Setting a strong foundation for learning
Quality childcare is the cornerstone of the YMCA and we are proud to offer an academically rigorous Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) for children in our community. The New Rochelle YMCA Universal Pre-K Program offers a child-centered approach to learning based on an understanding of the individual needs and diverse strengths of young children. It follows the guidelines of the National Association for the Education of Young Children and aligns to the New York State P-12 Learning Standards. The Y’s core values of caring, honesty, respect,and responsibility is infused throughout the curriculum as we nurture the whole-child.
About the Program
In our UPK program, children will be in contact with highly qualified New York State certified teachers and other caring personnel. The curriculum emerges from the things that fascinate children—what they see, what they wonder about, what they develop theories about. Intentional practices nurture children’s cultural identities and augment their growth in all developmental domains. Children participate in hands-on activities that encourage collaboration and problem-solving, both in the classroom and beyond. Through strategic planning, teachers provide students a myriad of activities and learning opportunities that include phonics, math, reading, social and emotional life skills, science, social studies, gym, music and arts and crafts. By the end of the academic year, our UPK graduates are ready for kindergarten!
We offer both AM and PM sessions, running from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM or 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM respectively and meet from September to June. Classes are small in size with no class larger than 14 students with one licensed teacher and one teacher assistant thereby allowing students more one on one time.
For families seeking to expand the learning experience and/or provide more social interactions, supplemental programs are available to extend the day from 9:00 AM to 3:00PM. Special activities vary day to day and include swimming once a week in our heated in-door pool, movement/dance, arts and crafts, and other STEM activities. The LunchBuddies program allows students to eat lunch and have additional playtime with their friends as they work on social skills. Our Extended Learning program is led by a certified teacher who will deepen the learning of the day as students expand on the concepts learned in the morning while making interdisciplinary connections.
Family Participation
To support and encourage family engagement, we offer various opportunities for family involvement. Throughout the course of the school year, families are invited to special events such as Welcome to School Night, a delicious Thanksgiving Feast, and Donuts with Dad and Muffins with Mom breakfasts. Educational trips like apple picking or a visit to the museum. Family Literacy Night, the Fall Festival and Healthy Kids Day also provide families to connect with their children and with other families to strengthen our community. We recognize that great teaching happens when families and teachers come together to connect and enrich the learning experience.
Come Schedule a Tour!
Contact Lala Rage at lraga@nrymca.org or (914)-632-1818 ext. 20 in order to schedule an appointment to learn more about our UPK program and we'd be happy to address your questions!
Universal Pre-Kindergarten Options:
Option 1: Half Day Pre-Kindergarten (AM or PM) for New Rochelle Residents that win the lottery. Fee: Free
Option 2: Half Day Pre-Kindergarten for New Rochelle Residents that win the lottery with supplemental programs to extend the day from 9 AM to 3 PM. Fee: $650 per month
Option 3: Non-New Rochelle Residents and/or New Rochelle Residents that did not win the lottery. Half Day Pre-Kindergarten ONLY. Fee: $450 per month
Option 4: Non-New Rochelle Residents and/or New Rochelle Residents that did not win the lottery. Half Day Pre-kindergarten with supplemental programs;extend the day from 9 AM to 3 PM. Fee: $1100 per month
Enrollment:
The New Rochelle YMCA is honored to partner with the City School District of New Rochelle’s Universal Pre-K program and provide our community with an outstanding educational foundation. New Rochelle residents can choose to have their child enrolled through the New Rochelle Board of Education; if they are selected in the district-wide lottery, the 2.5 hour Pre-K program is free. Families outside New Rochelle or those that did not win the lottery may also register their students privately. All are welcome.
New Rochelle families interested in learning more about the free Pre-K program offered by the City of New Rochelle, please visit their website, Pre-Kindergarten Lottery. The lottery will open on January 10th and close on January 31st, 2024.
Meet the Teachers
Nedavia Franco is our UPKAM for the UPKPM teacher at the New Rochelle YMCA. She has her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, as well as her Bilingual Education Certificate Extension (Spanish/English) from Monroe College. She has experience teaching at P.S. 306 in the Bronx and has her New York State Certification in Early Childhood Development.
Doreen Manzella is our UPK2 teacher. Her years of experience and her specialty in literacy have enhanced our already rigorous program. She earned her Master of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from Lehman College with an emphasis on Literacy Studies; she was awarded the 2017 Recipient of The Lute Graduate Research Aware for her exemplary work in Literacy, Counseling and Special Education. She received her Bachelor Degree at Lehman College as well, graduating Summa Cum Laude and a member of the Phi Beta Kappa National Honor Society. Here she earned her initial certification in Early Childhood Education. Her teaching experience is varied, including both private and public facilities bringing to our program a wealth of knowledge.