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The Y is committed to a holistic approach to personal growth in our youth-serving programs to demonstrate improvement in life skills and academic proficiency to strengthen the foundations of the communities we serve.

By the time children enter kindergarten, there are already dramatic socio-economic and racial school readiness gaps. 

In 2016, more than half of all children under the age of 6 years old had all available parents in the household in the workforce. By several standards, only about a quarter of the population in North Carolina can comfortably afford infant care. And only about 6 percent of children from low-income and non-English speaking households are enrolled in pre-K programs. 

And it’s proven that children who had an educational experience before entering kindergarten do better and have a better chance of closing achievement gaps. 

The Y’s Preschool Enrichment Academy (or PEA) prepares young children for public school kindergarten classes — both academically and socially. We provide age-appropriate resources to enrich their learning through play and exploration, and that children learn best through hands-on experiences. Daily activities include circle time, art, music, and small group work. Plus, children in PEA have a chance to participate in swimming, yoga, and sports! 

PEA is available to children ages 2 to 5 years old, and is held Monday-Friday from September-May. PEA is currently offered at the following Ys:

Jerry Long Family YMCA 2024-2025 Year

We start Tuesday, September 3. Registration opens April 1 for current participants, after then, click on the age below to register! Registration opens for new participants on April 7.

2 years old (must be 2 by August 31)
3 to 4 (must be potty trained and 3 by August 31)
Pre-K program (going to Kindergarten in the fall of 2025). This is a 9:00am-1:00pm class and is 5 days a week

Monthly Rates

5 days: $250/Members, $280/Potential Members
3 days: $200/Members, $230/Potential Members
2 days: $175/Members, $205/Potential Members
Pre-K monthly rate: $275/Members, $300/Potential Members
$50 non-refundable registration fee

Extended Card/Lunch is offered daily from 12:00-1:00pm (must be able to feed themselves.)
$8/Members, $12/Potential Members

Dates

9:00am-12:00pm (9:00am-1:00pm for 4-5 year olds)
Monday – Friday
We follow the WSFCS calendar as far as holiday closures.

Registration Form

Jerry Long Family YMCA

Questions? Please contact Magan Russell, Preschool Coordinator, at m.russell@ymcanwnc.org.

Our Mission: "Helping all people reach their God-given potential in spirit, mind and body."