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Thursday, May 26, 2011
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Harley's Visit
In March 2011 the Preschoolers at the YMCA were fortunate enough to have a special visitor named Harley.
Harley is a Harlequin Great Dane and he travels around the area as a therapy dog and also as a Story Time Ambassador. The children were quite obviously enamored with him...and the feeling was mutual. The kids loved petting and hugging Harley, who is gentle, quiet and tolerant. His owner affirmed Harley's love for children. We hope that Harley can make a return appearance (and so do the kids).
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Summer Program Information & Registration Available
It's that time of year and our popular summer programs are open for registration! The Prescott YMCA Website has your online program guide.
Our programs will provide a safe, entertaining environment for your 2 - 14 year olds. (All Preschoolers must be non-diapered). The Y has loyal and well-trained Child Care Staff already getting their training for Summer Camps.
Parents that do not have children currently registered for programs should fill out our "Emergency Blue Card" Information and turn in that document with their $30 Annual Registration Fee (which is good through August 2011).
If your child is currently enrolled in our Child Care Programs (After School, Adventure C.O.R.P. or Preschool), simply include a $20 deposit with your next payment to hold your child's spot. If you are approved for YMCA Scholarship Assistance or D.E.S. for the summer months, your deposit is $5 per child.
We are gearing up for a great summer, so we look forward to your child having a wonderful and exciting experience, whether it is for one week of camp, or all 9 weeks.
Our programs will provide a safe, entertaining environment for your 2 - 14 year olds. (All Preschoolers must be non-diapered). The Y has loyal and well-trained Child Care Staff already getting their training for Summer Camps.
Parents that do not have children currently registered for programs should fill out our "Emergency Blue Card" Information and turn in that document with their $30 Annual Registration Fee (which is good through August 2011).
If your child is currently enrolled in our Child Care Programs (After School, Adventure C.O.R.P. or Preschool), simply include a $20 deposit with your next payment to hold your child's spot. If you are approved for YMCA Scholarship Assistance or D.E.S. for the summer months, your deposit is $5 per child.
We are gearing up for a great summer, so we look forward to your child having a wonderful and exciting experience, whether it is for one week of camp, or all 9 weeks.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Committed to Quality, article by Claire Louge, First Things First
COMMITTED TO QUALITY
Prescott YMCA staff develop their professional skills at a Child Care Conference
On Saturday, April 9th, 54 child care professionals braved the unseasonably snowy weather to attend the Child Care Coalition Conference (CCCC) in Chino Valley. Conference participants were able to attend a variety of workshops on topics such as early childhood temperament, using recyclable resources in the classroom and teaching personal safety to young children. The conference was funded by First Things First, the statewide organization that works to ensure all young children are healthy and ready to succeed when they enter school. Many child care providers from the Prescott YMCA chose to attend the conference.
The CCCC provided early childhood educators with interesting workshops both to develop their professional skills and to fulfill training requirements. Kristi Summers, a child care provider at the Prescott YMCA who attended the conference, explained that the yearly training requirements for child care providers have increased from 12 hours to 18 hours. Though professional standards for early childhood educators have increased, it is sometimes difficult to find opportunities to fulfill these requirements. Attendees of the Child Care Coalition Conference were able to receive up to five credit hours for their participation.
“Working with children is a learning process” stated Alicia Craig, an early educator with the Prescott YMCA who attended the CCCC. The Prescott YMCA is enrolled in Quality First, a program funded by First Things First. Through Quality First, the YMCA receives regular visits from a consultant who provides support and guidance to improve the quality of their Child Care Center. “First Things First does a lot,” states Alicia, “Our consultant is very informative – she makes sure we know about child care trainings like these.”
Josh Taylor, also a child care professional with the Prescott YMCA, has attended past Child Care Coalition Conferences. “They’ve taught me a lot of neat tools,” he states. Josh has been able to put the information he’s learned into action- after he attended a workshop on music in the classroom at the CCCC last October, Josh was inspired to start a music program at the Prescott YMCA.
Quality Child Care is important. National research shows that children who are exposed to quality early education are 40% less likely to be held back a grade or to need special education, and are more likely to advance into college. Because quality child care starts with educated professionals, First Things First supports training opportunities such as the Child Care Coalition Conferences.
