Pre-School Programm e t r o a t l a n t a y m c a

Play. Volunteer. Donate. Join for the impact.

Pre SchoolThe YMCA is committed to providing quality

childcare programs. Our pre-school programs

are guided by the National Association for the

Education of Young Children standards. Some

of our goals are:

* To help children develop to their fullest potential

*To support and strengthen the family unit

*To deliver child care in a caring, safe and positive environment

“A place to go, a chance to grow for children.”

Where else but the Y…can you find:

* commitment to character development

* commitment to the highest standards

* clean, safe and secure environment

* nurturing environment

* experienced staff

m e t r o a t l a n t a y m c a

ValuesThe YMCA provides experiences to develop and nurture positive self-esteem in an inclusive environment. One of the goals of the pre-school program is character development. The YMCA develops character by teaching and demonstrating values. We use positive adult role models to teach the four basic values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.

Education EnhancementThe YMCA creates and maintains an environment that promotes learning. Academic excellence is valued and encouraged. Activities are designed to teach and challenge. High expectations are the norm for any endeavor undertaken.

Health & WellnessThe YMCA provides opportunities to pursuehealth and fitness activities while promoting good health habits. Structured and scheduled organized athletic activities promote positive self-esteem and the appreciation for teamwork.

YMCAChildCArePhilosoPhYYMCA childcare programs are built on the concepts of family, child, community, and accessibility.

Family. YMCA child care is family-centered care, which means parents must be included in the care process. The goal of YMCA child care is to support and assist the parent, to strengthen parent-child relationships, and to increase the importance of the family unit.

Child. Many children spend a significant amount of their childhood in YMCA childcare programs. Fortunately, these programs provide caring role models and age-appropriate experiences that nurture children’s growth, encourage positive behavior, and help them develop a strong sense of right and wrong. Child care, more than almost any other program, offers great potential for the achievement of the YMCA mission and objectives in the lives of the children and families served by the YMCA.

Community. The YMCA assesses the needs of its community and responds with programs to meet those needs, helping to make the community a healthier, safer, and better place to live. Each YMCA designs and delivers its childcare programs according to the specific needs of families in the neighborhood it serves.

Accessibility. The YMCA believes safety and care are birthrights of all children and it is the responsibility of parents to provide their children with full-time care from birth through adolescence. Quality child care must be available to all who need it, not just those who can afford it.

ProgramCOMPONENTS

Georgia Pre-K ProgramAges 4-5 yearsThe purpose of the Georgia Pre-Kindergarten Program is to provide a full day (6.5 hours of instructional services), five days per week, 36 weeks (180 days) per year of appropriate educational/instructional services for four- and five-year old children. Each class is led by a certified teacher. Georgia Pre-K Program goals are to provide an appropriate pre-school education program emphasizing growth in language and literacy, math and science concepts, art and music, physical development, and social concepts. Enrollment is based on a first come, first serve basis. Students must meet the age requirements to participate in this program.

Head Start ProgramsAges 3-5 yearsHead Start is a comprehensive early childhood program with an overall goal to develop the social competence in children. Head Start programs are guided by a set of Program Performance Standards. These standards and policies specify that Head Start programs must deliver a wide range of services to ensure comprehensive care including health, education, parent involvement, and social services.

Summer Day CampAges 4-7 yearsYMCA summer day camp programs will give you peace of MIND while you are at work. We will challenge your child’s BODY, and promote a happy SPIRIT. This program will assure the learning, fun and character- building experienced during the school year continues into the summer months. The activities are designed to keep your child’s mind and body active while nurturing the YMCA’s core values: CARING, HONESTY, RESPECT, and RESPONSIBILITY.

Traditional Child CareYMCA pre-school programs offer year-round care, Monday through Friday for infants/toddlers and pre-school children. Our program is offered through the implementation of the “Creative Curriculum.” This theme based curriculum has a philosophy that believes children learn best by doing. The curriculum exposes learning opportunities in the areas of Art/Writing, Language Development, Reading, Math, Music n’ Movement, Science and Discovery, Physical, Cooking and Computer Programs.

Teen Parent ProgramThrough a collaboration with the DeKalb County School System, we provide child care at select sites to children of teenage parents from 11 area schools who commit to return to school. These teenage parents, referred by the DeKalb County Schools, the DeKalb County Teenage Pregnancy Task Force and DeKalb Family and Children Services, will be required to maintain at least a “C” average in their school program and meet other requirements to participate.

Pre-school Program LocationsYmca academies of south dekaLb (naeyc accredited)2575-a snapfinger Rd. * decatur, Ga 30034 * 770-987-46662924 evans mill Rd. * Lithonia, Ga 30058 * 770-484-1625

andReW & WaLteR YounG famiLY Ymca (southWest PRe-schooL (naeyc accredited)2220 campbellton Rd. * atlanta, Ga 30311 * 404-523-9622 coLLeGe heiGhts eaRLY LeaRninG centeR917 south mcdonough street * decatur, Ga 30030 404-370-4480

centenniaL PLace famiLY Ymca (naeyc accredited)555 Luckie st. * atlanta, Ga 30313 * 404-724-9622

Ymca/eaRLY chiLdhood deveLoPment co., LLchead staRt PRoGRam (naeyc accredited)100 edgewood ave., ne * suite 1230 * atlanta, Ga 30303404-420-5800

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL

404-588-9622

Ymca Promise statement for Pre-schoolthe promise of the metro atlanta Ymca Pre-school Program is to provide quality child care for all children to develop intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically in a safe environment. family and community involvement is strongly encouraged to support program goals. Reasonable fees are provided to accommodate the entire community.

Partner With Youth campaignour Partner With Youth annual giving campaign supports the

mission of our Ymca. the message is clear. GET INVOLVED. GIVE BACK. GROW TOGETHER. by making a contribution, you

will help children, adults and families develop the abilities

to fulfill their needs. the success of our programs relies on

charitable contributions from friends like you. call to see

how you can be a part of this giving campaign today.