Our pre-school program is for children ages 3 years through 5 years old. This program provides a beneficial social experience and good foundation for future education. Experienced teachers and aides utilize child-centered activities to encourage attentive listening skills, pro-social behavior and provide opportunities to increase self-awareness.

Full Day Preschool (3 – 5 years)

Our curriculum incorporates: Math, Science/Sensory, Language/Literacy, Art and Social and Emotional Development. Our staff provides a safe, nurturing and family oriented environment while exposing children to developmentally age-appropriate activities. Your children will have the opportunity to enjoy themes that encourage the use of their imaginations while supporting social, emotional, and intellectual growth. Physical activities are promoted through weekly swim and gym opportunities. Children must be toilet trained to enter the program.  Your contact is Bonnie Haigh at bhaigh@ymcade.org.
Located:At the Meadowood School (near the Y)
Hours: 7 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Program Highlights

• Playgrounds & indoor gym
• Low staff to child ratio
• On-site community programs
• Field trips
• Weekly gym and recreational swim
• Red Clay School Lunch Program is available. Breakfast and lunch most days at an additional fee. 

Preschool Part Day Offerings (3 – 5 years)

• GIANT STEP PRESCHOOL
  Children ages 3-5 are welcome! Our staff provides a safe, nurturing and family oriented environment while exposing children to developmentally age-appropriate activities. Your children will have the opportunity to enjoy themes that encourage the use of their imaginations while supporting social, emotional, and intellectual growth. Physical activities are promoted through weekly swim and gym opportunities. Children must be toilet trained to enter the program.
• LUNCH BUNCH
  Giant Step Preschoolers can stay a little longer! Through this program, children have the opportunity to eat lunch with their friends and have a little more time to play. Please provide your child with a healthy, nut-free lunch and drink. Children must be enrolled in Giant Step Preschool to participate.

Before and After School enrichment is an activity-based program designed to enhance the social, physical, emotional and intellectual growth of all children within a safe, care fun and supportive environment. Our Program offers homework assistance, a daily snack, diverse recreation and enrichment activities, and access to YMCA youth programs.

HOURS:

Before Care begins at 7 a.m. – until school starts
After Care begins after school ends until 6 p.m.

MONTHLY FEES:

Before Care Only: Full Member: $222 |  Program Member: $286
After Care Only:  Full Member: $318 |  Program Member: $376
Before and After Care:  Full Member: $407 |  Program Member: $494
The above rates are monthly for a 5 days per week option. Partial week options are available by contacting Jen Reid at jreid@ymcade.org.

LOCATIONS:

All Before and After School Care, with the exception of Middle School, is held at the schools listed below. Middle School only will be held at the Western Family YMCA Youth Development Center.

Red Clay Consolidated Schools

• Marbrook Elementary School
• Anna P. Mote Elementary School
• Heritage Elementary School
• Forest Oak Elementary School 
• Baltz Elementary School (New Location – January 2017)

Christina Schools

• Brookside Elementary School
• Maclary Elementary School
• Gallaher Elementary School
• Wilson Elementary School
• Smith Elementary School

Middle Schools
*Middle School students will be bussed to the Western Family YMCA for After Care only. There is no Before Care for Middle School students.

• Cab Calloway School of the Arts
• Stanton Middle School
• Henry B. du Pont Middle School
• Shue-Medill Middle School

Out of school care is held at the Western Family YMCA during in-service days and school holidays. Your child can be engaged in social and educational activities while having fun. Parents, please pack a lunch for your child if you are participating in the Y’s School is Out program.

Fee Per Day: $40