YMCA offers unique preschool
Swimming lessons are not typically part of the preschool curriculum.
But a half-dozen young children are getting that knowledge through preschool at the Butler YMCA.
Christina Braden, school age director at Butler YMCA, said that, although the YMCA’s preschool offering is similar to most other preschools in the area, the physical education aspects are a unique part of the curriculum.
“We can utilize the gym, as well as that swimming piece,” Braden said. “One perk is we do offer swim lessons that are incorporated into the class with preschool enrichment every Friday.”
Butler YMCA’s preschool enrichment program began Sept. 14, and Braden said there really is no deadline for parents to register their children age 3 to 5 to join.
The program takes place from 9:15 to 11:45 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and costs $135 per child per month.
Braden said the program is focused on enrichment and is not merely an option for child care.
“I would say it is probably like typical preschool, because I am a teacher in that realm,” Braden said. “We have it geared more toward families who need a short preschool, not a child care center.”
According to Braden, the YMCA does incorporate some aspects of its other programming, including its religious aspects, but also its environment.
“We do kind of tie religion into it. We pray before we have a snack, we say the Pledge of Allegiance,” Braden said. “We make sure it’s very homey for the kids and families.”
Children who go through the preschool program at the YMCA will emerge with lessons similar to what they would get from other preschools, Braden said. However, she also said the staff focuses on including more hands-on activities, so children can further develop their motor skills.
“This curriculum does some small group activity based on (each child’s) developmental level,” Braden said. “The curriculum incorporates STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math). It is very hands-on and helps kids learn and grow with sounds of words.”
The preschool enrichment program semester runs until Dec. 16. For information or to register, visit the YMCA website or call Braden at 724-287-4733, ext. 137.
