Preschool
NOW ENROLLING
WORK FOR THE YMCA AND GET FREE CHILD CARE*
*some restrictions apply.
Our preschool programs focus on preparing children for kindergarten. Classrooms utilize either the Creative Curriculum or Tools of the Mind Curriculum to help children develop skills in literacy, mathematics, science, social and emotional development, and problem-solving.
Tuition Assistance
The Y strives to make child care tuition more affordable for all families, so that kids can receive the educational, physical, and social benefits of our programs, while reducing the stress on parents juggling work and household responsibilities with the uncertainties of life. Through our Y for All Fund, qualifying families can receive a reduced rate on their child care tuition. Even if you don’t think you would qualify for assistance, we encourage you to apply.
East Orange YMCA
FREE Ages 3-4 years. Must be EO resident
- Address: 100 North Arlington Ave., East Orange, NJ
- Hours: 7am-3pm, with after-school care available.
- Contact: Sharon Parker, 973-673-5588, x102.
Program features:
- Free child care for ages 3-4 from 7 a.m. - 3 p.m.
- Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, or NAEYC
- Tools of the Mind Curriculum
- Smart board technology
- Uniforms and more
South Mountain YMCA
- Address: 10 West Parker Ave. Maplewood, NJ
- Hours: 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- Contact: Jennifer MacAfee, director of Early Childhood Learning Center, 973-762-0860.
Program features:
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Multiage classrooms
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Low teacher turnover
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Creative Curriculum promotes hands on learning!
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Daily outside time
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Community within a community
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Prepare your child for Kindergarten- socially, emotionally and academically
West Essex YMCA
Address: Peanut Shell Early Childhood Learning Center, 706 Regent St. (Regent Street Office Park) Building #7, Livingston, NJ
- Hours: 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- Contact:
Jaime Behringer, Director at 973-533-1511
Mar Puig, Assistant Director
Mary Rebe, Assistant Director
Program features:
- Grow NJ Kids Accreditation
- Enrichment Language Program
- Field Trips and Special Events
- Dramatic Play Area
- Learning areas for socialization and social studies, science and math, art, reading and writing
- Outdoor Play area
- Manipulative area (math/logic/literacy/fine motor)
- Water/sand table
- Gym time
The West Essex YMCA has partnered with the West Orange Public Schools to provide pre-kindergarten instruction at no cost to approximately 75 children at Peanut Shell Early Childhood Learning Center in 2024-25.
Placement in the program is determined by the West Orange school district. To be eligible, a child must live in West Orange and be turning ages 3 or 4 by Oct. 1
The program utilizes the High Scope curriculum. Before and after-school wrap-around care is available through the Y for an added fee.
Transportation is provided by the West Orange School District on days when WO schools are in session. On days when WO schools are closed but Peanut Shell remains in session, families will be responsible for their own transportation. The Y will also be offering Vacation Camp during public school closures.
For additional information, visit the West Orange Public Schools website or contact Jaime Behringer, Peanut Shell Director, 973-533-1511.
Parent Resources
Tips for Reading with Your Preschooler
Testimonials
"I've been really struggling with how [the school district] has been handling things and whether to send Jack back to school, and my thoughts consistently come back to 'why do I feel okay sending Nolan back to daycare?' and it's really because I trust everyone at the Y." - Nicole S.
“[We] feel there could be no better testament to how amazing Peanut Shell is and how the curriculum and programs really do set the kids up for success once they leave from both a social/emotional standpoint but also academically. Thank you to you both and your staff for all you do for the families at Peanut Shell.” - Beth C.
“You were an answer to my prayers. COVID has forced me to work from home with a rambunctious 3-year-old. Finding your facility and to learn that you were offering childcare services was heaven sent. I was impressed with your COVID safety precautions and policies. I know my child definitely benefited from being around other kids and having the option to place her in a secure, clean, and spacious facility was all I needed to see and hear about. I appreciate your dedicated and kind staff, and I love the bright curriculum/fun schedule you had for my child. It takes a community to raise a child and East Orange YMCA is that for me. Thank you so much!” - LaKesha E.
