Overview

Preschool programming and curriculum is offered throughout our child care day, and kids develop cognitive skills through hands-on activities that create excitement for successful learning. YMCA preschoolers develop a foundation for successful learning that covers literacy, math, science, social studies, arts, technology and healthy habits.

Additional Information

Children get the attention they need as they gear up for structured classroom experiences with at least one adult for every ten preschool learners.

Curriculum

Funnydaffer provides a complete curriculum that takes the busy work and stress out of lesson planning which allows more time for teachers to work with children. Fun & Creative Play-Based Curriculum. Our curriculum is designed to accommodate a variety of learning styles to ensure each child succeeds. We provide a very large platform from which to build a comprehensive approach to delivering curriculum. Our lesson plans are designed to let children discover, invent, pretend and challenge themselves. The Funnydaffer curriculum has been assessed by many childcare professionals and is approved in states across the nation. Our curriculum addresses all of the developmental and learning objectives each child needs. Plus, it is really fun! More than 10,000 Lessons Over 200 teachers with vast amounts of experience have contributed to the construction of this curriculum over a period of 22 years. That's a lot of love! The flexibility, ease of use and tried and true methods make every teacher's job easier and that means more attention for your little one. Individualized Learning for Future Success. In every program and every classroom, the Alexandria Area YMCA addresses the specific needs of children based not only on age, but also individual pace of development. We believe the values and skills learned early on are vital building blocks for quality of life and future success.

Daily Schedule

6:30 – 8:00 a.m. | Arrival & Morning Free Play As children arrive, they are welcomed into a calm and friendly environment. This time is dedicated to free play, allowing them to ease into the day at their own pace. Whether they're building with blocks, looking at a book, or playing outside, this gentle start helps them transition from home to school while developing creativity and social skills.

8:00 – 8:30 a.m. | Breakfast Your mornings are chaotic enough. Let us handle breakfast! We all sit down together for a nutritious breakfast to fuel our bodies and brains for the busy day ahead. Eating together is a wonderful way to build community and practice social skills like sharing and conversation.

8:30 – 9:30 a.m. | Circle Time & Learning Centers This is where our more structured learning begins. We gather for Circle Time to sing songs, read stories, and talk about the day's theme. Then, children explore Learning Centers —themed stations for art, science, reading, and more. This approach allows your child to make choices and engage in small-group activities that build critical thinking and fine motor skills.

9:30 – 11:00 a.m. | Outside or Gym Play Time to move! We head outside to the playground or to our YMCA gym to run, jump, climb, and play. This active time is essential for developing gross motor skills, coordination, and a healthy appreciation for physical activity.

11:00 – 11:45 a.m. | Lunch Time After playing, we transition back inside, wash our hands, and get ready for a healthy lunch. This part of our routine reinforces important hygiene habits and provides another opportunity to socialize with friends.

11:45 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Rest Time A preschooler's day is packed with learning and activity, which is why rest is so vital. During this quiet time, children can nap or rest or choose a quiet activity. This downtime allows their bodies and minds to recharge, process the morning's lessons, and prepare for an afternoon of more fun.

2:00 – 2:30 p.m. | Afternoon Snack A healthy snack gives everyone the energy boost they need to power through the rest of the afternoon.

2:30 – 4:30 p.m. | Projects, Play & More Active Time The afternoon is a flexible blend of activities. Your child might participate in a creative art project, dive back into the learning centers, or head back outside or to the gym for another round of active play. This block is designed to respond to the children's energy and interests.

4:30 – 5:45 p.m. | Winding Down & Parent Pick-Up As the day comes to a close, we enjoy quieter activities while we wait for families to arrive. This ensures a calm, positive end to our busy day. Our teachers look forward to this time to connect with you, share a happy moment from the day, and say goodbye.

Meals

Nutritious breakfast, healthy lunch, and healthy snack provided.

Facility Rating

4-Star Parent Aware Facility. When a program participates in the Parent Aware Star Rating process, they are letting their stars shine. They volunteer for extra training and professional development to go above and beyond basic health and safety licensing requirements.

Capacity

Preschool: 40 children in 2 classrooms.

Lead Preschool Teachers

• Audrey Hovel
• Bethany Winter
• Grace Doraska

Current Openings

Short-Term Openings:

• Preschool (33 months - 4 years) at Nelson Care Center: Dec 2025 – Jan 2026
• Preschool (33 months - 4 years) at YMCA: Dec 2025

Full-Time Openings:

• Preschool (33 months - 4 years) at Nelson Care Center YMCA: Immediate