West Side YMCA Early Childhood

The West Side YMCA presents NYC’s free 3K and Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK), a quality program for 3 and 4 year old’s five days a week! Children will be in contact with highly qualified, certified teachers and personnel. Our curriculum places a high priority on creating an environment in the classroom that encourages children to experiment, explore, and pursue their own interests. The development of independence, trust and initiative is fostered through a balanced program of free play and structure, quiet and active play, and group and individual time. Learning centers in each room include science, dramatic play, block building, library, art, music and manipulative materials. Science, music, movement and art are also incorporated in our foundation.

Program Hours

Monday through Friday from 8:30AM-3:00PM with a fee based extended day until 5:30PM

Interested families can apply through the Department of Education website here: myschools.nyc/en/account/log-in/

Our Early Childhood Center is a year round (September through August), fee-based comprehensive child care program for children 6 months through 2 years old. Designed to provide a flexible schedule for working families, our Early Childhood Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:30AM-5:30PM.

Our Early Childhood Center is committed to providing a safe, supportive learning environment for young children. Teachers create a warm and loving atmosphere while offering developmentally based, engaging curriculum, where children can play, discover and learn. The development of independence, trust and initiative is fostered through a balanced program of free play and structure, quiet and active play, and group and individual time. Learning centers in each room include science, dramatic play, block building, library, art, music and manipulative materials.

Our school is located within the West Side YMCA—an architectural treasure and landmark building. The school has well-equipped classrooms, with child-sized toilets and sinks in the classrooms. Our Early Childhood Center wing includes a library, indoor play spaces and a full-sized gymnasium. Children and parents enjoy recreational and educational opportunities throughout the YMCA. Each class is staffed with at least two teachers, and many of the faculty members hold advanced degrees in Early Childhood Education or in a related field. 

Meet our Staff

		Misha Paskar Director of Early Childhood "I came to the world of education once I became a parent. I wanted to better understand child development so that I could do the best job at “mom-ing” that I could! After attending Bank Street Graduate School of Education and earning my Masters in Early Childhood General and Special Education, I found myself better equipped to handle the world of parenting and children. My focus as an educator has always been to observe the whole child, to understand a child’s background, social world, history, current environment, and interests in order to best support and expand their learning. When children see their lives reflected in the classroom, they are intrinsically motivated to learn because they feel connected to the curriculum. In today’s social climate, we know there is much work that needs to be done to create a just and equitable society where our children can thrive. Here at the West Side YMCA, we aim to ensure that social justice is always at the center of our learning – so that children, families, teachers, and the entire school community can be unified towards one goal; to be kind and to care for each other as we navigate the world."

		Bridget Sieling Early Childhood Coordinator "As an Early Childhood educator, I believe that playing is learning. Throughout the day, children are found playing with their peers while learning valuable life skills such as turn taking, decision making, communication, self-regulation, empathy and patience all while becoming well-rounded creative thinkers and model citizens. With hands-on experiences, the children get to understand and navigate the world around them. The West Side YMCA Early Childhood Program creates the foundation for a safe, fun and nurturing first school experience!"

		Anna Fosselman Education Director "I’ve been working with children for the last 15+ years, including 7 years as an Early Childhood Educator working with ages 2-5. I’m passionate about play-based and inquiry based learning. I  believe that children thrive when their education is rooted in their interests. I’m dedicated to ensuring that the whole-child remains at the center of the curriculum and strive to create environments where children are encouraged to question, wonder, and become active participants in their learning journey. I am continuously reflecting on and adapting to educational practices that inspire curiosity and hands-on engagement."

Interested families should fill out this Prospective Family Form and return to Bridget Sieling at bsieling@ymcanyc.org.  After the completed form is submitted, families will be contacted to schedule an in person visit.

2024-2025 Early Childhood Monthly Rates

Financial assistance is available. 

West Side YMCA Early Childhood, 3K & UPK School Calendar

**ALL DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE**