South Shore YMCA
Our Early Childhood Center builds strong kids, families, and communities through our Universal Pre-K programs for 3 and 4-year-olds. Our robust curriculum and flexible after school schedules are structured to meet your family’s needs and provide a safe space for your family to grow and play together.
The YMCA believes that a quality program should provide enriching experiences which facilitate a child’s cognitive, social, physical, and emotional growth. We strive to meet the developmental needs and temperament of each individual child by working in partnership with families.
YMCA Early Childhood Development programs, licensed by the New York City Department of Health, provide a nurturing environment where children’s natural curiosity is a springboard to learning skills that are necessary for success in school. Children learn how to share, take turns and work in groups.
They also develop age-appropriate skills that form the foundation for reading, writing, and mathematics. Imaginative play, art projects, and hands-on experience will spark your child’s imagination and encourage lifelong, positive values.
Universal Pre-K for 3 and 4 year olds
Our 3K and 4K programs are free New York City contracted programs for 3- and 4-year-olds. These programs run full day from Monday to Friday, September through June. Highly qualified certified teachers and teacher assistants lead each classroom. We follow Creative curriculum which fosters child led learning through play, investigation, and exploration. Our classroom environment is designed to create a learning environment that encourages children to experiment, explore, and pursue their own interests. The development of independence, trust, and initiative is fostered through a balance of free play and structure, quiet and active play, and group and individual time. Children rotate through the many interest areas in the classroom including Blocks, Dramatic Play, Library, Art, Toys and Games, Discovery, and Music. Children have opportunities for Gross Motor activities through our secure outdoor playground equipped with a jungle gym and various outdoor toys.
About the Program
About
The South Shore Early Childhood Center builds strong kids, strong families, and strong communities through our Universal 3K and 4K Programs. Our robust curriculum and strong educators are structured to provide a safe, loving environment for your child to learn, play, and grow.
Registration
All applications are submitted through the New York City MySchools website. You may apply at www.myschools.nyc. If you would like to schedule a tour of our program please contact Sari Marino at smarino@ymcanyc.org
Our Team & Facility
We take great pride in providing experienced and caring teachers in each classroom. Teachers create a warm and loving atmosphere using a developmentally appropriate, engaging curriculum where children can thrive.
Every early Childhood classroom is staffed with one lead teacher and once assistant teacher. All lead teachers hold degrees in Early Childhood Education. Many of our teachers hold advanced degrees. All assistant teachers hold a Teacher Assistant Certification.
If you would like to schedule a tour of our program please contact Sari Marino at smarino@ymcanyc.org
Our Philosophy
Our program is committed to providing a safe, supportive, loving learning environment for our littlest learners. Social emotional development is at the heart of our program. We strive for all children to feel safe, secure, loved, and respected. We provide a close-knit community of teachers, children, and families. Each child develops a strong sense of community and belonging.
AM Extended Hours
If you require early drop off, our Before Care program begins at 7:30 AM for a monthly fee. For more information, please contact Sari Marino at smarino@ymcanyc.org
PM Extended Hours
Our After Care Program runs from 3:00Pm to 5:00PM for a monthly fee. Please contact Sari Marino at smarino@ymcanyc.org for more information.
Our youngest campers enjoy hands-on, experiential, fun activities to support their development at Early Childhood Camp.
Our classes for kids little to big include sports, dance, science, visual art, and much more.
Questions?
We're here for you. Contact our early childhood team today!