Preschool

As one of the largest nonprofit organizations in the Chicago region, the Y offers licensed preschool and early childhood education to give children a safe and nurturing place to learn, grow, and thrive.

In our preschool programs — in the city, in the suburbs, and at the YMCA Center — your child will learn through playing, exploring, and building self-esteem. Children will build social skills, conflict resolution skills, and friendships. Our teachers are professionally trained and DCFS-certified, with continual professional development to ensure the best and most current practices in the classroom. At the Y, we strive to form a partnership with every family based on mutual trust, understanding, respect, and common goals.

Preschool Curriculum

Our preschool curriculum promotes individual growth through learning, exploration, and creativity via the Creative Curriculum, which is fully aligned with state and national Early Learning Standards. This curriculum promotes social, emotional and physical development, as well as language, anti-bias literacy, math, critical thinking, and cognitive skills by allowing children to explore their own interests.

To develop the whole child based on their individual developmental needs, the curriculum also includes science, social studies, cooking, water recreation in the pool, gym time, learning with technology, and the arts.

Preschool Locations

Programs vary by location, including half-day, full-day, science, social studies, gross motor play, creative art experiences, learning through technology, and physical curriculums that include swimming, tumbling, gym, and ice skating. Click one of the locations below for more details.

Early Learning Enrichment

Our enrichment programs provide activities where children learn, explore, build a positive self-image and develop strong social and emotional relationships. Children are exposed to art, music, math and science as they develop expressive and receptive language and gross motor skills.

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