Parent Guide to Preschool

YMCA programs use the Creative Curriculum System. Developed by Teaching Strategies Inc., the Creative Curriculum enables children to develop confidence, creativity and lifelong critical thinking 

The Creative Curriculum

• Enables children to apply their acquired skills in meaningful, real-life contexts.
• Equips children to solve problems and find answers to their questions creativity 
• Encourages higher-level thinking, development of intellectual interests and positive approaches to learning,
• Supports the development of social-emotional skills such as resolving conflict, sharing responsibilities and working collaboratively.
• Focuses on Science and Social Studies topics while promoting skills in Language and Literacy, Math, Technology and the Arts.

The daily schedule for early childhood programs at the Y includes:

• Circle time
• Learning centers 
• Outdoor play
• Snack time
• Music 
• Story time

Children spend one-third of their day exploring their environment through teacher facilitated learning areas such as art, science, blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play, literacy and sand and water play.

Hours of Operation:

• Shady Grove YMCA - 9 a.m.-noon
• Liberation Church and Life Church - 7 a.m.-6 p.m.

Life and Liberation Church Programs: upon arrival for the program the guardian or authorized person must :

• Accompany the child into the program 

• A YMCA staff member must be present when you drop your child off for Youth Development programs; do not leave your child if a YMCA staff member is not present. We cannot be held responsible for your child if we are uncertain of his/her presence.

• Sign the child into the YMCA program.

• Child MUST be dropped off prior to 9 a.m. unless staff are notified in advance. Academic Learning starts at 9 a.m.

Shady Grove Family YMCA Program: Preschool teachers meet all children at the car curbside. The guardian or authorized person must:

• Enter from Twin Hickory Road and turn right into the large YMCA parking lot next to the school-age playground, as detailed in the curbside service map. Entering the curbside line without using the large parking lot could result in termination of the service

• Remain in the car while dropping off their child

• Ensure that a staff person meets their child to take their child inside.

• Follow all other curbside service guidelines sent via email prior to school beginning in September.

• Children must have either a booster seat or car seat to use the service. Director can revoke curbside service privilege if policies are consistently broken or misused.

• Parents or guardians may drop off inside at 9 a.m. or later. Parents must park off inside, they may not leave their car at the curb. A teacher will be at crossroads to ensure your child goes to the designated classroom. If dropping off inside after 9:20 a.m., please check in with the Preschool Director.

Medical Records

To ensure good health and ability to enter into normal childcare activities, please ensure that all documents have been uploaded into PlayerSpace. If your student requires medication during the day, please ensure that the following guidelines are met:

If a child requires medication while at the program:

•  An “authorization to give medication” form must be completed by the parent/guardian.
•  Medicines must be in original containers, with the child’s name on it.
•  In case of food allergies, an Allergy Action Plan, signed by a physician, must be submitted to the camp office.

We have medication administration-trained staff onsite to administer medication based on licensing standards. All medication will be kept in a locked box. Only those Youth Enrichment staff who are certified “Medication Administrators” may dispense medications. Please consult the on-site supervisor prior to leaving any medication at the site in order to ensure all Department of Social Services paperwork requirements are met.

Find our Health Forms

At Childcare, we consider the needs of each camper to promote success and provide a positive camp experience. Let us know when you register if your child has a developmental, emotional or physical disability or requires another type of assistance. Our staff can help you determine activities and camp experiences appropriate for your camper. YMCA camp allows campers 17 years and younger to participate. Refer to program registration for permissible ages for each respective childcare. 

Child  Behavior Requirements

Children are expected to display appropriate behavior at all times. To assure the maximum enjoyment of the program by all participants, please review the following guidelines with your child.

students will:

• Exhibit individual and group behavior that models our Core Values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility and that doesn’t disrupt the flow of teaching and learning.
• Stay with the group.
• Be pleasant to others and refrain from using foul language.
• Refrain from putting themselves and others in danger.
• Use equipment, supplies and facilities as instructed.
• Have the ability to follow verbal and/or visual direction
• Always wear shoes and clothes that conform with the Parent Handbook.

Personal Needs

• Is able to manage all personal hygiene

Motor Needs

• Is able to ambulate on own or with a mechanical device in varied terrains, including sloped and uneven ground
• Is able to perform gross motor functions and fine motor functions with reasonable guidance

A childcare program is only as good as its staff. 

Expect excellence at YMCA Childcare programs. Our well-trained counselors mentor and care for your child. Site leadership, counselors and, staff are required to complete a minimum of 35 hours of pre-camp training including, but not limited to, youth and adult CPR, first aid, AED, child abuse prevention and daily health observation. We conduct background checks on all child care counselors and employees as mandated by state licensing. We train our counselors and staff in conflict resolution techniques and encourage campers to be inclusive of all and celebrate our differences. 

Staff to Student Ratios

We maintain a direct staff to child ratio that meets or exceeds licensing standards, currently with a staff to camper ratio of 1:13 with groups no larger than 18.