Program Options

• Full-day full-time (4-5 days/week) preschool for ages 2-5
• Full-day part-time (2-3 days/week) preschool for ages 2 - 5
• Half-day PreK (MWF 9:30 am - 1:30 pm) for ages 3 - 5

Before & After School Enrichment for ages 5 - 12. Serving students from Arbutus Elementary/Middle and Catonsville, Hillcrest, Relay and Halethorpe elementary schools. Transportation provided.

Y Preschool is a trusted program that has provided educational and developmental support to children and families for over 160 years. Our preschool program combines a safe and happy educational environment with a curriculum designed to stimulate intellectual, emotional, and physical growth. Each day you will be provided with detailed information to guide you through your child’s day with us. You’ll receive daily reports from your child’s teacher outlining your child’s activities, routines, and care including information on new skills learned, classroom activities, and special accomplishments. Our experienced teachers will provide the caring support and teach the critical skills needed for your child to succeed in kindergarten and beyond.

The most important goal of our curriculum is to help children become enthusiastic learners. This means encouraging children to be active and creative explorers who are not afraid to try out their ideas and to think their own thoughts. We’re teaching them how to learn and allowing them to learn at their own pace and in the ways that are best for them. We’re instilling good habits and attitudes, character development, and a positive sense of themselves, which will benefit them throughout their lives.

Our curriculum choices are based on developmentally appropriate practices; social, emotional, cognitive, language, and physical development domains; individual needs of students; and health and safety. With this in mind, the Y in Central Maryland has chosen to use the Creative Curriculum and Core Knowledge Preschool Curriculum at all of our Y Preschool programs. Both demonstrate best practices and are comprised of skills and activities that provide children with solid, coherent foundations for later learning.

Maryland State Public Schools currently use the Maryland Model for School Readiness (MMSR) Assessment to measure the school readiness level of upcoming kindergartners.

The Maryland State average for children fully ready to enter kindergarten is 82%.

The percentage of our Y preschool children fully ready for kindergarten is 86% (based on the May 2014 MMSR assessment).

2015 - NECPA Accreditation

The Y believes strongly that parent participation is a key ingredient in a quality preschool program. As such, the first step in the enrollment process is setting up a tour and meeting directly with the Preschool Director. During the tour, the director will provide you with the critical information you need to determine if we're the right fit for your child. You will visit the classrooms, meet the teachers, and learn about our daily routines, our curriculum, and our goals and expectations. It's the first step in establishing a strong partnership aimed at ensuring your child's success.

Schedule your tour today by contacting the Regional Director, Robert Smith, via phone (410-747-4951) or email.

Financial Assistance

As a charitable organization, the Y is committed to providing programs and services to all. We raise funds to provide financial assistance for eligible children and families who otherwise can not afford a Y experience. Financial assistance applications are available online, from the Preschool Director or the Y Business Office. The Y also accepts Department of Social Services (DSS) and Purchase of Care (POC) vouchers. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FORM

If the local school district is either delayed or closed, then the Preschool Center will open at 8:00 am, unless the Y association office determines the weather and road conditions are such that either a later opening or a closing would be necessary to ensure the safety of our families and staff. If the association office decides to open after 8:00 am or close the Preschool Center for the day, then an announcement will be made on our website and via email prior to 7:30 am.

If the local school district announces an early closing, then the Preschool Center will remain open for normal business hours, unless the association office decides otherwise. You will be notified via email if it is determined that we would need to close early.

On those days when the local school district is already scheduled to be closed due to a professional day, holiday, etc., then an announcement will be made on our website and via email prior to 7:30am. Parents should check for updates regarding weather-related closings on their email, on the ymaryland.org homepage, or on the Y's Facebook page.

Don’t just take our word for it...

We know we offer a great preschool program that exceeds all expectations, but don’t just take our word for it...here are a few comments from real parents about Y Preschool!

"Great staff, curriculum is helpful to teach the children to learn. Many activities and events offered." - Catonsville Preschool Parent, March 2017

"I feel that my daughter is safe and taking care of in the best way at the YMCA. Also has a great curriculum and swim class." - Catonsville Preschool Parent, March 2017

"Great teachers and staff, fun nurturing and educational environment." - Catonsville Preschool Parent, March 2017