Newton’s West Suburban YMCA Welcomes New Preschool Director

NEWTON, MA — The West Suburban YMCA, a nonprofit offering youth and community health, social, and educational programs in Newton and surrounding communities, has appointed Heather Porder as the Director of Preschool & Family Services.

In this role, Porder leads the West Suburban YMCA’s Preschool Center for Youth Development and the Out-of-School and Kids’ Corner programs. She oversees a high-quality curriculum of child care and youth development and is responsible for an experienced team of educators and staff.

“Providing families in Newton and surrounding communities with accessible early education and child care is a critical part of our mission,” West Suburban YMCA President and CEO Jack Fucci said in a statement. “Heather brings an unmatched level of experience, passion and commitment to this leadership role.”

Porder has over 20 years of experience working in school age and early childhood development and growth, including past leadership roles in Greater Boston. She holds a master’s degree in education with a focus on early education from Wheelock College and a bachelor’s degree in special education from UMass Amherst.

While many preschool programs across the region have faced staffing shortages, the West Suburban YMCA has been able to expand enrollment in its programs. The Y is currently accepting enrollment for the 2022-2023 full-day Preschool program and the Out-of-School Time program already has a wait list for Tuesday through Thursdays for the 2022-2023 school year.

For more information, visit www.wsymca.org/childcare.