Preschool Program
Hands-on learning for preschoolers!
About the Preschool Program
All children can learn and deserve high expectations that are age, individually, and culturally appropriate. In the Y's Preschool Program, we engage children through music, mathematical activities, and cooperative play.
Caring staff lead children in activities that introduce Kindergarten-readiness skills while supporting children’s natural curiosity about the world around them through dramatic play.
Age Range for Preschool Program: 37 months - 5 years
Learning Outcomes
Play is the work of the child. Children use a variety of strategies to gather information based upon their individual approaches to learning. Children develop phonemic awareness, a foundational skill of speaking and listening, by listening to rhyming stories, singing songs, and engaging in word play activities.
Mathematical skill are developed when children compare quantities, find patterns, test ideas, and confront real problems.
Children will engage in cooperative play with their peers and in back and forth conversation with teachers and each other about their play.
Preschool Program Locations
Find a location that works for your family!
Abington Early Learning Center
1073 Old York Road, Abington, PA 19001
Christian Street YMCA Early Learning Center
1724 Christian Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146
Columbia North YMCA Early Learning Center
1400 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19121
Gilbertsville Early Learning Center
144 Holly Road, Gilbertsville, PA 19525
Montgomery County Community College Early Learning Center
340 Dekalb Pike, Blue Bell, PA 19422
Mount Laurel Early Learning Center
1001 Briggs Road, Suite 260, Mount Laurel, NJ 08054
What's the staff to child ratio?
We follow a 1 adult to 10 children ratio for preschool.
How do teachers communicate with parents about child progress?
Daily notes on the curriculum, lessons, and activities are provided through Tadpoles. Families are provided with development progress reports three times per year.
How do you maintain a sanitary environment?
Handwashing occurs upon entering the classroom, before handling food and feeding, after handling body fluids, before and after messy play.
Surfaces in the learning center are washed and sanitized frequently. Rest mats/coats are sanitized weekly and bedding is sent home at the end of each week to be laundered. Carpets and toys are cleaned regularly.
What health and safety precautions are taken?
To learn more about the health and safety precautions we follow at Y Early Learning Centers, please review our Family Manual. We also follow the standards outlined by Praesidium for child protection.
What do families need to provide as part of their child's care?
Families shall provide a seasonably appropriate change of clothing as messy play, food spills, and toileting accidents are still common at this age.
Families provide a standard crib sheet and blanket, change of seasonally appropriate clothing, sippy cup or water bottle, and possibly lunch depending on location.
All items brought from home shall be labeled with the child’s full name.
How often are bathroom trips?
Bathroom trips are provided at least every 2 hours.
When is nap time?
Nap time is for 1 hour after lunch on a cot or rest mat.
How often will my child play outside?
Preschoolers spend time outdoors daily so appropriate outerwear is necessary year round.
What type of shoes should my child wear?
Closed toe and closed heel shoes, such as sneakers, are best for all age groups.
Can my child bring a screen play device?
Screen time is not permitted in preschool rooms.