Y Preschool Childcare

The YMCA Preschool is a popular program serving children ages 2 (and diaper trained) to 5 years old. This program is two fold in purpose; first to provide childcare for children while adults in the home are working, and second to provide an environment for learning.  It is the goal of the director and staff that by the time your child leaves the Preschool, he/she will have all the necessary skills to begin kindergarten in the fall. 

We are aware of, and adhere to the state requirements for kindergarten readiness and incorporate these standards into our curriculum for your child.  From August - May we are on a regulated learning schedule that includes reading/language arts, math, science, physical education, and arts.  Children will learn numbers, shapes, colors, etc... and with all that going on, we are committed to making learning fun. It is our philosophy that for children in preschool much of their learning is done through play and interactive games.  We provide opportunities for crafts, songs, games, occasional field trips, and swim lessons.  Finally, we will commemorate your child's accomplishments with a preschool celebration in May.

Hours:
Monday-Friday:  6:30am-6:00 pm    
Preschool Curriculum 8:30 -12 noon    

Location:
Y Childcare building

Fees:
Member:  $90/week
Non-Member:  $100/week

Registration
A yearly $30.00 non-refundable registration fee per child is required at the time of enrollment. This initial fee processes your child’s application and ensures quality supplies and activities for your child.

All programs are arranged on a weekly basis, with payments due by the Thursday prior to each program week. A $10 late fee will apply for payments received after Thursday. 

The following forms are required prior to child attending the Prescott YMCA childcare programs: 

• Registration Forms
• Parent Agreement
• Guidance and Behaviour Agreement
• Emergency and Immunization Record
• Photo Release

The Prescott YMCA is pleased to provide financial assistance for those in need. Qualifying is based on individual need and situation. Scholarship applications are available at the YMCA Courtesy Counter or by download. Prior to applying, please contact the Department of Economic Security (DES) to see if you are eligible for childcare assistance. The Y needs a verbal or written notification from DES regarding your status, prior to processing a scholarship.

• Download a Scholarship Application

Department of Economic Security Assistance
Prior to enrolling your child in camp with the expectation of state assistance, it is the responsibility of the parent to meet with a DES caseworker and make the necessary arrangements. It is necessary that the Y receive a verbal or written confirmation of state assistance. Parents will be billed for any unauthorized time not paid for by DES.

General Information

Holiday Closures and Events
YMCA Childcare programs are closed for all major holidays including:  Labor Day, Thanksgiving,  Christmas,  New Years Day,  Easter, Memorial Day,  Independence Day

Snow Days
In the event area schools are closed due to snow, full day childcare will be available at the Y for children already enrolled in the school year childcare program. A full day rate will be charged. Unless the weather is critical, the YMCA will remain open. Operating hours are 6:30 am -6:00 pm. Contact the YMCA for updates.

Field Trips
Periodically, field trips may be schedule. Bus transportation will be provided by area school districts. Information will be posted in advance and will require a parent/guardian written authorization. Staff will assist children on and off the buses.

After School Bus Routes
School district employees will make sure all children are placed on the correct bus after each school day. YMCA employees will meet PUSD buses as they arrive at Miller Valley School, the transfer point, and again at the YMCA. Abia Judd and Taylor Hicks students ride directly to the Y after school. Bus routing may change as YMCA enrollment increases. School offices have bus routing information available.  Families requiring transportation must contact the PUSD Transportation Department to sign up.

Character Values
During the day to day interaction of childcare life, Y leaders will demonstrate the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Daily, open discussion will take place regarding the treatment and appreciation of others. Routinely, children will be recognized for their efforts in practicing these four aspects of character.

Leadership
The Prescott YMCA Childcare provides caring YMCA trained staff. Leaders are chosen on the basis of their interest in youth, experience, education, training and emotional maturity. Leaders possess current certification in First Aid and CPR.

All YMCA Childcare programs are state licensed and DES approved. Please see the Parent handbook available at the time of registration for information regarding our high safety and care standards.

Parent Involvement
Good communication is crucial in providing an exceptional childcare experience for your family. Whenever a change occurs, please update your child’s information file. This is for your child’s safety. Parents are encouraged to visit our program at anytime. Monthly, a newsletter will be distributed. From time to time, parents will be given the opportunity to participate in activities or contribute small items to the program. We would like to hear from you. Contact your site director with any of your suggestions, comments or ideas.

Lost and Found
A lost and found box is located at each program site. Contact your site director with questions about lost items. Please write your child’s name on everything they bring with them to childcare.

Program Evaluation
Quarterly, childcare program evaluations will be distributed. We encourage parents and children to complete and return the forms to the YMCA Courtesy Counter. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your site director. We are always receptive to parent concerns.

Program Discipline Policy
Program policies are designed to meet state requirements to ensure the safety and well-being of all program participants, staff, vehicles and facility security.

Tobacco products, drugs, alcohol, stealing, fighting, unsafe behavior, leaving the group, property damage or violence is inappropriate and not permitted at the YMCA. Ethnic comments, jokes, swearing or name-calling is not acceptable.

It is our hope all participants have a positive experience at the YMCA. If a child is experiencing difficulty adjusting to the program, its rules or policies, a parent conference will be required. Repeated violations of safety rules or failure to attend a parent conference will result in termination from the program.

Illness/Medication
If a child is not well enough to participate in all of the days’ scheduled activities, then he/she is not well enough to attend. If a child has a sore throat, fever or displays obvious signs of illness, a parent will be contacted to pick up their child. The YMCA does not distribute medication of any kind. No medication should be sent with the child to the YMCA.

Liability Insurance
The YMCA provides liability insurance as required by law. The Prescott YMCA does not provide medical insurance relative to accidents or injuries sustained as a result of a program related activity.