YMCA Preschool and After School Programs

PRESS RELEASE_West Palm Beach, Fla. – Rooted in a nurturing and safe environment with stellar staffing, the YMCA of the Palm Beaches’ Preschool is second-to-none when it comes to making the hard-pressed decision of choosing the right preschool. 

By implementing an ongoing program of activities that promote the social, emotional, cognitive and physical development of children ages 2-5, parents can be rest assured their children will be receiving the very best foundation to ensure a brighter future. The newly enhanced 2018-2019 preschool curriculum weaves the Y’s values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility into all they do, and believe the skills and values learned in early life are the building blocks for a happy, healthy, centered life.  

YMCA of the Palm Beaches’ Preschool opens its doors on August 13th.  Registration is now open for the following programs. Additionally, the Y will be offering a free drawstring bag filled to the brim with necessary school supplies, while supplies last.  Parents are invited to get a first-hand look at the Preschool during its open house on September 8 from 11am - 1pm.  Parents will have the opportunity to meet the administration and teachers, and get a true understanding of what their children will be experiencing throughout the day.  

2018-2019 Preschool Curriculums At-a-Glance: 

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2’s and 3’s: Frog Street

Frog Street is a thematic curriculum that emphasizes language and cognitive development for the 2-year-old set, and expands with an emphasis on social development, literacy development, and foundational math in the 3-year old class. Children love learning with their friend, Max the Frog. 

Breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack are included. Swimming lessons are included for children 2 and older as part of the Y’s commitment to drowning prevention.

Annual registration fee for the above programs are $80, and school fees start from $145. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

VPK: The Letter People

The YMCA’s new VPK curriculum incorporates the phonics-based reading readiness curriculum, The Letter People. This is a fun, engaging, and motivational educational tool that is loved by students, teachers and parents alike.

YMCA’s Preschool Director Lisa Petrillo, who has been working with this curriculum for 30 years, says, “It is an extremely effective reading readiness program. I have never seen a program motivate children to learn like The Letter People program. The proof is in the results.”

The YMCA is a Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) provider. A certificate voucher is required for enrollment. Parents can contact Family Central at FamilyCentral.org/PBVPKparents to obtain a voucher and more information. VPK hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. A VPK wrap around curriculum is also available and includes breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack, and swimming lessons. Annual registration fee for the wrap around program is $80, and school fees start from $105. VPK wrap around hours of operation are from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Aftercare: More than just homework. 

The YMCA After School Program is available for children attending local schools, including pick-up from nine community schools. Kids can expect to expand their learning beyond the classroom by engaging in a variety of activities that include homework, team building activities, arts and crafts, physical activity, and swimming. Afternoon snack is provided for each child everyday.

Aftercare annual registration fee is $40, and fees start from $55. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.   

Family Central and Military Assistance Programs accepted. 

For more information, visit ymcapalmbeaches.org. To schedule a tour, please contact the preschool at (561) 727-3774 or email the YMCA’s Preschool Director Lisa Petrillo at lpetrillo@ymcapalmbeaches.org. 

YMCA of the Palm Beaches is located at 2085 South Congress Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33406.

About the YMCA of the Palm Beaches

Since 1917, YMCA of the Palm Beaches has served Palm Beach County, working side-by-side with local families and neighbors to strengthen the community. Each year, the nonprofit organization provides hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships for local youth and family programs. This is made possible through community support, fundraising initiatives, and individual and corporate donations. The Y’s 18-acre campus includes a fitness center, skate park, early learning center, after-school care, multi-purpose room, spin and yoga studio, community room, and aquatic center. For more information or to donate, please visit ymcapalmbeaches.org or call (561) 968-9622. ​