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.
Meet The Staff
Mrs. Katie McAfee
kmcafee@bcfymca.org
Mrs. McAfee has been working with children since she was 13. She has a Bachelors in Elementary K-6 from Robert Morris University, where she graduated Cum Laude. Before becoming a Y Preschool teacher, she worked with children ranging from ages 6 months-6 yeas old. Mrs. McAfee has worked as a substitute teacher in local districts for 3 years. She spent 6 years at Sewickley Academy; two years there teaching Kindergarten. This will be her 4th year teaching for Y Kids Academy.
Mrs. Sara Rice
srice@bcfymca.org
Mrs. Rice graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. After graduation, she taught 3rd grade in Charleston, SC and in Washington, DC. Mrs. Rice currently lives in Zelienople with her husband, Eric and their two children, Clara Cate and Tucker, both proud alumni of the Y Kids Academy. Outside of class, Mrs. Rice enjoys reading, running, traveling and walking her golden retriever, Hank.
Mrs. Aleia Morris
amorris@bcfymca.org
After spending the last two school years as an aide in the Y Kids Academy classrooms, Mrs. Aleia Morris is excited to step into the role of preschool teacher. She has been with the Youth and Family Dept for over 4 years and has a passion for helping foster growth and development in the children we care for. Aleia grew up in Youngstown, OH where she studied psychology at YSU. With years of retail management and customer service experience, she is friendly, fun, and patient. She currently lives in Zelienople with her husband, 3 kids, and 2 guinea pigs, where she loves to cross stitch and garden.
Mrs. Jillian Hahn
jhahn@bcfymca.org
Mrs. Jillian Hahn graduated from Southern New Hampshire University with her Bachelors in Human Services, with a concentration in Children and Family. After working in numerous other positions at the Rose E. Schneider YMCA, including Kidquarium, this will be her first year in a teaching position. In addition to working at the YMCA, Jill volunteers her time in Cranberry as a coach for youth softball. She is dedicated to helping children learn and grow in a positive, friendly atmosphere. Jill grew up in Boston, MA before joining the United States Air Force, where she met her husband, Brad. She now resides in Cranberry with Brad, their 2 daughters, 2 dogs, and 2 cats.
2023-2024 Enrollment Information
- Open Enrollment is available online or in-house. Enrollment requires a non-refundable registration fee. Students must meet age requirements by September 1, 2023
- Tuition will be automatically drafted the 1st of each month, September 2023-May 2024.
- Scholarships for Preschool and Pre-K tuition are available to those who qualify. Click here for more information. (Scholarships are not available for Lunch Bunch or Preschool Exploration.)
2023-2024 Class & Program Information
2-3 Year Old Preschool Firsts *NEW!*
CLASSES (meets once a week)
- Fridays 9:00AM-10:00AM
- Fridays 10:30AM-11:30AM
TUITION
Member & Non-Member: $40/per child monthly automatic draft.
This class requires a $25 non-refundable deposit to enroll.
This program will meet once a week and focus on structured activities and teacher guided-exploration. This is a great program to transition to preschool and each week we will learn about new topics and new skills to prepare us for pre-k. This is a drop-off program and will be in a small group setting. Preschoolers must be potty-trained or wear a pull up to participate in this class.
2-3 Year Old Preschool Exploration *NOW 2 days a week!
CLASSES (meets twice a week)
- Tuesdays & Thursdays 9:00AM-10:00AM
- Tuesdays & Thursdays 10:30AM-11:30AM
TUITION
Member & Non-Member: $75/per child monthly automatic draft.
This class requires a $25 non-refundable deposit to enroll.
CLASS DESCRIPTION
This program will meet twice a week and focus on structured activities and teacher guided-exploration. This is a great program to transition to preschool and each week we will learn about new topics and new skills to prepare us for pre-k. This is a drop-off program and will be in a small group setting. Preschoolers must be potty-trained or wear a pull up to participate in this class.
3-4 Year Old Preschool Program
CLASSES (meets twice a week)
- Mondays & Wednesdays
9:00AM-11:30AM - Mondays & Wednesdays
12:30PM-3:00PM - Tuesdays & Thursdays
12:30PM-3:00PM
TUITION
Member & Non-Member: $120/per child monthly automatic draft.
A $25 deposit per month is required at registration ($225 total) to secure your child's spot.
CLASS DESCRIPTION
This two day a week program focuses on self-guided and teacher-guided exploration. The curriculum teaches fun, creative lessons that will enhance intellectual, social, emotional, and fine and gross motor skill development
of your child. Children must be potty trained to attend.
- Lunch Bunch is available 11:30AM-12:30PM on the days the child is enrolled. Tuition: $40/per child, monthly automatic draft (in addition to Preschool tuition).
4½-6 Year Old Pre-K Program
CLASSES (meets three times per week)
*New extended times!
- Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays
9:00AM-1:00PM - Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays
9:00AM-1:00PM
TUITION
Member & Non-Member: $250/per child, monthly automatic draft.
A $25 deposit per month is required at registration ($225 total) to secure your child's spot.
CLASS DESCRIPTION
This program is three days a week and focuses on kindergarten preparation. Students will build on language, science, dramatic play, art, math and music skills. Children must be potty trained to attend.
Lunch Bunch (Optional)
Give your child the opportunity to continue their preschool day just a little longer! They will bring their lunch and share the experience with their classmates.
- Lunch Bunch is available 11:30AM-12:30PM on the days the child is enrolled for 3-4 Year Old Preschool Program.
- Monthly registration is required. $40/per child (in addition to Preschool tuition), monthly automatic draft or pay per month.
For more information, please contact Nola Wicker, Early Childhood Education Director: nwicker@bcfymca.org | 724.452.9122 x201