An academically well-rounded preschool program for ages 2.9-5 years old offering daily physical education and weekly swimming and gymnastics lessons.
Our Pre School program is an active, well-rounded program for 2.9, 3, 4, and 5 year olds available to both members and non-members of the Y. Children participate in a wide range of activities that include swimming, gymnastics, pre-academic skills, arts and crafts, music & movement, cooking, dramatic play, and physical education. The Y believes that the young child should be encouraged to explore a
nd discover independently within the program. We respect the unique learning styles and personalities of our participants. We believe that all children need the time and space to play and develop at their own pace. We aim to provide a child-centered environment in which children can explore and revel in new experiences and with each other. We stress such values as making independent and responsible choices, using language effectively to socialize and problem solve, and relating to other children in ways that model responsible behavior and build self-esteem. We believe in families. We see ourselves as part of an extended family, working with parents to provide the very best care for their children. We are responsive to the concerns and ideas of parents and we encourage parent involvement in all aspects of our program. The Y Pre School is licensed by the Department of Early Education & Care (EEC) and is designed to enhance the child’s educational, emotional, social, intellectual, and physical development within an environment specially designed for Pre Schoolers. We offer several opportunities for children to learn individually and in groups according to their developmental needs and interests. Children master and integrate information through hands-on experiences with a wide variety of materials. Choice times are set up by the teachers and offer an environment conducive to learning and self-directed exploring. Learning Centers allow plenty of hands-on experiences that allow children to expand and develop cognitive, social, small and large motor skills. Children gain the ability to use the materials available to them and develop confidence in their level of competence. The teachers also works to help children define the limits of their behavior and guides them in forming their interpersonal and group skills. Through an integrated curriculum children learn to work comfortably both with others and alone. Our activities are planned to emphasize the process rather than the product which in turn fosters a sense of accomplishment. By providing a secure and nurturing environment, the Y Pre School program assists each child in achieving the following goals:
To develop feelings of positive self-esteem through self-accomplishment
To develop interest in discovering their world and the world of others
To interact and communicate with children and adults to develop social skills
To express themselves through dramatic play, art, music, and movement
To develop a range of motor skills
Incorporates the Y’s core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect & Responsibility
In addition, specific goals for individual children are identified by parents and teachers. Plans are then made to assist each child in the development of these goals.
