A new YMCA infant, toddler, and preschool center has opened in Kailua, good news for windward Oahu parents who struggle to find childcare.

• The YMCA of Honolulu held a Hawaiian blessing for the center, housed at St. John Lutheran Church in Kailua.
• It takes children from 6 weeks through 5 years old, full day, Monday through Friday.
• The YMCA renovated the preschool space and finished licensing to add infant and toddler care.
• Childcare is a sore spot in Hawaii, where many people work two or more jobs to cover the cost of living.
• Weekend and after-school care is still a gap, with many families leaning on grandparents.

Outlook: The center should ease some of the childcare crunch on the windward side, though demand across the island still outpaces supply.