Bath YMCA Commences Construction on Haggett Family Early Learning Center
Groundbreaking for Haggett Family Early Learning Center Marks a Milestone in Child Care Expansion at Bath Area Family YMCA
The Bath Area Family YMCA has officially initiated construction on an innovative six-classroom early learning center designed to enhance child care services in the community. This development represents the final phase of a comprehensive expansion plan that aims to increase the center’s capacity to 200 children by the expected completion date in fall 2026.
The facility will be named the Haggett Family Early Learning Center, honoring the memory of Bill Haggett, the former president of Bath Iron Works and a dedicated member of the YMCA board. Alongside his wife, Sally, Bill was a passionate advocate for expanding child care options within the Bath community, a mission that is undeniably reflected in the ethos of the forthcoming center.
At the groundbreaking ceremony held last week, Amy Vendt, CEO of the Bath Area Family YMCA, emphasized the purpose behind the new center. “This center will stand as a testament to Bill’s commitment, Sally’s support, and the belief we all share — that every child deserves a strong start in life, and every family deserves the peace of mind that comes with safe, affordable, high-quality care,” Vendt stated. “Bill’s vision and tireless efforts are woven into every brick that we will lay.”
The YMCA has proactively initiated a fundraising campaign, seeking .9 million to address the rising demand for affordable child care services in the region. Early efforts in 2023 have already proven successful, with more than 95% of the funding secured through generous community donations and significant contributions, including .4 million in federal support facilitated by U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine). The campaign still aims to raise an additional 5,000 to reach its financial goal.
The first phase of this extensive project commenced in 2024, adding two new classrooms in a standalone building that tripled the number of child care spaces available at the YMCA’s Centre Street campus. The ongoing initiative also includes a collaborative effort with General Dynamics Bath Iron Works, aimed at providing dedicated child care services for the company’s employees. A new 10-classroom child care center in Brunswick is anticipated to open this fall, further addressing local needs.
For the past two decades, the Bath Area Family YMCA has operated a nationally accredited child care program catering to children aged 18 months to five years. Presently, the facility accommodates six classrooms, offering public pre-kindergarten during the academic year through partnerships with local school districts. The upcoming expansion will also introduce infant care services, marking a significant enhancement in the range of options available for families within the community.
As the Bath Area Family YMCA moves forward with this critical development, it stands poised to make a lasting impact on early childhood education and care in the region, ensuring families have access to vital support and resources.
