The YMCA of Central & Northern Westchester is honored to be able to partner with the Somers Central School District to bring early childhood education to the young members of our community.
Excerpt from the Somers Record article written by Carol Reif.
If parents, students, and educators were grading Somers’s Universal Pre-Kindergarten program, they would give it an A+.
“It’s been amazing for the community. I’m so happy to be a part of it,” said UPK teacher Jill Sarote.
Things have gone so well that the district will be doubling the number of classes from two to four this fall, schools Superintendent Dr. Raymond Blanch announced at a Board of Education meeting last month.
The district uses a lottery system. It has already notified the families of kids who got in for the 2023-2024 school year.
“In the short time we have offered this program, the benefits to the children, families, and school district are already immeasurable,” Blanch said in a recent statement, citing research that shows “a long-term, positive impact on children who attend preschool.”
Universal Pre-K is approved by the New York State Department of Education in collaboration with the Elmsford, Somers & White Plains City School Districts, licensed by the New York State Office of Children & Family Services, and staffed by New York State-certified early childhood education teachers.
The YMCA of CNW’s Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) program serves 4 & 5-year-old children in warm, nurturing, supportive classes staffed by experienced, dedicated New York State-certified early childhood education teachers and aides.
Children are encouraged to problem-solve, experiment with developmentally appropriate materials, and establish social relations through self-directed activities and special projects.
Visit our Universal Pre-School page for more information.