The Boys & Girls Club of Yorkton opened Tot Spot in the SIGN building on North Street Monday.
The facility, being termed an Early Learning Drop-In Centre, is geared for children newborn to five years of age.
"It's very new for us to expand programming to that age group," explained Erin Nelson, acting executive director with the local Boys & Girls Club. "But there's a huge need in the community."
Nelson said through some partnership with other community groups, and parents with older children asking about programming for younger siblings, they identified the need.
Once the decision to take on the younger program, Nelson said "it really came together very quickly. It's really been a pretty great process."
SIGN had room, a former daycare area, so it didn't take a lot to get the space ready. Nelson said bathrooms are even designed for smaller children, as are cupboard areas, so it is an ideal fit for the Tot Spot.
Tot Spot will initially operate 9-12 a.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and is a drop-in facility, allowing a parent, guardian, or caregiver to bring children five and under to the centre and spend time with them.
"They can play with their children in a different atmosphere," said Nelson.
Nelson said children also get interaction with other children, and adults can interact too, which can be good for parents of young children that may not get to talk to other adults as much as they might like.
Having an adult accompany the children allows a single supervisor; Gail Ursulak, the Early Learning Centre Co-ordinator, to oversee the facility.
There is no cost to parents for dropping in, but donations are welcome.
In terms of support, Nelson said they could use a few things to finish furnishing the space, including a rocking chair in good condition, a child change table, age-appropriate books, dolls, and boys toys.
Anyone with donations, or questions on the Tot Spot program can call 783-2582.
