Oak Park Y Early Center NOW ENROLLING!
Welcome to the Early Learning Center!
The Early Learning Center is committed to ensuring that your child’s first educational one is positive.
Our mission is to provide a safe nurturing and age appropriate environment that encourages individual growth. Our childcare programs are continually reviewed and revised to provide childcare, which is safe, secure, and dependable: a place where children and parents feel welcome and comfortable.
We are excited to have you join our YMCA family. The handbook, which can be found below, will be helpful while you are in our program. Please keep it handy for future reference.
Philosophy
The Oak Park Early Learning Center believes that each child is unique and has his/her own way of learning. Our program will provide a quality environment that will enrich the developmental needs of children through a variety of learning experiences.
Curriculum
To reach our goals we will use a blended curriculum including individual, small group and large group activities. We use set up a rich and stimulating learning environment. Our learning areas include library/quiet area, blocks, art, table toys, sensory, math science, music and movement dramatic play and literacy. Materials are arranged so that children can easily and independently makes selections that appeal to them. Teachers thoughtfully plan activities that will enhance all areas of development: social, emotional, intellectual, physical and creative.
THE CLASSROOM
Creating an environment for infants, toddlers and preschoolers that matches their developing abilities and interests requires careful observation and thoughtful planning. The goal for teachers is to thoughtfully plan the environments that send a message to the child, “This is a place where I can play, have fun, and be happy.” Children will have space to store their artwork and personal possessions. The classroom is arranged into learning areas: library/quiet area, blocks, art, table toys, sand and water, math, cooking, science, music and movement, dramatic play, literacy and computer science. Materials are arranged on low shelves so your child can easily and independently select them. Picture labels are placed on containers and shelves so your child will learn where materials belong. Interest areas offer a carefully selected variety of learning materials, so no matter where your child chooses to play, they are learning.
THE DAILY ROUTINE FOR INFANTS AND TODDLERS:
The daily routine helps your child feel secure and independent. A typical day might consist of:
- Routines Experiences
- Hellos and good-byes
- Playing with toys
- Diapering and toileting
- Imitating and pretending
- Eating and mealtimes
- Enjoying stories and books Sleeping and nap time
- Connecting with music and movement
- Getting dressed
- Creating with art
- Tasting and preparing food
- Exploring sand and water
- Going outdoors
THE DAILY ROUTINE FOR PRESCHOOL CHILDREN:
The daily routine helps your child feel secure and independent. Children are encouraged to move from one activity to another easily and confidently. Typical day might consist of:
- Story/music time
- Outdoor activities Group time (small and large groups)
- Family style meal Child/staff initiated activities and experiences
- Language development Blocks of time encourage your child to practice self-help skills, solve problems, exploration, use small and large muscles, develop both social and emotional skills, think, create, and have fun!
Benefits of Our Program
- Individualized learning for each child
- Small and large group learning experiences
- 10% sibling discount
- Accepts DHHS payments
- Open year round
- Participates with Great Start to Quality Rating System
- Separate preschool and toddler playgrounds
- Breakfast, snack and lunch included in the price of tuition
- Infant/Toddlers go home with daily sheets
Scholarships
Scholarship forms must be fully completed with all information included. All fees apply as normal until the application has been reviewed and approved. All scholarships are subject to availability of funds.
Click Here for Online Scholarship Form
Forms and Documents:
Oak Park Early Learning Enrollment Forms
Oak Park Early Learning Parent Handbook
How to Get Started
- Fill out inquiry form below:
- Contact 517-827-9696 or email Megan Christensen, Regional Director of Early Learning at mchristensen@lansingymca.org for more information and to schedule a tour.