NEWS & UPDATES

Posted on: Thursday, September 17th, 2020

Virtual Kindergarten Readiness Program

Our YMCA’s Virtual Kindergarten Readiness program is designed to engage your child in developmentally appropriate activities to enhance and develop social-emotional, cognitive and language development, preparing your child for Kindergarten.

We developed and implemented this program in June. And it’s back by popular demand! We are starting new five-week sessions for both two and three day per week options starting September 21 and will run through October 20. Join us!

Each Virtual Kindergarten Readiness session will provide your child with opportunities to learn in a group setting via Zoom technology. Each session is 45 minutes in duration.
Sessions are being offered two days (Tuesday/Thursday) at 1:00pm and another at 2:00pm. These classes will be taught by teachers of our Children’s Center at our North Attleboro Y.
We are offering three day sessions (Monday/Wednesday/Friday) at 10:00am. These classes will be taught by our teachers of our Garelick Early Learning Center at our Franklin Y.

Sessions will be taught by Hockomock Area YMCA qualified teachers who meet the Department of Early Education Qualifications for Preschool Lead Teacher.

Sessions are driven by weekly topics that will provide each child an opportunity for sharing, and a strong emphasis on content through review and applications of mathematics and literacy concepts that are fundamental for their age group.

REGISTER TODAY

Each family will receive an email outlining the weekly lesson plans, attachments that will be provided for the week, and the link to the Zoom meeting. These lessons will contain materials needed for certain project/activities. All materials will be easily accessible in each family’s home.

For more information or questions, please contact Kim Jennings at kjennings@hockymca.org or call 781-879-6271.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How much does it cost?

There are two packages available to both YMCA members and non-members. The duration of each session is 45 minutes. Participants can sign up weekly.

• The two day a week session is $30 (members) and $40 (non-members) per week.
• The three day a week session is $45 (members) and $60 (non-members) per week.

What are the YMCA staff qualifications?

Our staff have experience working with children and have a variety of educational backgrounds relative to this program including degrees in education or related areas of study.

Are staff background checked?

Yes, all Hockomock Area YMCA employees undergo a thorough background screening including criminal history, sex offender and reference checks.

What training do staff receive?

Our staff are required to complete online and in person Child Abuse Prevention training, as well as trainings on policies, procedures and risk management. Each preschool lead teacher has completed the MA Department of Early Education and Care Strong Start trainings (12hrs) as well as an additional 20 hours of classroom management, behavior management and curriculum implementation trainings.

Will my child be instructed one-on-one?

Virtual sessions will be in a group format and are designed for up to 8 children.

What technology is needed?

You will need a computer with a camera and an internet connection. Sessions will be conducted through Zoom. You do not need a Zoom account. An access link will be provided prior to your first session via the email you provided through YMCA registration.

What does a session include?

The YMCA’s Virtual Kindergarten Readiness program is designed to engage your child in developmentally appropriate activities to enhance and develop their social-emotional, cognitive and language development to prepare your child for Kindergarten. Each Virtual Kindergarten Readiness session will provide your child with opportunities to learn in a group setting via Zoom technology. Sessions are driven by weekly topics that will provide each child an opportunity for sharing, and a strong emphasis on content through review and applications of mathematics and literacy concepts that are fundamental for their age group.

How do I sign up?

Registration for this program can be done online or in-person at any Hockomock Area YMCA branch during our modified business hours.

What ages are eligible?

This service is available for children ages 4-6.

What days and times are sessions available?

Sessions are being offered two days (Tuesday/Thursday) or three days (Monday/Wednesday/Friday) per week.

How can I contact my child’s instructor?

We ask that communication with your instructor be conducted through email. Your instructor will provide you with their contact information prior to your first session.

Who should I contact with questions?

For more information or questions, please contact Kim Jennings at kjennings@hockymca.org or call 781-879-6271.