North Suburban YMCA Introduces Innovative Preschool Education Classes for Fall 2015

Starting this Fall, the North Suburban YMCA will offer Preschool Education Classes for ages two to five that will provide unique enrichment classes led by certified instructors included in the core curriculum. Teaching beyond a typical classroom, these specialized classes will be the only early education offerings in the area to teach life-saving swim lessons and age-appropriate skill building programs in dance, art, music and gymnastics in one comprehensive program.

The Y’s Preschool Education Classes allow parents to give their children a truly varied, comprehensive early childhood experience. Offering a theme-based curriculum that takes advantage of the Y’s multifaceted facility, the Y combines an engaging preschool-style program, taught by highly experienced educators, with on-site enrichment programs that are unique to the Y.

In keeping with the NSYMCA’s longstanding philosophy of offering exemplary youth programs, the Y’s new Preschool Education Classes support youth development, and the growth of each child’s spirit, mind and body in a welcoming, inclusive environment. The core content curriculum areas include literacy, math, science, social studies and art. The theme-based curriculum, designed for the developmental capacities of each age group, includes music and movement, swim lessons, gymnastics, and dance while nourishing emotional growth, healthy habits, and social responsibility.

The Y’s Preschool Education Classes will be offered for two-year-olds on Monday and Wednesday mornings; three-year-olds on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings; and four- and five-year-olds every weekday afternoon. All classes will be held at the Y’s facility, located at 2705 Techny Road in Northbrook. Shannon Cartier, the Y’s Youth Education Director, will direct the program with staffing by experienced early childhood teachers.

“We are excited to offer these unique preschool education classes for families in our community,” notes Cartier. “The NSYMCA has always been a leader in youth programming, and our classes for preschoolers will be a reflection of our experience and the unique resources of our staff and facility. Parents will also enjoy the confidence and convenience of having their children at the Y, a place where the whole family can be involved in their favorite activities.”

Registration is now being accepted for Fall 2015. Information on pricing, schedules, curriculum, and more is available online at www.nsymca.org. NSYMCA members receive tuition discounts, and need-based financial assistance is available for families through the NSYMCA Strong Kids Fund. For more information and online registration, visit www.nsymca.org or contact Shannon Cartier, scartier@nsymca.org.

Photo Caption 1: The North Suburban YMCA’s new Preschool Education Classes will help children gain confidence, social skills, and school readiness in a caring, nurturing environment. Children will have access to the Y’s excellent facilities, including art studios, gymnasiums, and the indoor swimming pool.

Photo Caption 2: The NSYMCA’s Preschool Education Classes will offer developmentally appropriate gymnastics, dance, art and swimming lessons as part of its comprehensive curriculum.

About the North Suburban YMCA

The YMCA is a not-for-profit entity and relies on donations to make services available for all families and individuals in its 15-city region. All board members are volunteers, who donate their time, talents and financial resources. Located at 2705 Techny Road in Northbrook, the YMCA has served the northern suburbs of Chicago for over 45 years. The Y is about youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, providing programs and services that address the needs of our diverse community and are accessible to all. For more information or to make a donation, contact Barb Flanagin at 847-272-7250 or bflanagin@nsymca.org, or visit www.nsymca.org.