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Early Learning

Success Starts Early

Choosing the right preschool can be the start to a lifelong love of learning! It’s why the Fry Family YMCA’s preschool promotes laughter, as well as language, anti-bias literacy, critical thinking, and the Creative Curriculum. By creating an environment of joy, we set the stage for infinite educational possibilities! 

We Focus on Development

When it comes to helping your child thrive, the Fry Family Y’s preschool programs focus on developmental opportunities, including: 

  • Pre-Writing & Reading Skills
  • Math Skills such as Counting, Shape Sorting, & Matching Patterns
  • Conflict Resolution, Recognizing Feelings, & Building Relationships
  • Fine & Gross Motor Skills
  • Social-Emotional Skills Needed for Self-regulation 
  • Self-Help Skills Needed for Growing Independence

Early Learning Registration

We’re still accepting registrations for the 2026-27 school year! To learn more or schedule a tour, please fill out the Fry Family Y Inquiry Form. 

Inquiry Form

What to Expect of Y Care

  • Highly Qualified & Well-Trained Teachers
  • Clean, Attractive & Developmentally Appropriate, Conducive Learning Environments
  • Healthy & Nutritious Organic Meals and Snacks
  • Educational Activities, Weekly Swim Lessons, & Monthly Visits from the Local Library 
  • Developmental Screenings & Assessments
  • Supportive Services for Children with Disabilities
  • Resources & Referrals for Social Services
  • Opportunities for Parent Involvement 

Meet Your Preschool Leaders

Say hello to the leaders who bring their own passions and enthusiasm to the classroom every day! 

  • Liza Nicol

    Early Learning Site Director

  • Whitney Munro

    Assistant Site Director
  • Signing up your child for preschool is an exciting time! There are many benefits of attending preschool. It provides structure and consistency for children and teaches them social skills, self help skills, and independence. Preschool also supports cognitive development, preparing children for kindergarten. 

    Every child develops at their own pace, so there's no rule of when your child should start preschool. If you're unsure whether or not preschool is currently a good fit for your child, meet with your Early Learning Director for more information.
  • The Fry Family Y preschool accepts children ages 3-5.
  • Visit the Fry Family YMCA preschool and meet with your Early Learning Director! They are more than happy to give you a tour of our space and assist you in the process of signing your child up for preschool!

    Contact the Early Learning Site Director, Liza Nicol at 630-857-3611 or via email ([email protected]) to set up a time to visit, learn more, or register for preschool at the Y! 
  • Registration for preschool at the YMCA is accepted year round, provided that there are openings in the classroom. 
  • Most preschool settings require children to be potty trained — and the Fry Family Y preschool is no different. We require all children to be potty trained at the time of registration. 
  • Our preschool is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. to meet the child care needs of our families. Most of our learning activities, classroom routines, and group experiences take place between 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. To help children start their day successfully and get the most out of our program, all children should arrive and be in their classroom by 9:30 a.m. each day.
  • Our preschool classrooms serve children ages 3 to 5 years old. Children learn and grow together in a mixed-age environment that encourages peer learning, social development, and school readiness.
  • The YMCA’s preschool teachers are Teacher Qualified per Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) regulations. Each of our teachers also receives a minimum of 15 hours of continued professional development every year.

  • Our YMCA preschools prioritize a safe learning environment. We follow the required Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) regulations for teacher to child ratios: 1 teacher per 10 children ages 3 to 5.
  • Our YMCA preschool programs use a redirection and choice providing approach which is designed to support children in the learning process.
  • We strive to provide your child with a constructive and rewarding learning environment! Our YMCA preschool programs implement the Creative Curriculum in all classrooms. We also provide academic assessments and developmental screenings such as Ages and Stages (ASQ). Together, this information supports the teachers in understanding where each child needs more support.   
  • Yes, our food service vendor provides meals featuring whole grains, lean proteins, fresh fruits, vegetables and allergen-safe substitutions for youth who have dietary restrictions.
  • Our preschool program's daily schedule is built around a creative curriculum that allows time for children to have free choice and large motor activities, as well as small group learning activities. During group time, children will work on fine motor development, large motor development, and kindergarten readiness activities. 
  • The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) requires all children in full day programs to be offered a nap time. While children are not required to sleep during nap time, they must be able to rest or engage in a quiet activity.