West Side YMCA
Our Early Childhood Center builds strong kids, families, and communities through our comprehensive program. Our robust curriculum and flexible schedules are structured to meet your family’s needs and provide a safe space for your family to grow and play together.
Department of Education (DOE) 3K and Universal Pre-K (UPK)
About the Program
The West Side YMCA presents NYC’s free 3K and Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK), a quality program for 3 and 4 year old’s five days a week! Children will be in contact with highly qualified, certified teachers and personnel. Our curriculum places a high priority on creating an environment in the classroom that encourages children to experiment, explore, and pursue their own interests. The development of independence, trust and initiative is fostered through a balanced program of free play and structure, quiet and active play, and group and individual time. Learning centers in each room include science, dramatic play, block building, library, art, music and manipulative materials. Science, music, movement and art are also incorporated in our foundation.
Program Hours
Monday through Friday from 8:30AM-3:00PM with a fee based extended day until 5:30PM
How to Apply
Interested families can apply through the Department of Education website here: myschools.nyc/en/account/log-in/
Early Childhood Center
About our Early Childhood Center
Our Early Childhood Center is a year round (September through August), fee-based comprehensive child care program for children 6 months through 2 years old. Designed to provide a flexible schedule for working families, our Early Childhood Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:30AM-5:30PM.
Philosophy, Curriculum, and Schedules
Our Early Childhood Center is committed to providing a safe, supportive learning environment for young children. Teachers create a warm and loving atmosphere while offering developmentally based, engaging curriculum, where children can play, discover and learn. The development of independence, trust and initiative is fostered through a balanced program of free play and structure, quiet and active play, and group and individual time. Learning centers in each room include science, dramatic play, block building, library, art, music and manipulative materials.
Faculty
Our school is located within the West Side YMCA—an architectural treasure and landmark building. The school has well-equipped classrooms, with child-sized toilets and sinks in the classrooms. Our Early Childhood Center wing includes a library, indoor play spaces and a full-sized gymnasium. Children and parents enjoy recreational and educational opportunities throughout the YMCA. Each class is staffed with at least two teachers, and many of the faculty members hold advanced degrees in Early Childhood Education or in a related field.
Meet our Staff
 | Misha Paskar |
 | Bridget Sieling |
Early Childhood Admissions, Tours and Tuition
Interested families should fill out this Prospective Family Form and return to Bridget Sieling at bsieling@ymcanyc.org. After the completed form is submitted, families will be contacted to schedule an in person visit.
2024-2025 Early Childhood Monthly Rates
Program Based on Age | HOURS | MONTHLY RATE |
INFANTS | M-F | $3060 |
TODDLER | M-F | $2910 |
TWOS | M-F | $2730 |
Financial assistance is available.
2023-2024 School Calendar
Thursday, September 7th | ZOOM Parent Orientation: 5:00pm-6:00pm |
Monday, September 11th | ZOOM Parent Orientation: 9:30am-10:30am |
Wednesday, September 13th | Scheduled Classroom visits 9:00am-2:00pm |
Thursday, September 14th | First Day for All Students |
Tuesday, September 26th & Wednesday, September 27th | 3:00pm-4:30pm ZOOM Parent Teacher Conferences: 3K/UPK |
Tuesday, September 26th & Wednesday, September 27th | 1:00pm-3:00pm ZOOM Parent Teacher Conferences: Infant-2’s |
Monday, October 9th | PROGRAM CLOSED – Indigenous Peoples Day/Columbus Day |
Tuesday, October 10th | PROGRAM CLOSED – Professional Development |
Saturday, October 28th | Boo-fest 10:00AM-1:00PM |
Tuesday, November 7th | PROGRAM CLOSED – Election Day |
Thursday, November 9th | Picture Day |
Friday, November 17th | PROGRAM CLOSED – Professional Development |
Wednesday, November 22nd | Early Dismissal-3:00pm for all children - Thanksgiving Holiday |
Thursday, November 23rd – Friday, November 24th | PROGRAM CLOSED – Thanksgiving Holiday |
Thursday, December 6th | Early Dismissal – 11:00am Parent/Teacher Conferences |
Friday, December 15th | Early Childhood Holiday Festival |
Friday, December 22nd -Monday, January 1st | PROGRAM CLOSED – Winter Recess |
Tuesday, January 2nd | Program Resumes |
Monday, January 15th | PROGRAM CLOSED – Martin Luther King’s Jr. Birthday |
Monday, January 29th | PROGRAM CLOSED – Professional Development |
Monday, February 19th | PROGRAM CLOSED – Presidents’ Day |
Tuesday, February 20th-March 1st | Black Excellence Exhibit |
Thursday, March 28th | Early Dismissal – 11:00am Parent/Teacher Conferences |
Friday, March 29th | PROGRAM CLOSED – Good Friday |
Wednesday, April 10th | PROGRAM CLOSED – Eid al-Fitr |
Monday, April 22nd- Friday, April 26th | PROGRAM CLOSED – Spring Recess |
Monday, May 6th- Friday, May 10th | Teacher Appreciation Week |
Friday, May 10th | Early Childhood Family Spring Picnic 4:00-6:00pm |
Monday, May 27th | PROGRAM CLOSED – Memorial Day |
Thursday, June 6th | PROGRAM CLOSED – Professional Development |
Wednesday, June 19th | PROGRAM CLOSED –Juneteenth |
Friday, June 21st |
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Monday, July 1st | Early Childhood and Kinder Camp begins |
Thursday, July 4th | PROGRAM CLOSED – In Observance of Independence Day |
Week of July 22nd | ZOOM Parent Teacher Conferences (Infants, 1’s and 2’s) |
Week of August 12th | End of Year Celebrations – Infants, 1’s and 2’s |
Friday, August 23rd | LAST DAY OF PROGRAM - Early Dismissal-3PM for all children |
Questions?
We're here for you. Contact our Early Childhood Center team today!