“It was great,” stated Alicia Craig after the conference was over. “It taught me age-appropriate activities, and how to help kids in our program succeed in school.” The Prescott YMCA staff has a commitment to creating a quality program for the young kids they serve. Through funding professional training opportunities like the CCCC, First Things First works to ensure all early educators have the tools they need to give all young children a quality early education.
To learn more about First Things First, who we are, why we do it, and why it’s important, please visit www.azftf.gov.
Prescott YMCA staff develop their professional skills at a Child Care Conference
On Saturday, April 9th, 54 child care professionals braved the unseasonably snowy weather to attend the Child Care Coalition Conference (CCCC) in Chino Valley. Conference participants were able to attend a variety of workshops on topics such as early childhood temperament, using recyclable resources in the classroom and teaching personal safety to young children. The conference was funded by First Things First, the statewide organization that works to ensure all young children are healthy and ready to succeed when they enter school. Many child care providers from the Prescott YMCA chose to attend the conference.
The CCCC provided early childhood educators with interesting workshops both to develop their professional skills and to fulfill training requirements. Kristi Summers, a child care provider at the Prescott YMCA who attended the conference, explained that the yearly training requirements for child care providers have increased from 12 hours to 18 hours. Though professional standards for early childhood educators have increased, it is sometimes difficult to find opportunities to fulfill these requirements. Attendees of the Child Care Coalition Conference were able to receive up to five credit hours for their participation.
“Working with children is a learning process” stated Alicia Craig, an early educator with the Prescott YMCA who attended the CCCC. The Prescott YMCA is enrolled in Quality First, a program funded by First Things First. Through Quality First, the YMCA receives regular visits from a consultant who provides support and guidance to improve the quality of their Child Care Center. “First Things First does a lot,” states Alicia, “Our consultant is very informative – she makes sure we know about child care trainings like these.”
Josh Taylor, also a child care professional with the Prescott YMCA, has attended past Child Care Coalition Conferences. “They’ve taught me a lot of neat tools,” he states. Josh has been able to put the information he’s learned into action- after he attended a workshop on music in the classroom at the CCCC last October, Josh was inspired to start a music program at the Prescott YMCA.
Quality Child Care is important. National research shows that children who are exposed to quality early education are 40% less likely to be held back a grade or to need special education, and are more likely to advance into college. Because quality child care starts with educated professionals, First Things First supports training opportunities such as the Child Care Coalition Conferences.
“It was great,” stated Alicia Craig after the conference was over. “It taught me age-appropriate activities, and how to help kids in our program succeed in school.” The Prescott YMCA staff has a commitment to creating a quality program for the young kids they serve. Through funding professional training opportunities like the CCCC, First Things First works to ensure all early educators have the tools they need to give all young children a quality early education.
To learn more about First Things First, who we are, why we do it, and why it’s important, please visit www.azftf.gov.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Did you know...?
Did you know that the YMCA Preschool utilizes the High Reach Curriculum for Kindergarten Readiness?
In addition to all of the opportunities for physical growth in fine and gross motor skills at the Y (such as swimming, gymnastics, indoor and outdoor play) we are also working hard to enrich your child's learning.
Teachers in all of our 5 classrooms are instructing children about numbers, letters, shapes, colors, patterns, sequencing, science, and more!
If you have any questions about what your child is learning, check in the classroom for clues on the whiteboard, talk to your child's teacher and read the "what did we do today..." board on your way out the door.
It is important that you have things to talk about with your child about his / her day at school. Reinforcing their learning at home, at the grocery store, at the park, etc. is wonderful as well.
Monday, February 28, 2011
March draws near and the Leprechaun looms....
The Preschool is once again decorated for St. Patrick's Day...and there is already talk of that mischievous leprechaun coming back to fool us again. Stay tuned to see what his antics will include this year...
Monday, February 14, 2011
Holiday Camp for President's Day 02/21
Is your child's school closed in honor of President's Day on Monday, February 21st?
Do you need to go to work that day?
