Westfield Area YMCA
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Preschool Preschool

Early learning programs at the Westfield Area YMCA focus on providing a caring, safe and healthy place to learn foundational skills, develop healthy trusting relationships and build self-confidence and self-reliance through character development and a structured curriculum.

We have full day preschool and half-day preschool options to meet the needs of your family.  Y facilities include large indoor gyms and outdoor playgrounds. All programs are led by experienced and caring staff. Every staff member is certified in First Aid, CPR, EpiPen, AED and child development and our child/staff ratios meet or exceed licensing requirements.

Our days include exploration and hands-on learning with art, dramatic play, building, nature and quiet areas; small group theme-based activities; a balanced blend of active and quiet times with minimum transitions, music and movement (indoor/outdoor). Children develop gross and fine motor, cognitive, social/emotional and language skills.  All programs follow the Creative Curriculum, a nationally recognized framework rooted in educational philosophy and theory as well as in practice.  The curriculum is composed of six core learning areas and takes into account individual interests, the learning environment and how each child personally develops.

We have two program locations in Westfield with offerings listed below at the Early Learning Center YMCA (170 Elm Street, Westfield) and at the Robert & Virginia Bauer Family Branch (422 East Broad Street). Garwood Family Center YMCA programs end 6/30/24.

Perfect for working parents, our day centers around exploration and hands-on learning with art, dramatic play, building, nature and quiet areas; small group theme-based activities; a balanced blend of active and quiet times; snack; nap; story time and movement (indoor and outdoor). Children become active and creative explorers while developing good habits and positive attitudes.  

12-month program

2-5 days per week, 7:00am-6:00pm, Mon-Fri

Age:2.5 (by September 1)-5 years
Location(s):Early Learning Center YMCA, 170 Elm Street, Westfield
Contact(s):Eileen Rooney
10-month program

5 days per week, 8:30am-2:30pm, Mon-Fri. Follows the Westfield public school schedule. Before care beginning at 7:30am is included.

Age:2.5 (by September 1)-5 years
Available:After care (2:30-4:30pm or 2:30-6:00pm), Vacation Fun Club on school holidays and breaks
Location(s):Robert & Virginia Bauer Family Branch, 422 East Broad Street, Westfield
Contact(s):Tracy McSweeney

For most children, this is their first experience in a group without a parent.  We focus on socialization, verbal communication skills and pro-social behavior. Children participate in group free play, art, music, story time and physical activities. Potty trained is not mandatory. 10-month program follows Westfield public school calendar.

5 days per week, 8:30am-12:00pm, 2:30pm, 4:30pm or 6:00pm, Mon-Fri. Follows the Westfield public school schedule. Valet drop-off (8:15-8:30am) is included.
Age:2.5 (by September 1)
Available:Before care (7:30-8:30am, extended pick up at back door)
Location(s):Robert & Virginia Bauer Family Branch, 422 East Broad Street, Westfield
Contact(s):Tracy McSweeney

Children are assisted with socialization and are encouraged to grow through hands-on art projects, games, music, and play.  They will be able to master various pre-kindergarten skills including color, shape, group play, name recognition, and cooperation. 10-month program follows Westfield public school calendar.

5 days per week, 8:30am-12:00pm, 2:30pm, 4:30pm or 6:00pm, Mon-Fri. Follows the Westfield public school schedule. Before care 7:30-8:30am (for the full-day program) and valet drop-off (8:15-8:30am) is included.
Age:3 by October 1 (must be 100% potty trained-no pull ups)
Available:Before care 7:30-8:30am (for the half-day program), extended pick up: AM & PM parents may pick up at at back door (registration required)
Location(s):Robert & Virginia Bauer Family Branch, 422 East Broad Street, Westfield
Contact(s):Tracy McSweeney

Teachers expand on the skills developed in the Threes class.  The program encourages creativity, fine motor and cognitive skills. Curriculum includes Handwriting without Tears. Children are confident and well prepared to meet all the challenges of kindergarten. Specialty classes included. 10-month program follows Westfield public school calendar.

5 days per week, 8:30am-12:00pm, 2:30pm, 4:30pm or 6:00pm, Mon-Fri. Follows the Westfield public school schedule. Before care 7:30-8:30am (for the full-day program) and valet drop-off (8:15-8:30am) is included.
Age:4 (by October 1)
Available:Before care 7:30-8:30am (for the half-day program), extended pick up: AM & PM parents may pick up at at back door (registration required)
Location(s):Robert & Virginia Bauer Family Branch, 422 East Broad Street, Westfield
Contact(s):Tracy McSweeney