Ages 2 to 4
The YMCA’s Early Learning Readiness Program provides a stimulating environment for children ages 2–4 years to play and learn while developing the physical, verbal, and social skills they’ll need to start school ready to succeed. Thanks to grant funding, the program focuses on increasing the school readiness of young children in low-income families.
Families are given the opportunity to understand the important role they play in their child’s development and school success. Through this program, we are able to strengthen family and community bonds between the child and caregivers and between caregivers and facilitators.
Early Learning Readiness is FREE!
How to Register: Call 512-522-0077 to enroll.
Enrollment is based on financial need and availability.
Fall session begins in September, 2023.
The program is geared toward families without access to other early learning opportunities, and is offered in English and Spanish.
- Learn tips about ways to prepare your child for school. Aprenda consejos de cómo ayudar a su niño a prepararse para la escuela
- Weekly coaching calls to learn tips about ways to prepare your child for school. Llamadas semanales para aprender consejos de cómo ayudar a su niño a prepararse para la escuela.
- Monthly contactless distribution of curriculum, activities, supplies resources and books. Distribución de currículo, actividades, útiles recursos y libros cada mes sin contacto.
- Connect with other families with young children. Conéctese con otras familias con niños pequeños.
Please call to see if you and your family qualify. 512-522-0077 Priority will be given to families with proven financial need. Must live in Travis County. Por favor llamar para ver si usted y su familia califica. La prioridad será dada a familias con necesidad de bajos recursos económicos. Requerido vivir en el condado de Travis.
I’m interested in participating in Early Learning Readiness. Please contact me.
What is Early Learning Readiness?
The Early Learning Readiness Program is a FREE community program for qualifying low-income families that focuses on preparing children ages 2-4 for school, while providing their caregivers with the tools to facilitate their child’s development and encourage learning at home. The program is designed to empower families with resources and support as they prepare children for school.
Children learn through play-focused activities. As a caregiver, you will be given the opportunity to engage with your child to develop skills and become an integral part of your child’s learning and enjoyment!
During class each child is screened to help identify early intervention opportunities. Outside of the classroom, families are invited on field trips to explore local family resources such as the library, YMCA branches, and YMCA Camp Moody. We provide monthly activity calendars listing events in the area. Upon graduation, you and your child will receive resources and gifts to continue your child’s development and education.
Program Goals
- To empower caregivers and parents of young children with the tools they need to help their children to achieve school readiness
- To help caregivers understand the important role they play in their child’s development and school success
- To provide children ages 2-4 years old from low income communities an enriching learning environment
- Strengthen family and community bonds in class between the child and caregiver, between caregivers, and between caregivers and facilitators
Volunteer with the Y
YMCA Early Learning Readiness is looking for volunteers both in the classroom and behind the scenes! Preference is given to volunteers who can commit to a semester of consistent volunteering and have or desire experience in the field of early childhood development and education. If interested in learning more, please call 512-522-0077 .
A Typical ELR Class
ELR runs for 15 weeks and meets twice a week for 2 hours (usually 9-11am). Classes are facilitated in English and Spanish with age-appropriate activities that focus on different areas of development for children in the 2-4 age group.
A Typical ELR Class Day looks like this:
| Time | Activity | Breakdown of Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 – 9:05 AM | Greeting and Sign In | Practice Name recognition and writing skills. |
| 9:05 – 9:15 AM | Circle Time | Interactive songs & stories. |
| 9:15 – 10:30 AM | Centers | Guided hands-on activity stations focusing on writing, music, science, technology, and more! |
| 10:35 – 10:50 AM | Snack Time | Clean up all together and wash hands before snack time. Healthy snack provided each session. |
| 10:50 – 11:00 AM | Goodbye & Sign Out | Closing Circle |
| Time | Activity | Breakdown of Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 – 9:05 AM | Greeting and Sign In | Practice Name recognition and writing skills. |
| 9:05 – 9:15 AM | Circle Time | Interactive songs & stories. |
| 9:15 – 10:30 AM | Centers | Guided hands-on activity stations focusing on writing, music, science, technology, and more! |
| 10:35 – 10:50 AM | Snack Time | Clean up all together and wash hands before snack time. Healthy snack provided each session. |
| 10:50 – 11:00 AM | Goodbye & Sign Out | Closing Circle |
Frequently Asked Questions
“I love that we do stuff that we would never have done at home, like making playdough, pinata, glue with pasta for example. I love that my daughter is in contact with other kids, it is a nice and smooth transition before going to school.”
