Preschool

Program Features

Location

Ages 3 & 4

10 West Parker Ave., Maplewood, NJ

7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Jennifer MacAfee
Director of Early Childhood Learning Center
973-762-0860

Guide to Child Care Program Policies

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Curriculum

Our preschool programs are designed to prepare children for kindergarten. Classrooms utilize the Creative Curriculum to help children develop skills in literacy, mathematics, science, social and emotional development, and problem-solving.

The Creative Curriculum builds children’s confidence, creativity, and critical thinking skills through hands-on, project-based investigations. Trusted for decades by early childhood educators, our curriculum:

● Respects and nurtures individual skill progression for the whole child

● Harnesses the power of play through studies that engage learners as young as 2

● Seamlessly connects families to their children’s learning

● Provides intentional support for every teacher every day.

Program Highlights

Accredited by Grow NJ Kids

Weekly social/emotional learning classes for preschoolers

Nut-safe facility

Closed only 14 days throughout the year

Programs tailored to each child’s unique needs and development

Sensory room to support all aspects of development

Low teacher-to-child ratios for personalized care

13 classrooms, indoor play space, and large outdoor playgrounds

Free Kindergarten Readiness Program each spring

Preschool camp in the summer

Financial assistance and third-party payment options available

Full-day options (3, 4, or 5 days)

Half-day programs (8am–12pm)

Strong community involvement and events throughout the year

Welcoming YMCA community that supports families and builds connections

Prepare Your Child for the Next Step

Our teachers and curriculum prepare children socially, emotionally, and academically to be successful in their next step.

NOW ENROLLING!

With so many demands on today's families, parents need all the support they can get. That's why child care at the Y is about more than looking after kids. It's about nurturing their development, by providing a safe place to learn foundational skills, develop healthy, trusting relationships, and building self-reliance through the Y core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

Our early learning programs are assessed by Grow NJ Kids, a rating and improvement system that provides training and incentives to child care programs to improve their quality of care.

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YMCA Parent

"The South Mountain YMCA program has been an amazing experience for my family. I know that my child is safe and supported everyday. The community is unmatched and it I love coming to pick-up my child and seeing her happy and connected to those around her."

YMCA Parent

“I’m so glad I sent my son to the YMCA. I made the right decision. He had a great experience, made friends, felt safe and really learned a lot. He’s a lot more confident now than a year ago. Thank you teachers!”

YMCA Parent

“Community is built into everything this program does. Each class has its own community, the center has a cohesive and consistent set of values. That results in confident kids. When kids go to school and know they are loved by everyone around them, they have the strength to do anything.”

Y FOR ALL

The YMCA provides financial assistance to those who may require help covering the costs of camp. Our Y for All Fund plays a crucial role in keeping the Y accessible for children, adults, and families who need support. By offering financial assistance, the Y ensures that all individuals and families can participate in Y programs and services, regardless of their financial circumstances.

Do I qualify?

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