Preschool
For more information about our programs or to schedule a guided tour of our preschool programs, call CENTRAL YMCA (302) 254-YMCA or WALNUT STREET YMCA (302) 472-YMCA
HOURS OF OPERATION
Monday – Friday, 6:45 am to 6:00 pm
WE BELIEVE
in the development of the whole child (mind, body and spirit). Through positive relationships, age appropriate curricula and an enriched learning environment, it is our goal to nurture children to their fullest potential. Our curriculum is enriched with opportunities to gain knowledge through exposure, trial and error and hands on experiences. The Downtown YMCA’s preschool programs also incorporate the YMCA’s mission of inclusiveness and focus on developing the values of respect, responsibility, honesty and caring. We recognize that children must have fun and learn best through play!
Central Branch serves children 6 weeks – 5 years
Walnut Street Branch serves children 2 – 5 years of age
Our Preschool programs offer:
• Convenient Hours & Location
• Warm, Caring Staff
• Child Development Focus & age appropriate learning
• An environment that enhances social & emotional growth
• Nutritionally - Balanced, Hot Meals
• Swimming & Fitness Experiences
• Art Appreciation
• An enriched early literacy environment
• Bright, Cheerful Classrooms
• Outdoor Playground
• Security System
• Licensed by the State of Delaware
• Financial Assistance Available
• State Purchase of Care Accepted
Kids Club
Join your friends at the Central YMCA for a day filled with fun activities when school is closed. Kids Club is designed to create a day full of memories while parents work. Children participate in swimming, arts and crafts, gym games, nature activities and team sports. Children who are not enrolled in School’s Out may attend after completing a registration packet including emergency information. Advance registration is required!!
Monday, February 18 . . . . . . .7:00 am – 6:00 pm
Friday, March 21 . . . . . . .7:00 am – 6:00 pm
Monday, March 24 . . . . . . . 7:00 am – 6:00 pm
Tuesday, March 25 . . . . . . . 7:00 am – 6:00 pm
Wednesday, March 26 . . . . . . .7:00 am – 6:00 pm
Thursday, March 27 . . . . . . .7:00 am – 6:00 pm
Friday, March 28 . . . . . . .7:00 am – 6:00 pm
Friday, April 18 . . . . . . .7:00 am – 6:00 pm
Thursday, June 5 . . . . . . . 7:00 am – 6:00 pm
Friday, June 6 7:00 am – 6:00 pm
Full Privilege & Program Members: $25/day
school’s out BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL care
School's Out Before and After School Care
Our licensed School Age Child Care Program provides a positive and meaningful before and after school experience for children ages 5 - 12. Our experienced and dedicated staff plan structured activities designed to develop each child to his or her fullest potential. Our program emphasizes the YMCA core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility.
Our School's Out Program offers:
• Homework assistance
• Daily snack (provided)
• Diverse recreation and enrichment activities
• Access to YMCA youth programs
• Trained and experienced staff
Our sites are open until 6:00 PM to accommodate parents' work schedules. Financial Assistance and State Purchase of Care are accepted. School vacation and in-service day care are available for an additional cost.
Our before/after care programs are located at:
Brandywine School District
• Harlan Elementary* (at Shortlidge Academy)
Christina School District
• Bancroft Intermediate
• Stubbs Intermediate* (at Bancroft Intermediate)
Colonial School District
• Castle Hills Elementary
• Colwyck Elementary
• McCullough Elementary
Red Clay School District
• Shortlidge Academy
• Warner Elementary (at Shortlidge Academy)
Charter/Private Schools
• Kuumba Academy Charter
• Marion T. Academy Charter* (at Bancroft Intermediate)
• St. Peter S. Cathedral School* (at Bancroft Intermediate)
• Thomas A. Edison Charter
*YMCA transportation is provided from this site to the site listed
School's Out Kid's Club
This program is designed to provide a safe, fun-filled atmosphere for students on scheduled school closing days. Based at our Walnut Street branch, the School's Out Kid's Club is designed to create a day full of memories while parents work. Participants can swim, participate in structured activities, create arts and crafts and play organized team games. Please call the Central YMCA (302) 254-9622 or Walnut Street YMCA (302) 472-9622 for scheduled days and costs.
CATCH
The Coordinated Approach to Child Health (CATCH) is a health program designed to help children and their families adopt healthy eating and physical activity behaviors.
• 17% of youth are at risk for becoming overweight; poor eating habits
are a major cause
• 77% of youth do not participate in a sufficient amount of physical activity; most kids spend too much time watching TV and playing video games
The YMCA of Delaware can help!
• Nemours Health & Prevention Services has partnered with the YMCA of Delaware to deliver the CATCH program to all YMCA after school childcare sites.
• YMCA CATCH certified childcare workers are trained to deliver this program in a warm, caring environment. |