Individualized Learning for Future Success
In every program and every classroom, the Alexandria Area YMCA addresses the specific needs of children based not only on age, but also individual pace of development. We believe the values and skills learned early on are vital building blocks for quality of life and future success.
Infant Care
6 weeks – 16 months of age
Our goal is to create a strong partnership and incorporate parental care requests in the development of healthy, thriving children.
Staff members build positive individual relationships with at least one adult for every four infants to create a trusting bond, develop new skills and manage emotions.
Toddler Care
16 - 33 months of age
Our goal is to help children gain a strong foundation for learning through interaction and exploration. During the day, we team up with your toddler to build communication skills, master motor skills, and communicate emotions and needs effectively.
Classroom experiences develop self-control, cooperation and communication skills in a nurturing environment that includes at least one adult for every seven toddlers.
Preschool Care
33 months – 5 years
Preschool programming and curriculum is offered throughout our child care day, and kids develop cognitive skills through hands-on activities that create excitement for successful learning. YMCA preschoolers develop a foundation for successful learning that covers literacy, math, science, social studies, arts, technology and healthy habits.
Children get the attention they need as they gear up for structured classroom experiences with at least one adult for every ten preschool learners.
Kindergarten Readiness
4 – 5 years
Preschool programming and curriculum is offered throughout the child care day so students can develop the social, emotional, physical and cognitive skills they need for kindergarten. Pre-kindergarteners develop a passion for learning and experience a true sense of achievement in literacy, math, science, social studies, arts, technology and healthy habits.
Children get the attention they need while they gear up for structured kindergarten classroom experiences, with at least one adult for every ten kindergarten readiness learners.
Short-Term & Drop-In Care
Alexandria Area YMCA Child Care is pleased to offer drop-in and short-term child care to families Monday – Friday, 6:00 am – 6:00 pm. When plans change and you find yourself without child care, the Y is a great place for your children to explore, learn, and grow.
Funnydaffer Education
A Fun Play-Based Curriculum
Funnydaffer provides a complete curriculum that takes the busy work and stress out of lesson planning which allows more time for teachers to work with children.
Fun & Creative Play-Based Curriculum
For more than 24 years, over 200 extremely qualified childcare professionals contributed to the construction of this play-based curriculum. That’s a lot of love! The flexibility, ease of use and researched methods allow every child to learn, grow and thrive.
Personalized Instruction
No two children progress alike and their needs should be met individually. Our curriculum is designed to accommodate a variety of learning styles to ensure each child succeeds. We provide a very large platform from which to build a comprehensive approach to delivering curriculum. Our lesson plans are designed to let children discover, invent, pretend and challenge themselves.
Approved for Use in Accredited Schools
The Funnydaffer curriculum has been assessed by many childcare professionals and is approved in states across the nation. Our curriculum addresses all of the developmental and learning objectives each child needs. Plus, it is really fun!
More than 10,00 Lessons
Over 200 teachers with vast amounts of experience have contributed to the construction of this curriculum over a period of 22 years. That’s a lot of love! The flexibility, ease of use and tried and true methods make every teacher’s job easier and that means more attention for your little one.
Streamlines the Teaching Process
Funnydaffer provides a detailed accounting of which state standards are met on a daily/weekly or monthly basis. Teachers can ensure that every child is learning and progressing appropriately. Additionally, the Focus Group feature of the curriculum allows teachers to identify weaknesses and search for creative ways to present concepts so that all learning types are addressed and each child succeeds.
Creates Supply Lists
Teachers can generate detailed checklists of supplies required to accomplish their lesson plans on either a daily, weekly or monthly basis. This prevents unnecessary spending and helps to keep the classroom more organized. Children can help by taking inventory and suggesting their favorite activities based on the supplies at hand.