YWCA offers self-empowerment program for kids

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The YWCA of Youngstown, 25 W. Rayen Ave., will offer five days of self-empowerment and safety education for youths in pre-K through sixth grade, and a 45-minute self-defense class geared toward families.

In partnership with the New Middletown police, the YWCA will present, free of charge, a “RadKIDS” and mixed martial-arts classes from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday to Friday. Parents are invited to stay with their pre-K through sixth-grade students to learn, as well.

RadKIDS is a nationally recognized, activity-based program that includes lectures and safety drills, and teaches physical skills that aim to resist or stop violence or harm.

A special self-defense class for families is set for 3 p.m. Thursday. This program is free and open to the public. Refreshments and door prizes will be offered.

These programs are funded by the city of Youngstown’s Community Initiative to Reduce Violence. To register for the RadKIDS program, call Kristy at 330-746-6361.

The self-defense class will be followed by tours of Discovery Place Preschool. The preschool is accepting applications for fall enrollment.

The preschool program is for age 21/2 to 5 years and includes an age-appropriate curriculum designed for kindergarten readiness, enrichment classes including language arts, cultural diversity, and music, as well as arts and crafts, indoor/outdoor free and structured play and field trips.

Also available is care for infants and toddlers, age 6 weeks to 21/2 years.

YWCA Discovery Place is a licensed center with certified teachers and a low staff-child ratio committed to providing the highest-quality program possible to parents and children.