early learning academy

 

Where children thrive

 

The YWCA’s quality and affordable childcare program provides a comprehensive child development program (ages six weeks through five years), which facilitates the maximum possible growth and development of each child socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually. Program activities are age-appropriate and address the infant, toddler, and preschool developmental stages of a child’s life.

The best development of children requires a mutual respect between the YWCA and parents. Open communication and parent participation are encouraged through an “open door” policy, frequent informal chats and reporting, parent/teacher conferences and parent participation when possible. It is equally important for children to develop desirable personal and social values, to exercise reason and to develop the ability to choose and make decisions. We believe children learn through life experiences and play.

 

The ELA program provided:

  • 110 children that are at the age of 6 weeks to 3 ½ years old, 27,170 days of quality childcare filled with age appropriate activities and experiences that will enhance their social, emotional, cognitive and physical skills.
  • 40 children that are at the age of four and five years old, 7,200 days of quality childcare that will prepare them for kindergarten. (Pre-K)

 

Black History Month

February 2012

February is Black History Month.  In honor of the month, the staff and children will particpate in a series of activities and field trips exploring the contributions of many great African Americans and the culture.  See below for photos from our recent door decorating contest.  The winning class receives a pizza party!

                                                

What is Black History Month?

Quick Facts About 10 Black History Figures 

 

One Warm Coat Drive

November 2011

We are so appreciative of our wonderful parents!  YWCA parent Stephany Heller spearheaded the One Warm Coat drive at our center to collect new and gently used coats for families that are in need of warm outerwear for the cold season. Bins were placed in the lobby area and each day donations from our students and parents were brought in to support this great cause. 

We are happy to report that we filled a car to capacity to help local families in need this season.  Thank you for your support! We look forward to a bigger drive and helping more families in 2012!

 

Think Pink / Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October 18, 2011

The entire center (staff and children) wore pink in observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 

 

Trike-A-Thon

October 28, 2011

Every year the Early Learning Academy has a Trike-A-Thon to donate to the children at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. A Trike-A-Thon is a week long curriculum that teaches bike riding safety. The children will learn different safety lessons. On October 28, 2011, the children are asked to bring their bikes and helmets for a bike ride with their classmates. Parents and volunteers are asked to give a donation.  Your donation supports the efforts of the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.  The Early Learning Academy thanks you for your support and is proud to report that over the last three years, we have raised a little over $1,000.00 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital during the Trike-A-Thon.

 

Fall Festival

October 31, 2011

Get ready for the Early Learning Academy's annual Fall Festival!  The children are asked to wear their costumes. (No scary costumes, guns or swords allowed.) The fun will include a story hour, nutritious snacks, games, a Costume Fashion Show and more.  Come join us for some great family fun!

CLICK HERE to see our photo album from the 2010 Fall Festival.

   

 

2011-2012 Calendar 

Early Learning Academy Closings

  • July 4, 2011–ELA Closed for Independence Day    
  • August 5, 2011–Bi-Annual Staff In-Service Day
  • September 5, 2011–ELA Closed for Labor Day
  • November 23, 2011 - ELA will close at 12pm
  • November 24-25, 2011–ELA Closed for Thanksgiving
  • December 22, 2011 - ELA will close at 12pm
  • December 23, 2011—December 30, 2011—ELA Closed for Christmas Holidays
  • January 2, 2012 - New Year's Day
  • January 16, 2012—ELA Closed for Observance of Dr. King’s Birthday
  • February 20, 2012—ELA Closed for President's Day (In-Service Day)
  • May 28, 2012—ELA Closed for Memorial Day
  • July 4, 2012—ELA Closed for Independence Day

 

