The Week of the Young Child is a national event to celebrate our youngest children and the parents and teachers that care for them. The theme this year is “Building Better Futures for All Children”. Studies have shown that quality care and education for children ages 0-5 greatly impact their chances for success in life.
The YMCA Preschool and Child Care Programs are very fortunate to be included in the Early Childhood Center at the Tyrone Elementary School. As part of this collaboration with the school district, Head Start, IU8, and other community preschools, everyone has come together with one common goal in mind…to give every child in the community the preschool education that they deserve through offering high quality early childhood experiences. By doing so, the YMCA preschool will do their part in “building better futures for all children”.
At the YMCA, a preschooler’s world opens up in new ways as they gain the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed. Age-appropriate programs and a staff of experienced, dedicated teachers ensure that children get the positive learning experience they need to grow up happy and confident. Each day the teachers are committed to providing a rich, nurturing environment where children are encouraged to explore and challenged to learn, while making friends and achieving self-confidence. The staff attends many hours of professional development and implements innovative, unique activities that are designed to support each child’s development socially, physically, emotionally, and intellectually- all while the child is having fun. Parents can feel confident knowing the curriculum is designed to meet the Early Learning Standards established by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and Department of Public Welfare. A focus is placed on key areas of learning such as Language and Literacy, Math, Creativity and Imagination, Science and Personal Social. The Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten programs are run Monday through Friday through the school year only.
To accommodate the various schedules and needs of parents, the YMCA offers convenient and affordable extended day care services for their children, preschool through 5th grade. This gives parents the assurance that their child has a safe place to go, especially in the event of a school delay or early dismissal. During these times, staff offers fun-filled activities that include cooking, arts and crafts, games, and sports. For those who need it, time is also set aside for assistance with homework.
During the summer months, preschool through 5th grade children can attend “Camp Sun-N-Fun”. Experienced Camp Directors and counselors plan and run this 10 week program during which kids can explore lots of interesting themes and concepts through hands-on activities in a relaxed, fun environment. “Campers” are also taken on weekly field trips, including swimming excursions, which are a definite highlight of their camp experience. Camp hours are from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Children may attend from 1-5 days per week. This year the camp will be run from June 13 through August 17.
The YMCA is excited to announce the addition of a two year old classroom to the program. This will begin with the 2007-08 school year. Children must be two as of 9/1/07. There are limited spaces available that will be filled on a first come, first serve basis. Please call for enrollment information.
The YMCA is very pleased to be a participant in the Keystone Stars program. This is a voluntary quality improvement program made up of four star levels that recognizes child care providers who exceed state health and safety requirements. Performance standards at each level are research based and linked to improved outcomes for children. The center is currently at a Star 1 level and actively pursuing Star 2. For more information on the Keystone Stars program, you can visit www.dpw.state.pa.us/child/childcare/KeystoneStarChildCare.
The YMCA Preschool and Child Care Programs at Tyrone Elementary are run by the Hollidaysburg YMCA and licensed through the Department of Public Welfare. With the exception of holidays and school closings due to weather, the center is open year round from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. The structured preschool and Pre-Kindergarten classes are run through the school year only.
Dates to Remember: May 8: 2007 Summer Camp (Camp Sun-N-Fun) Registration and 2007/08 Preschool Registration 4 – 6 p.m. in the main lobby of the Elementary School and June 13-August 17: Camp Sun-N-Fun.
For further information on any of the YMCA Preschool or Child Care Programs, call Robin Shock, Program Coordinator, at 684-1342 ext. 2115 or rkshock@tyrone.k12.pa.us.
