DCFS gives go ahead for YMCA preschool on Elgin's west side

To help nurture and inspire kids to discover their potential, the Taylor Family YMCA is opening a preschool in partnership with Good Shepherd Lutheran Church at Good Shepherd's former school site at 1111 Van St. in Elgin.

The YMCA's Early Learning Center will offer a full-day program for children ages 3 and 4, with the preschool day running from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays to accommodate working parents.

The preschool on Van Street is one half mile away from the Taylor Family YMCA on McLean Boulevard.

It will 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 and 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 to tour the facility and talk with Walker about the school curriculum.

The open house will be 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 8, and 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 11.

On the week of Aug. 13, children and parents can come see their classroom and drop off their school supplies.

Parents and students are able to meet their teacher on Wednesday, Aug. 15, with the first day of school on Monday, Aug. 20. The school year runs until May 31, 2019.

For more information about the Taylor Family YMCA's Early Learning Center, contact Adia Walker, YMCA's Early Learning Center Director, at adiaw@gcfymca.org or (224) 760-7008.