The Prescott YMCA Preschool and School Age Programs will be open from 6:30am to 6:00pm for the working families that need their children to be in a fun, safe and well-supervised program.
Contact the YMCA directly for further information.
See you on President's Day!
Do you need to go to work that day?
The Prescott YMCA Preschool and School Age Programs will be open from 6:30am to 6:00pm for the working families that need their children to be in a fun, safe and well-supervised program.
Contact the YMCA directly for further information.
See you on President's Day!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Mid-Winter fun at the Preschool
Yes, it is winter in Arizona. But after all the snow melted and the temperatures started to rise, our clever teachers started bringing on the fun.
Ms. Sara & Ms. Cindy's class had a special Teaddy Bear Picnic on a Friday in January.
Ms. Cindy even brought in a teddy bear that was bigger than Ms. Stephanie! It was a big hit with all the kids for sure.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Christmas Program Videos
Ms. Sara Ms. Cindy's Class performing "Santa Claus is Coming to Town"
Ms. Juliet's Class performing "Jingle Bells"
Ms. Lindsey's Class performing "Feliz Navidad"
Ms.Jen's Class performs "S-A-N-T-A" and "I'm A Little Snowman"
"A Good Thing About Christmas" performed by After School Kids
"Frosty the Snowman" sung by the Pirate and Ninja schoolage groups
Te Adventure C.O.R.P. Dragon Drill Team, preforming their salute to Allan Klinikowski.
Ms. Juliet's Class performing "Jingle Bells"
Ms. Lindsey's Class performing "Feliz Navidad"
Ms.Jen's Class performs "S-A-N-T-A" and "I'm A Little Snowman"
"A Good Thing About Christmas" performed by After School Kids
"Frosty the Snowman" sung by the Pirate and Ninja schoolage groups
Te Adventure C.O.R.P. Dragon Drill Team, preforming their salute to Allan Klinikowski.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Holiday Hours
The Prescott YMCA Child Care Department is offering full Day Camps for Kindergarten through 14 years of age. Operating hours are 6:30am-6:00pm Monday through Friday from December 20-31, 2010 (except Christmas Eve, see below). Daily rates are $18 for YMCA Members and $20 for Community. An annual $30 Registration Fee also applies. Please contact #777-9277 for more details.
Please note the following holiday closure for Christmas Eve, 12/24 (Friday).
Child Watch closed
Preschool closes early, at 1:00pm
School Age Day Camps close early, at 1:00pm
For New Years Eve, 12/31 (Friday) we will be open for regular hours.
Please enjoy a safe and cheery holiday with your family.
Seasons Greetings from your Prescott YMCA Child Care Staff
Please note the following holiday closure for Christmas Eve, 12/24 (Friday).
Child Watch closed
Preschool closes early, at 1:00pm
School Age Day Camps close early, at 1:00pm
For New Years Eve, 12/31 (Friday) we will be open for regular hours.
Please enjoy a safe and cheery holiday with your family.
Seasons Greetings from your Prescott YMCA Child Care Staff
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Prescott Resort Gingerbread Village
Have you been to the Prescott Resort lately? Well, gather the family and drive up the hill to see the "World's Largest Gingerbread Village"!
The Prescott YMCA After School groups worked hard creating their addition to the village which is their version of Rapunzel's Castle from the new Disney release, "Tangled". The gingerbread castle was the brain child of one of our youngest children, Ryder. It is fitting that Rapunzel's hair is made from red licorice, as Ryder is a red head himself.
If you've not had a chance, please go and visit Prescott Resort to see Rapunzel's Castle made by YMCA kids as well as all of the other impressive creations!
The Resort's display will continue through January 2, 2011. Click here for further details. Prescott Resort Gingerbread Village.
Happy Holidays!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Child Watch Spotlight
Did you know that you can participate in "free babysitting" at the YMCA 5 days a week, 12 months of the year?
If you are a Prescott YMCA Member and have a child / children that is between the ages of 1-9, you are able to utilize our complimentary Child Watch Services. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will make sure your child is happy and safe in the Child Watch room, while you are just feet away participating in a fitness class, or just hitting the weights and treadmill for the day.
