Taylor YMCA's preschool provides the cornerstone for educational success
To help nurture and inspire kids to discover their educational potential, the Taylor Family YMCA is operating a preschool in partnership with Good Shepherd Lutheran Church at the church's former school site at 1111 Van St. in Elgin.
The ultimate goal for the YMCA is to have students enter the Elgin Area School District U-46 kindergarten program socially and academically prepared to succeed.
The YMCA's Early Learning Center (preschool) will offer a full-day program for children ages 3 and 4, with the school day running weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. to accommodate working parents.
The YMCA is currently in the process of finalizing licensing through the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.
The preschool on Van Street is one-half mile away from the Taylor Family YMCA on McLean Boulevard.
It can accommodate up to 60 3- and 4-year olds, and employ about 15 staff members including full-and part time positions.
According to Adia Walker, preschool director for the YMCA's Early Learning Center, "Less than 2,000 of the 6,000 children ages 3 to 4 within the U-46 boundaries are being served by public or private preschool classes, so the sooner we can educate and get children learning and developing reading skills, the better off they will be at the higher grade levels."
Registration is currently open for the preschool, with open house dates available during the holiday break to tour the facility and talk with Walker about the school curriculum.
The open house dates are: Friday, Dec. 21, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; and Friday, Jan. 4, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m.
Or stop by the preschool's booth at the Gail Borden Public Library's Preschool Fair from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 19.
For information about the Taylor Family YMCA's Early Learning Center, contact Adia Walker, YMCA's Early Learning Center Director, at adiaw@gcfymca.org or call (224) 769-7441.
About the Y
The Y is one of the nation's leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 22 million men, women and children - regardless of age, income or background - to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation's health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors.
Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change.
For information, visit www.taylorymca.org or www.facebook.com/taylor.family.ymca/.