2022-2023 Enrollment: New Canaan YMCA's Rainbow Station 5's Pre-K

Enrollment for the Rainbow Station 5?s Pre-K program is now available for the 2022-2023 school year. The program is designed specifically for children who would benefit from a year of support, growth, and preparation before entering kindergarten.

The Rainbow Station 5?s Pre-K program is open to children turning five years old by December 31, 2022. The program is offered Monday-Friday from 7:30 AM ? 2:30 PM with the option for after-school care through the Y?s Kids Unlimited program until 6:00 PM. The 5?s Pre-K program begins Monday, August 29, 2022, and will follow the New Canaan Public Schools academic calendar.

The Pre-K curriculum provides a balance between academics and play. Daily lessons include pre-reading, pre-writing, math, social studies, and science activities. Participants also enjoy the unique benefits of the New Canaan YMCA facility including instructional swim lessons, Bouncing Bears time in the Kid Zone, music and movement classes, and playground time.

Led by a state-certified elementary education teacher, the 5?s Pre-K program offers a balance between kindergarten and preschool. Program participants learn a breadth of subjects to prepare them for kindergarten, utilizing a play-based learning style consistent with and assisting with the transition from preschool. The staff-to-child ratio for the Pre-K program is one teacher to eight children.

?The YMCA?s 5?s Pre-K program has been great for our December birthday son to transition into a more structured environment. Rebecca has been fantastic with our child; his social and educational skills have grown tremendously. We have no doubt he will be ready for the start of kindergarten,? shared a parent of a child in the program.

The 5?s Pre-K program is taught by Rebecca Evensen, who holds Dual-Bachelor?s degrees and Connecticut certifications in Elementary Education and Special Education, as well as a Master?s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Evensen also brings to the program elementary school teaching experience with the New Canaan Country School and has been part of the New Canaan YMCA community for the last seven years as the Assistant Director of Camp Y-Ki.

Evensen shared, ?I have enjoyed every moment of working with the 5?s Pre-K class at the Y. Each day we build on previous knowledge while challenging ourselves with lessons combining all learning styles. I believe in empowering children?s confidence through showcasing their growth in and out of the classroom. When we practice handwriting letters, I love to tell each of them how well they did that day while showing them their progress from where they were a month, or even a week ago. It is so rewarding to hear the students make connections or point out the things that they have learned with me.?

Enrollment for the Rainbow Station 5?s Pre-K program for the 2022-2023 school year is currently available. For additional information, any questions, and to enroll, contact Heather Dean at 203-920-1613 or hdean@newcanaanymca.org.

Thanks to donations made to the Y?s annual support campaign, financial assistance is available for membership and program fees. To learn more about financial assistance at the Y, contact Diana Riolo at 203-920-1653 or driolo@newcanaanymca.org.