We have a wide range of full and partial day Child Care and youth development programs are offered by the YMCA for children ages 6 weeks old through 12 years old. These program options include full day Child Care, preschool enrichment classes, partial day preschool, universal pre-kindergarten, youth sports, kindergarten wrap around, before and afterschool programs, and activities during school breaks.
With so many demands on today’s families and the increased focus on early brain development, families need all the support they can get to nurture the potential of youth. That’s why Child Care and early learning programs at the Y focus on holistically nurturing child development by providing a safe and healthy place to learn foundational skills, develop healthy, trusting relationships and build self-reliance through the Y values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.
Free Membership Benefit: Child Watch
The Nurturing leaders of tomorrow
Creating Safe and Healthy Environments
Nurturing Child Development
Building Foundational Skills
Learning Positive Values
Pre-Kindergarten is a program for children four years of age by December 1 and entering Kindergarten the following year. A developmental learning approach is combined with fun, values-based activities taught by a NYS certified teacher. The program length mirrors a traditional Kindergarten program of 6 hours per day, 180 days per year. Parents may choose a full day option with on-going care during regular Child Care hours. The YMCA of Greater Rochester makes program excellence, enrichment, and your child’s safety our priorities. As providers, our goals are to deliver a positive and rewarding experience for every child and to exceed your family’s expectations. Our licensed and registered Child Care programs proudly serve youth in multiple locations throughout Rochester, N.Y.
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
Ensuring A Brighter Future. Available for ages 6 weeks through 5 years
Full Day Child Care Centers
Our four locations provide safe, supportive environments where children can learn through play and engagement. Our nurturing staff members provide attentive care and encouragement for young children. A strong focus is placed on skill-building and healthy habits, to create lasting positive behaviors, peer relationships, and instill a love of learning. Enroll in full-time Child Care and receive a complimentary YMCA passport membership for your family! Locations
Infant and Toddler Care
The infant program focuses on sense of self development and establishing some independence in being away from family members for a period of time. Children will learn basic self-help skills such as feeding, movement, managing emotions and how to interact at a basic level with other children. Infant staff members work with parents to bridge the child’s schedule and routine from home to that of the program for a smooth transition. Locations
Partial Day Preschool Programs
The YMCA of Greater Rochester’s preschool programs seek to develop the whole child by fostering their physical, emotional, and social growth. Activities are structured around our “learning through play” philosophy. Preschool programs run September – June and follows the school district calendar. Locations and Registration
Preschool Enrichment Classes
The YMCA of Greater Rochester provides preschool classes that will help your child explore their world, find out how to get along with others, and test their skills and muscles. In our classes, children work on individual skill development, learn how to work with others and are introduced to different activities. Our Enrichment classes run with the sessions. Please refer to our Session Handbooks or visit a branch near you for current enrichment offerings.
Universal Pre-K
Universal Pre-Kindergarten is a program for children four years of age by December 1 and entering Kindergarten the following year. A developmental learning approach is combined with fun, values-based activities taught by a NYS certified teacher. The program length mirrors a traditional kindergarten program 6 hours per day, 180 days per year. Parents may choose a full day option with on-going care during regular Child Care hours. Locations
Research based and child focused, the HighScope Infant-Toddler Curriculum uses a carefully designed process of learning through discovery, called active participatory learning. During active learning, caregivers encourage infants and toddlers to discover the world around them by exploring and playing. Learning and development are anchored by long-term, trusting relationships with caregivers, who are close at hand to support children as they play. http://www.highscope.org/
SCHOOL AGE PROGRAMS
Healthy Fun For Everyone Available for ages 6 weeks through 12 years old
Before and AfterSchool Programs
Ensuring A Brighter Future. Available for ages 5 years through 5th grade
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Note
2017-2018 in-person registration begins April 3, 2017. Paper forms are available at your local Y branch. Electronic forms are available now; select your school district below to download the form. Online registration begins April 17, 2017.
The YMCA’s Before and AfterSchool Program serves school age children 5-12 years old in over 50 branch and school locations throughout Rochester, New York. Many programs take place in schools, providing an ideal situation for parent pickup and school day transitions. Busing and financial aid are available and DSS is accepted. Our program aligns with the school day and supports growth in literacy, math, and science. The Y’s innovative Before and AfterSchool Program follows the Nine Core Components curriculum centered around global learning, leadership development, 21st century skills, media, and technology.
At the YMCA of Greater Rochester, our innovative before and afterschool programs are centered around nine research-based core components.
TUTORING AND MENTORING
Students have the opportunity to work one-on- one or in small group settings to hone their skills in math, literacy and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) skills. Opportunities to explore peer-to-peer and youth-to-adult mentoring are also available.
COLLEGE AND CAREER EXPLORATION
We know that it is vitally important for youth of all ages to explore the interests and talents that allow them to be successful. Youth in our programs interact with college and university volunteers and interns; plan for the future; and attend local events at colleges and universities.
21ST CENTURY SKILLS
Youth learn how to be 21st century citizens through group work; conflict resolution; life and career skills; learning and innovation skills; and information, media, and technology skills.
SERVICE LEARNING
Whether they are participating in a canned food drive or cleaning up their communities, youth in our programs have the opportunity to “give back.” They participate in ongoing projects to create positive, lasting change. Youth explore local community resources including local libraries, museums, planetariums, nature centers, and parks.
ARTS EDUCATION
Youth explore drama, photography, drawing, painting, music, and creative writing through a variety of approaches and materials. By valuing process over product, youth in our programs learn about problem-solving and creative risk-taking in supportive environments.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Youth in our programs have the opportunity to be leaders at the Y and in their community. Writing, speaking, presentation, and conflict resolution skills are developed.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Youth enjoy at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily through the Coordinated Approach to Child Health (CATCH) curriculum and participation in sports. Youth also enjoy a healthy snack and learn the importance of good nutrition.
GLOBAL LEARNING
Through interaction with international foods and music and studies of foreign language and culture, our programs create global citizens. Youth in our programs learn to value all perspectives.
PARENT AND FAMILY ENGAGEMENT
Parent newsletters and family art and cooking events ensure that we regularly invite parents into our programs.
K-Wrap a program designed to enrich the Kindergartner’s experience by providing a unique learning experience in fun and meaningful ways. Students will expand on their half day of education at the YMCA by participating in developmentally-appropriate activities that will help them develop physically, emotionally, intellectually, socially, and spiritually. The activities are offered daily and/or weekly. Locations
Vacation Fun Club/Emergency School Closings
Vacation Fun Clubs are held on most school holidays. These are optional care days for which there is an additional fee. We also offer Emergency Fun Club Days when school is closed due to inclement weather. All Fun Club Registrations take place at the branch. The YMCA will provide a Fun Club option every day with the exception of the following national holidays: Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day. Locations
