School News

Last Updated on Wednesday, 31 December 2014 04:30

The Mon Valley YMCA is accepting applications for 2015-16 school year for preschool classes in their Child Learning Center. Registration for members and students currently enrolled in the Y preschool begins Tuesday, January 8.

Open registration begins Monday, January 19. Registration is $15 for members and $20 for non members. Applications may be picked up in advance in the Y Business Office, but no applications are accepted until the dates mentioned.

Three-day Pre-K classes meet on Monday, Wednesday and Friday with a morning session from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and an afternoon session from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. This program prepares students for their kindergarten experience by introducing the Zoo-Phonics curriculum. Field trips, holiday programs and guest speakers stimulate all levels of learning.

Two-day Pre-K classes meet on Tuesday and Thursday with a morning session from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and afternoon session from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. There is also one afternoon class on Monday and Wednesday from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. This program introduces letters and numbers through puppets in the Letter People curriculum.

Teddy, Me & You is a very special program that introduces 2 ½ year olds to the classroom with new friends and new experiences. Mrs. Jo Anna Stroh welcomes and nurtures the children as they learn to follow directions, to listen and communicate during circle time, and to interact with other students during playtime. Classes are for one hour one day a week either on Tuesdays or Thursdays.

The Mon Valley YMCA Child Learning Center Early Childhood Education Program is licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and is a Keystone Stars facility. Teachers are certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The Center meets Pennsylvania's Early Learning Standards for academic, social and physical skills that a child should develop throughout the course of the year and provides guidance for activities to support this development in the classroom and at home.

Learning centers in preschool classrooms are very special places that provide the perfect setting for children to learn, to grow and to develop at their own pace. The caring professional staff allows children to move freely through well equipped learning centers that stimulate and let the child imagine and create his or her own masterpieces. They help children to establish supportive relationships among the children in the classroom.

Early learning in quality preschool education improves a child's opportunity for success in school and in life by helping them set a foundation and develop positive attitudes toward independent learning. By working with our local school districts, the curriculum is developed to help children prepare for their kindergarten experience.

For additional information, contact the Y at 724-483-8077.