A UPK class and teacher mix paint

Universal Pre-K

at Southwest YMCA

Group of UPK kids use scoot boards in the gym

Universal Pre-K

at Southwest YMCA

Trio of UPK kids smiling with cones on their heads.

Universal Pre-K

at Southwest YMCA

Previous Next

Early Learning at The Southwest Y

All childcare and education programming at the Southwest YMCA is licensed through the Office of Child and Family Services. As a licensed childcare facility the Y follows guidelines and regulations as laid out for the health and wellness of children. This includes the training of our staff and the condition of our facilities. 

 

 

UPK Education

Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) at the Southwest YMCA Branch is available to families who reside in the Westhill School District. Our classes are at our branch on the Onondaga Community College Campus.

 

This program is free of cost to families and requires that students are registered with the district in advance. You can find information on registering your child here: Registration | Westhill School District (westhillschools.org)  Students are selected through an anonymous lottery process by the district.

The Southwest Y UPK utilizes the Creative Curriculum to provide an enriching experience that covers ABCs and 123s while prioritizing social-emotional learning and skills to be successful in a classroom community. 

Our program is a full-day program, starting at 9:00 am and ending at 3:00 pm. Students must bring their own snacks and lunches; meals are not provided. During a typical day children will participate in community learning time, physical activity, and learning centers. Each day has a rest period in which students are encouraged to rest their bodies and be peaceful. For more information on what a typical day at UPK looks like, please contact the director of this program.

 

Wrap Around Care
We know families have to work, so we provide wrap-around care to our students as well. Our wrap-around program begins at 7:00 am and ends at 6:00 pm to ensure that caregivers are able to focus on their work while knowing that their child is safe and cared for. Wrap-around care is a separate registration with a monthly fee. 

The Wrap Around Care program reinforces positive values in a caring atmosphere. Wrap Around Care is a recreation-based program with an emphasis on developmentally appropriate play and child-led programming. Children build confidence, trust, and positive values by making friends and taking part in group projects and activities where fair play, teamwork, and responsibility are emphasized. A healthy snack is provided. 

The Y strives to be a place for all and we strive to help families overcome barriers that may make our programming less accessible to them, including financial ones. If the cost of wrap-around care is a burden, we do provide scholarships. Please submit a completed Scholarship Application and necessary documents to apply.

 

Vacation Days 
During scheduled days off, school breaks and snow days, the Southwest YMCA offers full day care from 7:00 am - 6:00 pm. UPK Students can be registered on a first-come, first-served basis. The Southwest YMCA follows the Westhill School District calendar. There is a minimum participant requirement that must be met in order for the program to run. 

 

Snow Days
Snow day programming registrations are not available in advance. When the district announces school closure due to weather, a registration link is sent to UPK families. There is a minimum participant requirement that must for the program to run.

 

How to Register
To register your child, log into your online account. No account, No worries! You can create your own online account if you have not done so already. Just click here for more information on both.