After a cosmetic facelift and a restructuring of its curriculum, the Norman Center YMCA will close its preschool program.

The facility will shut its doors April 1, signaling the end of a struggling preschool program the organization tried desperately to save.

The YMCA of Greater Seattle announced that it will restructure how it currently serves the Federal Way community.

Rather than continuing to operate the Federal Way Norman Center building, the YMCA will transition to providing services entirely through off-site programming.

"Even with our emphasis on quality early learning and preparing children for kindergarten, average daily enrollment in our preschool program has dropped significantly in the past four years," said Angela Griffin, associate executive of the Federal Way Norman Center YMCA. "We believe that closing the facility makes financial sense, while allowing us to expand our programs into the community, so that we can continue to provide direct services to Federal Way families."

Griffin came on board with the Norman Center last July with the goal of turning the program around.

A resident of Federal Way and an actively involved community member, Griffin transferred to the Norman Center Y from the downtown Seattle Branch.

While the Norman Center facility will close April 1, the YMCA's school-age child care program at Sherwood Forest Elementary school will remain open to serve families, and staff are working to find a suitable site to relocate the school-age program that is now located in the facility. The YMCA will assist families in finding suitable alternatives to preschool care with other providers in the Federal Way community.

The community can continue to participate in the YMCA's youth sports and summer camp programs, operating in Federal Way schools. Youth and family based activities will also continue to be held at the YMCA's Commons Mall site.

"One of the strengths of the YMCA is that as the community changes and demands for different services evolve, we're able to adapt to identify and fill new, unmet needs," said Phyllis Tellari, a founding member of the Board of Managers for the Federal Way Norman Center YMCA.

"This change in our branch's focus will allow us to move to where kids and families are and give us a wider community presence."

Community members with questions are encouraged to call the YMCA at 253-838-4708.

About the YMCA of Greater Seattle:

The YMCA of Greater Seattle is a charitable, non-profit organization serving King and south Snohomish counties since 1876. Reaching more than 190,000 people annually through 13 branches, two resident camps and more than 200 program sites, the YMCA provides a wide range of programs and services in child care, youth development, education, foster care, family support, wellness and outdoor experiences. More information may be found at www.seattleymca.org.