Traditional Preschool

YMCA Traditional Preschool serves children ages 3 to 5 with child-centered activities that prepare them for kindergarten. The program follows the Creative Curriculum, using play, interaction with other children and exploration to build communication, reasoning and problem-solving skills. Children also learn to share, take turns and work in a group, and the YMCA's values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility guide daily life in the classroom.

Enrollment begins with a childcare request through the YMCA's website, and families can also call or email the Downtown branch on West 10th Street in Erie. Healthy meals and snacks are served, active play happens every day, and rest time is scheduled daily with caring supervision. Safety measures include secure entry, frequent site inspections and maintained playgrounds. Families who may qualify for subsidized care should contact Pennsylvania's Early Learning Resource Center to check eligibility before applying for the YMCA's financial assistance.