families interested in enrollment can call 610-250-7193 or visit the Forks Education Center webpage to learn more about the center.

River Crossing YMCA (formerly YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties and Greater Valley YMCA) is a charitable, nonprofit organization committed to strengthening communities through membership and programs that foster youth development, healthy living and social responsibility for all. Annually, the Y serves over 100,000 members and participants at its 11 member branches, 12 early childhood centers, 20 summer camp locations and 44 school age child care programs. River Crossing YMCA provides over $12 million of community impact annually in the form of financial assistance to individuals and families in need and free programming for veterans, cancer survivors, older adults and more. 

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Photo header: PA State Senator Lisa Boscola presented River Crossing YMCA with a Senate commendation recognizing the 20th anniversary of the Forks Education Center at their celebration on Sept. 23. (Adults, L-R) Forks Ed. Ctr. Teacher Jalexiya Hardison, YMCA Sr. VP of Institutional Advancement Kate Cohen, YMCA Sr. VP of Child Development Ryan Hazelett, YMCA board member Ellen Iobst, YMCA VP of Operations for the Lehigh Valley region Crystal Messer, PA State Senator Lisa Boscola, YMCA Dir. of Child Development Julie Novick, Forks Ed. Ctr. Teacher Michelle Carter.