PRESCHOOL

Y Preschool builds on a child’s natural desire to learn things and become more self-reliant. Getting along with other children, sharing, taking turns and working in a group are all natural parts of learning. Y Preschool is also a safe, fun and comfortable place where children build positive relationships with caring adults. 

For enrollment information (Daycare/Childcare, Traditional PreK/Preschool, School-Age) click on your desired location for contact information.

Then complete an enrollment application.

Early childhood education and learning programs, follow the Creative Curriculum®, and make sure that children learn the skills needed to be successful in school. Our centers provide a warm, caring and fun environment that stimulates their natural curiosity and encourages personal expression.

Children develop communication, reasoning and problem-solving skills through play, interaction with other children, and exploration of their environment. Early childhood education and learning programs help children grow physically, and mentally, while emphasizing and modeling the character development values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility.

Y programs are licensed by the Office of Child Development, PA Department of Public Welfare and meet YMCA of the USA Quality Check Standards.  Like a hotel rating system, Y programs are accredited by the Pennsylvania Keystone STARS program.  That’s important to you as a parent because you can be sure your kids are thriving in the highest quality learning environment with qualified, certified teachers who annually seek continuing education and certifications in CPR/First Aid, Water Safety, Fire Safety & Child Development.

All Y programs are Keystone 4 accredited. Each stars designation has its own research-based performance standards. These standards measure areas of childcare and education.

What you can expect from the quality rating is:

  • Professional development and training for our teachers; half to two-thirds of the staff have completed or are enrolled in credentials or degrees
  • Literacy activities including reading, story-telling and encouraging written and verbal communication
  • Parent and community resources are used effectively in the quality delivery of the program
  • Business, organizational and staff compensation practices are maximized
  • A review of the program center by a nationally recognized environment rating scale that indicates a high quality score

Your child’s safety and security is our top priority and is achieved through established and practiced procedures. We take every precaution to insure safety for your child, including:

  • Secure entry
  • Frequent site inspections
  • Maintenance of buildings, playgrounds and equipment

Healthy meals and snacks are the cornerstone of your child’s learning throughout the day. Smart food choices are taught and modeled by our staff such as drinking water and the importance of all four food groups.

Physical activity is an important part of every day at the Y. Large motor skills are developed through daily active play. Your child’s physical skills are individually strengthened through the use of the Y’s extensive facilities—including playgrounds, gyms, pools and more.

With loads of activity and learning, kids need time to recharge. Rest time is scheduled daily in calming environments with caring supervision.

The Meadville Family YMCA participates in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).

The Non-Discrimination policy is below.

In accordance with Federal Civil Rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Civil Rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior credible activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: [email protected].

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

CONTACT US

Please feel free to call or email us at your preferred location for more information on our childcare services. 

Children 6 weeks-2 years of age bond with their caregivers and thrive in high quality educational environment.

Children 3-5 years of age become Kindergarten ready through child-centered activities.

The Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts program makes quality pre-kindergarten programs available to residents at no cost to qualifying families.

Children 6-12 years of age continue their elementary education in before and after school programs.

Children 6-12 years of age participate in an 11-week full day program with a variety of planned field trips and theme weeks.

Scholarships as well as additional local, state and federal funding is available to help supplement the cost of care.