Y Kids Academy
Welcome to the Rose E. Schneider Family YMCA Y Kids Academy page! Your child will engage in self and teacher-guided exploration, as well as both small and large group lessons with a Christian emphasis.
For more information, please contact Nola Wicker, Early Childhood Education Director: nwicker@bcfymca.org | 724.452.9122 x201
About Y Kids Academy
The curriculum teaches fun, creative, age-appropriate lessons that enhance intellectual, social, emotional, and fine and gross motor skill development of your child. Purposeful play and educational activities are designed to stimulate critical thinking skills, develop creativity, work on the basic concepts needed to develop reading and writing skills, and to develop positive social skills, such as cooperation and sharing. The YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility are at the core of all programs and activities.
Looking for Preschool Day Camp Info?
CLICK HERE for Summer Scholars Info for Summer 2026
*NEW* 2026-2027 Enrollment Information
- CURRENT STUDENTS: Monday, February 2nd at 8:00am - Registration opens FIRST for our current students and siblings! All Y Kids Academy students will receive an email with a link to complete a registration form. Students will be registered by Y Kids Academy staff in the order in which the forms are time-stamped.
- OPEN HOUSE: Monday, February 2nd 5:30pm-6:30pm - Join us for a very special Open House. Current and prospective students are welcome to attend to visit our classroom, ask questions, and learn about our programs. All attendees will have access to early registration! Please note: Current students and siblings will be able to complete the registration form up to 8.5 hours early on this date. Open House participants will be able to register starting at 5:30pm.
- MEMBERS: Friday, February 6th at 8:00am - Registration opens for current members of our YMCA! Members will be able to register online or at our Membership Desk.
- NON-MEMBERS: Monday, February 9th at 8:00am - Registration opens for non-members. Non-members of our YMCA will need to create a non-member account (if they don't already have one) and will then be able to register online or at our Membership Desk.
- Enrollment requires a non-refundable deposit, which will cover September's tuition.
- Students must meet age requirements by September 1, 2026.
- Tuition will be automatically drafted the 1st of each month, October 2026 - May 2027.
- Scholarships for Preschool, Pre-K & Kindergarten Prep tuition are available to those who qualify. Click here for more information. (Scholarships are not available for Preschool Exploration.)
Enroll Your Child (Registration Coming Soon)
2026-2027 Class & Program Information
CLASSES OFFERED (meets twice a week)
- Mondays & Wednesdays 9:00AM-10:00AM
- Tuesdays & Thursdays 11:30AM-12:30PM
TUITION
- Member & Non-Member: $85/per child monthly automatic draft.
- This class requires an $85 non-refundable deposit due at registration, which will be applied to September’s tuition.
CLASS DESCRIPTION
- Explorations is intended for 2.5-3 year old students who are close to but miss the cutoff for a traditional preschool class.
- Students must be 2 by 3/1/2026 and do not need to be potty trained (they can wear a pull-up).
- It is a great “first school” experience for children as they work on separating from caregivers and acclimating to a classroom environment.
- This class focuses on play-based learning activities that introduces letters, numbers, colors, shapes, and more!
- Students can expect to be exposed to these topics through experiential learning and hands-on activities.
CLASSES OFFERED (meets two or three days a week)
- 2 days a week: Tuesdays & Thursdays 9:00AM-11:00AM
- 3 days a week: Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays
- Morning: 10:30AM-12:30PM
- Afternoon: 1:00PM-3:00PM
TUITION
- 2 days a week: $130/per child monthly automatic draft.
- 3 days a week: $185/per child monthly automatic draft.
- This class requires a $130 (2-day option) or $185 (3-day option) non-refundable deposit due at registration, which will be applied to September’s tuition.
CLASS DESCRIPTION
- Preschool is intended for 3-4 year old students who are fully potty trained and ready to learn in a classroom environment, 2 or 3 days a week to meet students' individual readiness and needs.
- Our program follows the Seneca Valley School District’s age policy for kindergarten, and therefore, all students must be 3 years old by September 1, 2026.
- Preschool focuses on letter, number, shape, and color recognition.
- Early literacy, phonetic awareness, and math skills are presented in age-appropriate, hands-on methods.
- Students are introduced to classroom tools and how to safely and properly use them (such as holding a writing utensil and using scissors).
CLASSES OFFERED (meets three times per week)
- Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays 9:00AM-11:30AM
TUITION
- Member & Non-Member: $210/per child, monthly automatic draft.
- A $210 non-refundable deposit due at registration, which will be applied to September’s tuition.
CLASS DESCRIPTION
- Pre-K is intended for 4-5 year old students who are fully potty trained and eligible to attend kindergarten the following year.
- Our program follows the Seneca Valley School District’s age policy for kindergarten, and therefore, all students must be 4 years old by September 1, 2026.
- Pre-K focuses on early literacy, phonetic awareness, and math skills in preparation for kindergarten standards.
- Students are encouraged to be self-sufficient in the classroom to foster independence as they get ready for elementary school.
- Pre-K includes play-based and teacher-led learning activities, as well as opportunities for social and emotional development through dramatic play.
CLASSES OFFERED (meets five days per week)
- Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays 12:30PM-3:00PM
- Optional Extended Day: Tuesdays & Thursdays 10:30AM-12:30PM
TUITION
- Member & Non-Member: $310/per child, monthly automatic draft.
- Optional Extended Day: additional $125/per child, monthly automatic draft.
- $310 non-refundable deposit is due at registration (and an additional $125 deposit for Extended Day, if applicable), which will be applied to September’s tuition.
CLASS DESCRIPTION
- Kindergarten Prep is intended for 4.5-6 year old students who are fully potty trained and eligible to attend kindergarten the following year or who have delayed the start of kindergarten due to readiness and have already completed at least 1-2 years of traditional preschool.
- Kindergarten Prep focuses on all curriculum covered in Pre-K with additional opportunities for enrichment and mastery.
- Students attend classes Monday-Friday in the afternoon, with an option to extend their school day two days each week.
- Extended Day includes lunch time, gross motor activities, and enrichment.