Applications for the 2013-2014 school year at the Y’s Little Owl Nursery School at the New Canaan YMCA will be accepted through January 18.
The Y’s Little Owl Nursery School offers programs for children ages two through four and is located at the Y facility. The daily curriculum includes large and small group activities along with guided free-play. Large group activities, such as gym games and outdoor play, are planned daily so children can develop muscle skills, learn about outdoor environments, and express themselves loudly and freely. The Y’s four core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility are reinforced regularly throughout each day’s activities. This includes building each child’s awareness of themselves and those around them—focusing on respecting differences, being responsible for their actions, being honest, and caring for one another. Children also work in small groups with the teacher on daily projects and a variety of learning areas. Areas may include blocks, books, dress-up, games and puzzles, housekeeping, music, etc. These activities provide the children with opportunities to develop important social skills, such as cooperating, helping, negotiating, and problem solving.
“Being held at our Y allows our children to experience activities beyond the scope of a traditional nursery school and participate in programs unique to the Y as a part of their nursery school curriculum. Popular Y programs such as Bouncing Bears preschool gymnastics, More Than Just Music, and swim lessons supplement our classroom activities, enriching the children’s nursery school experience and giving them the opportunity to grow and develop even more,” explained Clara Laporte, Nursery School Director at the New Canaan YMCA.
The New Canaan YMCA also offers an array of youth and family programs, giving the children not only the opportunity to interact with their peers, but also with members of their family and members of the community in a wide variety of programs offerings.
Y’s Little Owl Nursery School classes are available for children ages two through four. Two year olds may attend once a week (Fridays 9:30 am-11:30 am) or twice a week (Mondays and Wednesdays or Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:30am-11:30 am). Three year olds may attend twice a week (Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:00 am-12:00 pm) or three times a week (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 9:00 am-12:00 pm). The four year old program meets five mornings or five afternoons a week (Mondays-Fridays 9:00 am-12:00 pm or 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm). An Extended Day program is also available from 12:00-2:00 pm for three and four year olds one to two days a week. Financial assistance, made possible by the Y’s annual support campaign, is available to those who qualify.
Registration applications for new participants are being accepted through January 18. Additional information is available online at www.newcanaanymca.org or by contacting Clara Laporte at claporte@newcanaanymca.org or 203-966-4528, ext. 181.
