Programs & Classrooms

The Blake Center is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), a distinction shared by only 8% of all U.S. child care centers.

Preschool

pre-school2

2 ½ to 5 years

At the Blake Center, we understand how important the early years are in the lifelong learning and development of your child.  The daily activities of the Preschool Program are designed within a caring, secure environment and are adapted for each child’s developmental stage and individual needs. Our program will challenge and familiarize your preschooler with structured and unstructured activities, quiet and active time, large and small groups, one-on-one relationships, and large and fine motor skills.  An emphasis on individualized attention is placed in all of our preschool classrooms with a staffing ratio that meets or exceeds age appropriate ratios.

Children learn by being active, playing, asking questions, and engaging with other children and teachers in varied activities.  During the day your child will:

  • Run, Hop, Throw, Catch and Balance in our indoor gym and our outdoor play space
  • Read and listen to stories in a group and on their own
  • Engage their minds and imaginations through blocks, puzzles, games and free play
  • Enjoy music and art enrichment activities
  • Explore new and exciting concepts in our Discovery Science program
  • Learn about healthy lifestyles through our Color Me Healthy program  
  • Swim – Full time children in pre-school II and pre-school III are given free swim lessons at the Morris Center YMCA

All activities are planned with the goal of helping children develop independence, maintain self-control, and acquire new skills.  Throughout the day, your preschooler will be encouraged to think logically, use his/her imagination, and work and share with other children.  Each child will have access to a variety of teaching materials and will learn through playing, counting, sorting, listening, speaking, reading and writing.

 

Special activities include parent luncheons, parenting workshops, visits from community helpers, and holiday activities.  Field trips include pumpkin picking, apple picking, plays, and outings to local museums and parks on the Center’s bus driven by a licensed YMCA employee.  Depending on your child’s age and days of attendance, gym classes, and music lessons are also available.  The Center provides your preschooler with two healthy snacks each day, including fresh fruit and vegetables. Friday is free pizza lunch for all our preschoolers.

The partnership between teachers and parents is critical for understanding each child and providing a program that is best-suited to every preschooler.  We encourage you to attend Back to School Night in the fall to discuss the Preschool Program and how to get the most out of your child care experience.  A daily report from the preschool teacher will update you on your child’s special activities and any unusual experiences.  Parent/teacher conferences in January and spring also give teachers the opportunity to discuss your child’s progress and review the assessment of all areas of their development.  This is an opportunity for you, as a parent, to share important information with the teacher about your preschooler’s behavior, and what is happening at home.  Our goal is to help your child develop a positive self-concept, ensuring that he/she is a happy, self assured future learner.