Child Watch is open from 8:15am - 12:00noon Mondays through Thursdays, and on Fridays from 8:15am - 11:15am. All participating families must have an active family membership at the Prescott YMCA. Parents are required to stay on the YMCA campus at all times that children are in Child Watch, and children may stay a maximum of 2 hours per day.
Stop by, check out Child Watch and sign up for your Family Membership at the YMCA today!
We're for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Parent Appreciation Night
Dear Parents,
As our way of thanking you for choosing the Prescott YMCA for your child care needs, we are offering, once again, a FREE! night of child care for your kiddos!
On Friday, December 17th from 6:30pm-11:30pm your kids will have dinner provided plus swimming, crafts and other activities to keep them entertained while you enjoy an evening of shopping, having date night or just on your own for a change.
In order to participate, your child must be currently enrolled in our licensed child care programs (After School, Adventure C.O.R.P. or Preschool) and all payments up to date.
For questions or sign ups please see Alicia for School Age and / or Stephanie for Preschool.
We are looking forward to it. Check your calendar and sign up now!
Thanks again for bringing your kids to the Prescott YMCA.
As our way of thanking you for choosing the Prescott YMCA for your child care needs, we are offering, once again, a FREE! night of child care for your kiddos!
On Friday, December 17th from 6:30pm-11:30pm your kids will have dinner provided plus swimming, crafts and other activities to keep them entertained while you enjoy an evening of shopping, having date night or just on your own for a change.
In order to participate, your child must be currently enrolled in our licensed child care programs (After School, Adventure C.O.R.P. or Preschool) and all payments up to date.
For questions or sign ups please see Alicia for School Age and / or Stephanie for Preschool.
We are looking forward to it. Check your calendar and sign up now!
Thanks again for bringing your kids to the Prescott YMCA.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Adventure C.O.R.P. Certification Update
Our Adventure C.O.R.P. program, which is for young adults ages 10-14, has been incorporating new curriculum in to their days since the school year has begun. Mr. Josh has been proactive in making sure that the leadership training and survival skills continue throughout the academic year.
The last few months Adventure C.O.R.P. took on a CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) training course which was largely successful. They learned Disaster Preparedness, Emergency First Aid and Fire Extinguisher 101. The C.O.R.P. had fun learning to create evacuation plans, applying first aid and learning how to triage someone. Most of all they learned how to extinguish, not play with fire. In the end they earned their CERT shirts and vest which are only given to those who completed the course.
A big thanks to Ms. Crystal Macari and the Central Yavapai Fire Department for brining this opportunity to our Adventure C.O.R.P.!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Thanksgiving Feast
What a wonderful way to spend the day. Thank you to all of the families that participated and contributed food for our annual Thanksgiving Feast. Once again it was a great success and lovely way for us to all spend time together and show our love and support for the Preschoolers.
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Newsworthy!
Our Lights on Afterschool Event (finally) made it to the press!
Please click this link for the Prescott Daily Courier to read the article and see the photos.
Thanks again to all that contributed in making our event special! Afterschool programs are hugely important in our communities. We appreciate your support in keeping kids active, healthy and well supervised.
Please click this link for the Prescott Daily Courier to read the article and see the photos.
Thanks again to all that contributed in making our event special! Afterschool programs are hugely important in our communities. We appreciate your support in keeping kids active, healthy and well supervised.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Community Reception Invitation
Please join us!
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16th
5:00-7:00pm
Prescott YMCA Lobby
Help us prepare for 2011 with a community reception!
Meet the Y Board, our caring staff and our valued Members
Learn about the exciting things that we are doing at
the Y today and share your great ideas for the future!
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16th
5:00-7:00pm
Prescott YMCA Lobby
Help us prepare for 2011 with a community reception!
Meet the Y Board, our caring staff and our valued Members
Learn about the exciting things that we are doing at
the Y today and share your great ideas for the future!
Annual Thanksgiving Feast
We can hardly believe that it is that time of year again...our Annual Thanksgiving Feast is scheduled for next week! Be sure to make time to join your child or grandchild for the best potluck in town!
The kids will be in costume and the food will be a'plenty. So pencil us in for your lunch break next week and bring a dish to share! We are looking forward to this very special day.
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