Star 4 Early Care & Education Program

Pre-School

★ Standards ★ Training/Professional Development ★ Assistance ★ Resources ★ Support

Our Early Care & Education Program was awarded a Star 4! The highest rating in the Keystone Stars Program. We are proud to partner with Head Start!

The Bellefonte Family YMCA offers a licensed program Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The philosophy of the YMCA Early Care & Education Program recognizes that the early years are for learning and discovery through play. The YMCA’s creative curriculum assists your child in developing language, perception, problem-solving, memory, fine motor skills, and large motor skills. The character development values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility are shared and encouraged daily. Centers include literacy/writing, science, construction, dramatic play, sensory, manipulatives, art, and indoor/outdoor play.

Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts

Our Pre-k classroom includes 11 Pre-K Counts Spots. Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts, established by the Department of Education, is bringing quality full-day pre-kindergarten programs to nearly 19,000 3 and 4 year olds in Pennsylvania. This is a program that could significantly help with current child care costs and help prepare your child for kindergarten. The portion of the day that is funded through Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts is free to families that qualify. Our program charges for additional portions of the day (wrap around child care).  Our program is certified by the department of public welfare and has a STAR 4 rating (the highest rating available) with the Keystone Stars Program.

Bellefonte Family YMCA
Monday–Friday: 6:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

Effective 8/27/24:

One-time summer field trip fee: $50.00

CREDIT DAYS

As a service to our parents, we offer 5 credit days per school year. Credit days may be used when children are absent from the program. Families receiving financial assistance, sibling discounts or employee benefits will not be eligible for credit days. Infant through Preschool families receiving CCIS funding will receive 5 credit days per family not per child. All credit days must be used in one year.

FAMILY POLICY

Families with more than one child enrolled will receive a 10% fee reduction on the oldest child enrolled.

FEES AND PAYMENTS

All contracted days in the agreement must be paid whether or not the child attends. This is necessary in order to maintain a high quality program at the lowest possible cost. Fees and Payment policy are as follows.

• Payments must be made by the Friday prior to care. Payments are to be made at the YMCA Member Service Desk or at one of the off site programs. MasterCard and Visa are accepted at the YMCA only.
• Delinquent payments of more than 2 weeks may result in the termination of care.
• A $15.00 late fee will be charged on the Monday of care if payment is not made. 
• A $1.00 per minute fee will be charged if a child is picked up after 6:00pm.

ENROLLMENT

The YMCA of Centre County, in accordance with applicable Federal and State Civil Rights Laws and regulatory requirements, provide equal opportunity for program services to all persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, marital status, creed, or disability. Enrollment policies are as follows.

• Preference is given to children requiring full time care.
• All necessary paperwork and parent orientation must be completed before starting care.
• A two-week probation period is given to all parents. During this time the agreement may be broken if there are any problems that can’t be resolved.

YMCA MEMBERSHIP

Youth Memberships are now included in your child care fees for all children 3 years old and above. If you wish to purchase a family membership, please see the YMCA Membership Service Desk.

A 10% discount is offered for the second child to families that have one child enrolled full – time.

In the Older Preschool Classroom….

The TeachSmart® Learning System is an interactive whiteboard, hands on technology tool which supports early childhood education with playful and purposeful activities that tie to state and national standards. Through the use of the system’s Navigational Tool, children can independently access more than 1000 activities with a simple touch. Activities are designed to strengthen development in key skill areas that include Mathematics, Phonological Awareness, Alphabet Knowledge, Writing and Language Development.

OUR MISSION

The mission of the Early Care and Education Program is to encourage the maximum development of each child in spirit, mind, and body by providing positive experiences that foster self-esteem and enhance social, emotional, cognitive, physical and moral development.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

The YMCA cooperates with the Early Learning Resource Center #8 to help make child care affordable for all families. Please contact Patty Gonder, Child Care Director, at 355-5551 for more information.
To Enroll

Contact Patty Gonder at [email protected] or (814) 355-5551.

Department of Human Services Child Care Regulations can be found here:

55 Pa. Code Chapter 3270. Child Care Centers (pacodeandbulletin.gov)

The YMCA of Centre County, Bellefonte Branch in accordance with applicable Federal and State civil rights laws and regulatory requirements, provides equal opportunity for program services to all persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, marital status, creed, disability or LEP The YMCA of Centre County, Bellefonte Branch is a sponsor of the Child and Adult Care Food Program. All infant through preschool children will receive breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack. Children enrolled in the afterschool programs will receive an afternoon snack. All meals served to children under the Child and Adult Care Food Program are served at no separate charge regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. There is no discrimination in admission policy, meal service, or the use of the facility.