Children are like sponges – they watch and absorb knowledge, skills and values from everything and everyone around them. At the Y, we believe the values and skills learned early on are vital building blocks for quality of life and future success. That’s why our child care, afterschool and Amazing Kids Club programs are staffed with people who understand the cognitive, physical and social development of kids, the need children have to feel connected and supported in trying new things, and the caring and reinforcement parents and families need to help each other. At the Y, babies develop trust and security, preschoolers experience early literacy and learn about their world, and school-age kids make friends, learn new skills and do homework. Most importantly, children learn how to be their best selves.
The core of our curriculum is to balance both teacher-directed and child-initiated learning, with an emphasis on responding to children’s learning styles and building on their strengths and interests. All of this is done through well-planned learning and activity centers including Library (language), Blocks (construction), Music and Movement, Art, Sand & Water (sensory), Outdoor Learning, Cooking, Science and Math.
Each day brings new learning opportunities as children are provided a framework within which they will make both self-directed and guided choices. The main difference between the programs listed below is the amount of curriculum time the program allows to reach curriculum goals and observe a child’s progress.
That makes for confident kids today, and contributing and engaged adults tomorrow.
Cheshire YMCA
The Cheshire Community YMCAs Preschool Program is a premier childcare provider offering a safe and nurturing environment in which children are encouraged to develop social skills through age appropriate curriculum. Our caring and well trained staff will provide the foundation for future school experience.
Preschool: Our preschool program is a state licensed program and is located in the secure and stimulating environment of our YMCA Learning Center.
We have several schedule options designed to suit every family.
We offer a full day with care beginning at 6:30am and ending at 6 pm. Schedule options are M-F (Free Family Membership included), MWF or TTH.
We also offer a half day option from 9 am to 1 pm. Schedule options are M-F, MWF or TTH.
Teachers focus on social, emotional, creative, physical and cognitive skills which are foundations of the Ct Preschool Framework. Children must be 2.8 years old to begin our program. Additional enrichment opportunities may include physical education and field trips. Children must be fully toilet trained and out of pull-ups.
For more information on our Early Childhood programs at the Cheshire YMCA please contact Contact Bonnie Genest, Early Childhood Director at 203-272-3150 x560.
Southington YMCA
Our full-day, preschool program is a state licensed program and is located in the secure, spacious and stimulating environment of our YMCA Learning Center. Program options are M-F (Free Family Membership included), MWF or TTH. Teachers focus on social, emotional, creative, physical and cognitive skills. We follow the CT Early Learning Development Standards. Children must be 2.8 years old to enroll in Preschool. Children must be fully toilet trained and out of pullups.
Please note enrichment opportunities (i.e. field trips, special guests, etc.) may be offered in your child’s program and only full time enrollment guarantees that your child will be included in all activities. Part time enrollment may cause your child to miss some of these enrichment opportunities depending on the day(s) your child attends.
For more information on our Early Childhood programs at the Southington YMCA please contact Kari Robarge, Early Childhood Director at 860-426-9542 or krobarge@sccymca.org