Due to regional childcare shortages, the Ashland Family YMCA is opening a preschool program for ages 3-5 at Helman and Walker Elementary Schools, with full and half day options.
Financial program support is available to qualifying families because of the Ashland Y’s commitment to the belief that The Y is For All. A community partnership between Ashland Family YMCA and the Ashland School District has made this program possible.
Samuel Bogdanove, Ashland School District’s Superintendent, says of the partnership program:
“We are really excited about our preschool partnership with the Ashland YMCA. The program will
bring families with preschool children ages 3 – 5 into Helman and Walker Elementary Schools.
Quality and accessible early childhood education programs with sliding-scale opportunities make a
huge difference for families in our community.”
In regards to what sets Ashland Y’s preschool program apart, Preschool Director Suzie Sanders
shares that the preschool curriculum is researched-based, with an emphasis in “play-based
learning and exploration.” Sanders sees the Y as being especially qualified to administer preschool
programs because of its mission, which includes fulfilling human potential through youth
development. She anticipates that families will appreciate the convenience of local site locations,
and that preschool students stand to benefit from educational transitions into elementary school
settings that will be familiar to them through the Y’s Preschool Program.
A total of 2,600 YMCAs are in operation across America; these provide 80% of care and early
learning opportunities nationwide. The Ashland Family YMCA has hired qualified staff and is
working with the state on licensing to launch this preschool program. The Ashland Family Y’s
Board of Directors has committed funds for initial expenses and scholarships for those who
qualify for program support, and is seeking grants and donations to help offset the expense for
working families or those in need.
— The goal for the Ashland Family Y is to provide preschoolers with a strong foundation for their
elementary years. Some features of the Preschool Program include:
• A curriculum that allows for dramatic and imaginative play, art, movement, science, math,
and more.
• Skill development in academic concepts of literacy and math, such as counting, coloring,
and letter recognition, cognitive problem-solving skills, and developing large and fine motor
skills, such as walking in a line and using a pencil.
• Students will also learn social and school-readiness skills, such as making friends and
acceptance of others, sharing, and taking turns.
• A program philosophy that promotes active learning that incorporates acceptance and
diversity.
• A scalable model than allows for the possibility of expansion to meet the needs of our
greater service area, including Talent.
Says Bogdanove, “This is a huge step forward and we are so grateful for our partnership with the
Y. Ashland families with preschool age children will have the opportunity to become acquainted
with our amazing schools before kindergarten and experience the benefits of early childhood
education through the Y. It’s a win-win-win.”
The Ashland Family YMCA Preschool Program offers half days and full days and will begin on
September 5. Financial program assistance is available to those who qualify. For more enrollment
information, please call Preschool Director Suzie Sanders at 541-482-9622 ext. 305 or by email
at preschool@ashlandymca.org
# # # The Ashland Family YMCA has been serving our local community since 1899 and is committed to
nurturing the potential of children and teens, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of
social responsibility. We believe that lasting personal and social change can only come about when
we all work together to invest in our youth, our health and our neighbors. That’s why, at the Y,
strengthening community is our cause.
The Y is, and always will be, dedicated to building healthy, confident, connected and secure
children, adults, families and communities. Every day our impact is felt when an individual makes a
healthy choice, when a child is inspired by a caring adult and when a community comes together
for the common good. Every day we work side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure that
everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.