Taylor YMCA to bring early childhood program to Elgin's near 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 its former school site at 1111 Van St. in Elgin.
The YMCA's Early Learning Center (Preschool) will offer a full-day program for children, ages 3 and 4, with the school day running from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays to accommodate working parents.
The YMCA is currently in the process of becoming licensed by 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 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 several open house dates available to tour the facility and talk with Walker about the school curriculum.
The remaining open house dates are: 6 to 8 p.m. Thursdays, June 14 and 28 and July 19; 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays, June 23, July 14 and 28, and Aug. 11; 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 31; and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 8.
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 Aug. 15, with the first day of school being Aug. 20. The school year runs until May 31, 2019.
For more information about the Taylor Family YMCA's Early Learning Center, please contact Adia Walker, YMCA's Early Learning Center Director, at adiaw@gcfymca.org or call (224) 760-7008. Visit www.taylorymca.org.
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.