Choosing a preschool means choosing a partner in your child’s early development. At YMCA Preschool Academies, we are honored to be that trusted partner. With so many demands on today’s families and an increased focus on early learning, parents need support they can count on. Our academies are committed to holistically nurturing child development by upholding our mission to help children build healthy relationships and grow in self-reliance through the Y’s core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. YMCA Preschool Academies are more than a place to learn—they are a place where potential takes root.

At the Y, we believe early childhood is a powerful window of opportunity. Early learning lays the foundation for long-term academic, social and emotional success. That’s why our state-licensed, full-day programs are grounded in a research-based curriculum that nurtures the whole child—socially, emotionally, physically and cognitively. We provide resource-rich programs that meet or exceed state standards and help young children forge developmental assets—the building blocks that shape children into caring, responsible and successful members of society. From circle time to science exploration, outdoor play to phonics, every activity is intentional and impactful.

Our teachers are more than caregivers. They are early learning professionals who bring both heart and expertise into the classroom. Many of our educators are long-tenured, and all are deeply committed to their profession—continually advancing their knowledge through ongoing professional development training, ensuring they bring the most current and effective learning strategies to their classrooms. At each of our three conveniently located academies—located in Largo, Lealman, and south St. Petersburg—our early educators create classroom communities where every child feels valued, uplifted and supported.

For Infants/Toddlers

The Creative Curriculum® for Infants, Toddlers and Twos focuses on creating a responsive environment for the children where they will be physically and emotionally stimulated with materials, sounds and experiences, and have space to relax and learn from those around them.

We carefully plan daily routines and experiences, focusing on personal growth and development, making sure they are individualized for each child. Children will participate in creative art, large and fine motor activities, language and talking activities, music and movement, social, emotional and cognitive activities. The child’s personal care is also individualized to meet their own needs.

Classroom materials and toys are rotated each week to go along with the weekly exploration topic. New items are placed in the learning programs to enhance the environment, keeping it relevant, fresh and fun. There is no screen time for infants, toddlers or two-year-olds.

For Preschoolers

The Creative Curriculum® for Preschoolers focuses on building relationships, the learning environment, how children learn, and how teachers and families can work together to strengthen the child’s growth and development to ensure school readiness. This comprehensive approach balances both teacher-directed and child-initiated learning, with an emphasis on responding to children’s learning styles and building on their strengths and interests.

The Creative Curriculum is one of the country’s leading research-based preschool curricula that applies the latest theory and research on best practices in teaching, learning and content standards developed by states and professional organizations. The Creative Curriculum clearly defines the teacher’s vital role in connecting content, teaching and learning for preschool children.

Children will participate in large and fine motor activities, creative art and sensory, social, emotional and cognitive activities each day. Screen time in our programs is very limited and is only used to enhance our educational lessons.