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Preschool

Success Starts Early

Choosing the right preschool can be the start to a lifelong love of learning! It’s why the Y’s preschools promote laughter, as well as language, anti-bias literacy, critical thinking, and the Creative Curriculum. By creating an environment of joy, we set the stage for infinite educational possibilities! 

Focus on Development

When it comes to helping your child thrive, the YMCA’s preschool programs focus on developmental opportunities, including: 

  • Pre-Writing & Reading Skills
  • Math Skills such as Counting, Shape Sorting, & Matching Patterns
  • Conflict Resolution, Recognizing Feelings, & Building Relationships
  • Fine & Gross Motor Skills
  • Social-Emotional Skills Needed for Self-regulation 
  • Self-Help Skills Needed for Growing Independence

Registration

We’re still accepting registrations for the 2023-2024 school year! To learn more or schedule a tour, please fill out the Fry Family YMCA Inquiry Form. 

Inquiry Form

What to Expect of Y Care

  • Highly Qualified & Well-Trained Teachers
  • Clean, Attractive & Developmentally Appropriate, Conducive Learning Environments
  • Healthy & Nutritious Organic Meals and Snacks
  • Educational Activities, Weekly Swim Lessons, & Monthly Visits from the Local Library 
  • Developmental Screenings & Assessments
  • Supportive Services for Children with Disabilities
  • Resources & Referrals for Social Services
  • Opportunities for Parent Involvement 

Meet Your Preschool Leaders

Say hello to the leaders who bring their own passions and enthusiasm to the classroom every day! 

  • Liza Nicol

    Early Learning Site Director

  • Aija Larry

    Regional Director
  • Signing up your child for preschool is an exciting time! There are many benefits of attending preschool. It provides structure and consistency for children and teaches them social skills, self help skills, and independence. Preschool also supports cognitive development, preparing children for kindergarten. 

    Every child develops at their own pace, so there's no rule of when your child should start preschool. If you're unsure whether or not preschool is currently a good fit for your child, visit your local YMCA preschool and meet with your Youth Development Director for more information.
  • The Fry Family Y preschool accepts children ages 3-5.
  • Visit the Fry Family YMCA preschool and meet with your Youth Development Director! They are more than happy to give you a tour of our space and assist you in the process of signing your child up for preschool!

    Contact the Early Learning Site DIrector, Liza Nicol at 630-420-1489 or via email ([email protected]) to set up a time to visit, learn more, or register for preschool at the Y! 
  • Registration for preschool at the YMCA is accepted year round, provided that there are openings in the classroom. 
  • Most preschool settings require children to be potty trained — and the Fry Family Y preschool is no different. We require all children to be potty trained at the time of registration. 
  • The Fry Family Y preschool operates from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. 
  • Preschool children can be grouped by age: ages 3 to 5.
  • The YMCA’s preschool teachers are Teacher Qualified per Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) regulations. Each of our teachers also receives a minimum of 15 hours of continued professional development every year.

  • Our YMCA preschools prioritize a safe learning environment. We follow the required Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) regulations for teacher to child ratios:1 teacher per 8 children age 2 and 1 teacher per 10 children  ages 3 to 5.
  • Our YMCA preschool programs use a redirection and choice providing approach which is designed to support children in the learning process.
  • We strive to provide your child with a constructive and rewarding learning environment! Our YMCA preschool programs implement the Creative Curriculum in all classrooms. We also provide academic assessments and developmental screenings such as Ages and Stages (ASQ). Together, this information supports the teachers in understanding where each child needs more support.   
  • Yes, most meals are provided by an all-organic food vendor that supports all dietary restrictions. Check with your local preschool for more information on the meals served.
  • Our preschool program's daily schedule is built around a creative curriculum that allows time for children to have free choice and large motor activities, as well as small group learning activities. During group time, children will work on fine motor development, large motor development, and kindergarten readiness activities. 
  • The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) requires all children in full day programs to be offered a nap time.