LEARN, GROW, THRIVE Cumberland Cape Atlantic YMCA/ YMCA of Vineland

Preschool Program

OUR FOUNDATION Cumberland Cape Atlantic YMCA/YMCA of Vineland

OUR MISSION

We are a nonprofit charitable organization that is part of a worldwide association based on Christian principles, inclusive of all people, dedicated to fostering opportunities for all individuals, families, and communities through programs that build healthy spir-it, mind, and body for all.

OUR CAUSE

At the Y, strengthening community is our cause. We believe that lasting personal and social change can only come about when we all work together to invest in our kids, our health and our neighbors. That’s why we focus our work in three areas:

Youth Development – Nurturing the potential of every child and teen

Healthy Living – Improving the nation’s health and well-being

Social Responsibility – Giving back and providing support to our neighbors

OUR VALUES

Respect, Responsibility, Caring, Honesty: Our values are celebrated by staff and members and provide a positive foundation for all Y programs and a healthy connection with others.

OUR PROMISE

The Cumberland Cape Atlantic YMCA is a nonprofit, charitable, cause driven organization that serves the entire community. Donations support our cause driven programs and we strive to keep programs and membership affordable and open for all with our Y Cares Financial Assistance Program.

THE Y’S BELIEFS

We believe that when we devote our full strength to the Y’s mission and cause, work in partnership with others, and build on our history of innovation, we can address the most pressing issues of our time unlike any other organization. We believe all people have potential. We believe active and connected families make for active and connected communities. We believe in a holistic approach to development, promoting healthy spirit, mind and body. We believe that in a diverse world, we are stronger when we are inclusive and our doors are open to all. We believe in honoring our mission, living our cause, acting in accordance with our values, and placing the greater good above self.

District Preschool Program

Our Preschool program, in partnership with the Vineland School District and the NJ Department of Education, is designed to provide cognitive, social/emotional, and physical growth in children. This program focuses on building self confidence and character. We emphasize the Y’s four core values in character development - caring, honesty, respect and responsibility - in every activity and interaction.

Our Goals:

To provide a warm, caring and safe environment under the guidance of experienced staff.

To provide each child the opportunity to develop their self confidence and social skills.

To provide developmentally appropriate activities that stimulate creativity and encourage learning through fun and discovery.

Locations

Our program is held at the YMCA of Vineland with four classrooms.

Our Preschool program is offered FREE to Vineland residents

We are a state licensed and NAEYC accredited

facility

PRESCHOOL PROGRAM COMPONENTS Cumberland Cape Atlantic YMCA

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT Nurturing the potential of every child and teen

During the first five years, children watch and absorb knowledge, skills and values from everything and everyone around them. At the Y, we believe the values and skills learned early on are vital building blocks for providing life skills and future success. That’s why our child care programs are staffed with certified teachers and experienced caregivers who understand the cognitive, physical and social development of children, the need children have to feel an attachment with a caregiver who will support them in trying new things while providing a supportive community for parents and children. At the Y, preschoolers experience early literacy and learn about their world. Most importantly, children develop a positive self esteem which makes for confident children today, and contributing and engaged adults tomorrow.

During the 2016-2017 school year, our before and after school program participants were involved in a minimum of 75,870 minutes of moderate to rigorous

activity and 90 hours per participant per school year through the Healthy U program

DAILY ACTIVITIES

Greeting time - children answer a question of the week and discuss what will happen that day. During Greeting Time, children sing songs, compare, count and develop a sense of belonging

Planning time - children plan what activities they will participate in during work time

Clean Up - children clean up, emphasizing responsibility and self help skills

Recall - children describe what they did during working time, building on memory, language, and communication skills

Gross Motor - physical activity to build and develop growing motor skills

Story Time - time to enjoy a good book and develop literacy and language!

Large Group - a time to participate in an activity with a group providing children with the opportunity to build social, cooperative listening and direction following skills while having fun

Healthy U

The Cumberland Cape Atlantic YMCA Preschool program participates in the Horizon Foundation’s Healthy U program. The Horizon Foundation’s Healthy U program utilizes the CATCH (Coordinated Approach To Child Health) curriculum to promote physical development and healthy lifestyles. CATCH is a scientific, measurable curriculum that encourages behavioral changes in children using a multi-pronged approach that includes increased physical activity, nutrition education, and focus on family. Every day children are in the program they are receiving 30 minutes (minimum) of continuous exercise, as well as, nutritional lessons on healthy food choices, and how to live healthy.

The Healthy U program is a joint venture between the NJ YMCAs and Horizon Blue Cross/Blue Shield and is the first comprehensive statewide initiative to address childhood obesity in an aftercare setting only available to YMCAs. The CATCH curriculum has been developed by the University of Texas Science Center.

Wrap Care/Before and After School (Preschool Students)

An optional Wrap Care program is available for Preschool students. Children are accepted from all preschools. Transportation is not provided by the YMCA, please check with the Vineland Public Schools Transportation Department for more information on changing your "child's bus stop." Activities include Healthy U program, outdoor playground time, outdoor games, indoor gym time, art projects, and free play.

Wrap Care hours run from 7:30am to 9:30am and 3:30pm-5:30pm

Holiday Care is provided at the YMCA for district scheduled days off (check our website for details!)

GENERAL INFORMATION

Ages: 3-4 years old (Must be 3 years old on or before October 1

Provider: Cumberland Cape Atlantic YMCA/YMCA of Vineland, in partnership with the Vineland Public School District and the NJ Department of Education

Cost: FREE to Vineland residents

Hours: 9:30am to 3:30pm (6 hours)

Curriculum: High Scope curriculum that encompasses cognitive, social/emotional and physical growth through developmentally appropriate practices

Registration: Registration packets are available at the YMCA

Class Size: Maximum 15 students; 2:15 ratio

Staffing: Each classroom is staffed with a certified teacher and teacher assistant; All YMCA staff are subject to Criminal Background Checks, Substance Abuse Testing, New Jersey Child Abuse Record Information, and Reference Checks. All YMCA staff are required to attend CPR, First Aid, and Child Abuse Prevention training. All teachers are experienced State certified teachers. All teacher assistants have a minimum of an Associates Degree/60 credits or higher.

How do I choose the right preschool?

The gold standard of approval is accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). NAEYC carefully evaluates schools and childcare centers based on curriculum, teacher qualifications, class size, and health and safety standards; only about 8% of U.S. preschools are currently accredited.

Program Contact Information

Johanna Crawford - Preschool Director

856-691-0030 extension 110

crawford@ccaymca.org

YMCA of Vineland Contact Information

Address: 1159 E. Landis Avenue,

Vineland, NJ 08360

Phone: 856-691-0030

Fax: 856-696-0121

Website: www.ccaymca.org

Partners/Certified Provider of: