The Environment at the YWCA

The environment at the YWCA seemed welcoming when we first walked in...but I knew better. When we first met the director I wasn't fooled that she was fool of goodness and rainbows. She had a sharp, no nonsense attitude about her that was demeaning and I found it disgusting. That is not an environment in which children should grow and thrive. She seemed to gain delight in telling the children that she would keep them in her office for misbehaving. I did not gain a positive impression from her and I was irritated as she talked about what a great facility she ran. I understand that the kind of care her staff provides isn't stuffed animals and sunshine but being a positive, nice role model wouldn't hurt. The floors were mostly concrete and the playroom in the upstairs for the older children was covered by some thin...carpet? But I feel as if it wasn't even that sturdy because when the children walked on it it moved around.I enjoyed that the kids got along with one another. It was as if they knew that they were family once they were there and it was obvious that they leaned on one another for support. The environment that I favored the most was when we were downstairs helping the kids play dress up and do activities and play with nasty worms in nasty dirt that got absolutely everywhere. It's as if they had no inhibitions about who they were and why they were there. But how could they? They are so small...
The kids were a blast to chase and help learn. They listened to Miss Nancy and she was a treat to be in the classroom with. I thought she could be strict but she could also be sweet as candy and I thought she had a great mixture of both. She was sweet to the children but put them in their places if they were misbehaving. I thought the environment overall was harsh and could be improved but there were several staff members who truly cared for the children and seemed as though they genuinely loved them. Which is what these children need.