Livingston families shopping for preschool or infant care can walk through classrooms, meet teachers, and ask about fall enrollment at a free open house Saturday, Aug. 1, at the Peanut Shell Early Childhood Learning Center, 7 Regent St.

The event runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Kids get a giant bubble garden, ice pops, and sidewalk chalk while parents tour the facility and talk with staff about programs, according to a TAPinto Livingston event listing published July 26. The open house is free and open to the whole family. Registration is requested through a digital RSVP form to reserve a spot, but no one will be turned away.

Peanut Shell operates as part of the West Essex YMCA and serves children from infancy through preschool age. The center holds a Grow NJ Kids 3-star rating, a state quality designation for early childhood programs. Child Care Director Mary Rebe oversees day-to-day operations; Cheryl Tuturice serves as executive director of the West Essex YMCA.

The center is accepting fall enrollment applications. While no enrollment deadline has been published, families attending the open house can ask staff directly about available spots and age groups.

For families weighing cost, YMCA Family Membership holders receive a 10 percent discount on Peanut Shell tuition, according to YMCA enrollment materials. Qualifying applicants may also receive a reduced rate through financial assistance. Current YMCA members who refer a new family to the child care program are eligible for a $250 program credit after the new child completes two full months.

The West Essex YMCA is also preparing to open a new 56,000-square-foot facility in Livingston in December 2026, according to a TAPinto report on YMCA hiring events. Whether Peanut Shell's programs will eventually move to the new building or remain at 7 Regent St. has not been announced.

More information about YMCA child care programs is available at metroymcas.org/child-care. Families can RSVP for the Aug. 1 open house through the link on the TAPinto event page.