DEVELOPMENT

We recognize that all children progress through the same stages of development at their own rate. The Tom & Ann Hunnicutt YMCA Preschool program gives us flexibility to accommodate these different rates through the use of learning centers.

 View our Parent Handbook

Activities include:

• Curriculum-Based Learning Centers and Weekly Themes
• Circle Time
• Outdoor/Gym Activities
• Cooking and Science Projects
• Music and Movement
• Swimming and Water Fun

STAFF:CHILD RATIOS

We serve all children, 2 years old through 5 years:

• Twos – 1:8 (24 to 36 months)
• Preschool – 1:10 (3 to 4 years)
• Pre-K – 1:10 (4 to 5 years)

FOOD AND NUTRITION

Mealtime offers an opportunity for children to share experiences and form positive habits toward eating.

Guidelines set by the United States Department of Agriculture Child Nutrition Program are followed when serving breakfast, lunch, and snack.  Menus are posted in a central location.  Please do not send peanuts or candy as these items can cause a young child to choke.  Due to Health Department guidelines, food brought in to share with the class must be store-bought.  Homemade items cannot be shared with the class.  The YMCA will provide an alternate meal or food item for children with food allergies when documented by a physician.  Food brought from home for diet or medicinal purposes must be labeled and given to the teacher for proper storage.

REGISTRATION

Make an appointment with the Preschool Director. Please bring a copy of the child’s current physical, shot record, and original birth certificate. Due to state licensing agreements, incomplete registrations cannot be processed.

PAYMENT

Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) is the Y’s preferred method of payment for tuition. Fees are automatically withdrawn from your checking or savings account either weekly or monthly, per your request. Financial Assistance is available for those not able to pay the full amount; please ask about the Guardian program.

Licensed and Accredited

The Tom & Ann Hunnicutt YMCA Preschool is licensed by the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Social Services. We meet, more often exceed, all local and state laws pertaining to child care and strive to function at levels above and beyond the minimal requirements of the state.

STAFF

Several staff members have degrees in early childhood or elementary education. Staff is continually trained and furthering education in the area of early childhood. All are required to complete 24 hours of training each year and are CPR certified. We have a warm, caring and friendly staff.

CHILD CARE AND PRESCHOOL ARE CLOSED:

• New Year’s Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving Day and the day after
• Christmas Eve and Christmas day
• 1 in-service training day (2 additional training days are completed on weekends)

DISCIPLINE

Rules are centered on character development and the YMCA’s core values of CARING, HONESTY, RESPECT, and RESPONSIBILITY. Teachers use rules consistently to reinforce positive behavior.