Early Learning Academy PreK Closings

  • August 4, 2011—PreK Parent Orientation
  • August 5, 2011–Bi-Annual Staff In-Service Day
  • August 24, 2011 - Teacher Planning Day
  • September 5, 2011–ELA PreK Closed for Labor Day
  • September 6, 2011 - Teacher Planning Day
  • October 10-11, 2011—Teacher Planning Day
  • November 8, 2011—Teacher Planning Day
  • November 21, 2011 - Teacher Planning Day
  • November 22-25, 2011–ELA Closed for Thanksgiving
  • December 20, 2011—December 30, 2011—ELA Closed for Christmas Holidays
  • January 2, 2012 - ELA PreK Closed for New Year's Day
  • January 3, 2012 - Teacher Planning Day
  • January 16, 2012—ELA Closed for Observance of Dr. King’s Birthday
  • February 20, 2012—ELA PreK Closed for Presidents’ Day
  • March 9, 2012 - Teacher Planning Day
  • April 2-6, 2012— ELA PreK Spring Break

 

Other Important Dates

  • August 4, 2011 3:30 pm—Pre-K Parent Orientation
  • August 8, 2011—ELA Pre-K First Day of School
  • October 20-21 2011—Fall Picture Day
  • October 31, 2011—Fall Festival
  • November 14-18, 2011—Parent/Teacher Conferences
  • November 18, 2011 @6:00 pm—Annual Thanksgiving Dinner
  • January 3, 2012—Center reopens after Holidays
  • January 4, 2012—Pre-K reopens after Holidays
  • April 27, 2012 - Pre-K End of Year Celebration
  • April 27, 2012 - Last Day of Pre-K
  • TBA — Spring Picture Day
  • April 27, 2012- May 25, 2012 - Pre-K Enrichment Camp
  • May 7-11, 2012—Teacher Appreciation Week
  • May 14-18, 2012—Parent/Teacher Conferences

 

 Click Here to print the 2011-2012 calendar

 

Wish List

  • Infant Room—receiving blankets, soft toys
  • Mobile Infant—small motor skill toys, tricycles
  • Wobblers—books, puzzles, baby dolls
  • Toddlers— books, puzzles, dress-up clothes
  • Preschool—ride-ons, wagons, helmets
  • PreK—arts & craft supplies, markers & crayons, notepads
  • Center Needs—large area rug, clear containers, hands-free trash cans

To see our entire wish list, please CLICK HERE.

 

What Parents Say

 

“The YWCA is awesome! The staff is great and my children love it!”

The Keiser Family

 

“We are constantly amazed by the level of professionalism and efficiency that the staff at the YWCA shows on a daily basis. And yet the more telling quality… there is the feeling of family.”

Bridgette Gunnels (Children are in the Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten Classes)

 

“We are celebrating our 3rd anniversary at the YWCA this month. What a great choice we made for our family! Our boys are happy, thriving and developing intellectually beyond our wildest dreams. We hope the friendships we are developing at the YWCA will last a lifetime. And we are so grateful for each and every teacher and their daily efforts!”

Leigh Wilde (Children are in the Toddler and Preschool Classes)

 

“The YWCA is a charming and warm environment. The teachers and management staff are absolutely wonderful. We are happy to be apart of the family.”

Jenna Scheinfeld (Children are in the Toddler and Pre-Kindergarten Classes)

 

“At his old school my child couldn’t wait to go home at the YWCA I can’t get him to leave the Y!! He has blossomed ever since he joined this school. Thanks for making this happen!

DJ Perera (Child is in the Pre-Kindergarten Class)

 

“The YWCA has been a very special place for our children. Their teachers and all of the staff have been wonderfully nurturing. Our family will be very sad when we have to leave.”

Dan Bloom and Barry Golivesky (Children are in the Pre-Kindergarten Class)

  

Having my daughter attend the YWCA Atlanta gives me the opportunity to go about my work day with peace of mind. The reason for this is because when I drop her off I know that she is in wonderful hands. The educators at the YWCA are incredibly attentive and hands on in their teaching methods. I have no doubt that my child is receiving the best possible care and learning something new and exciting every day. I am truly blessed to have her at this facility.

Aja Gray (Child in the Wobblers’ Classroom)