GARFIELD YMCA

BRIGHT BEGINNINGS PRIVATE PRESCHOOL

WELCOME TO BRIGHT BEGINNINGS

Welcome to the Garfield YMCA Bright Beginnings Private Preschool!

We are excited to welcome your child and family into our YMCA community. Bright Beginnings provides children with a safe, nurturing, engaging, and developmentally appropriate environment where they can learn, play, build friendships, develop independence, and prepare for future success.

The Garfield YMCA’s Bright Beginnings program serves children approximately 2½ through 5 years of age. The program focuses on the development of the whole child—socially, emotionally, physically, and academically.

Our goal is to create an environment where every child feels safe, supported, included, and excited to learn.

NOW AVAILABLE TO NON-RESIDENTS 

Online registration can be found here!

OUR PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY

Bright Beginnings believes young children learn best through meaningful experiences, exploration, relationships, structured activities, and play.

Our program is designed to:

• Help children reach their fullest potential.
• Support and strengthen families.
• Provide care in a safe and positive environment.
• Promote positive self-image and confidence.
• Strengthen social, intellectual, physical, and emotional development.
• Encourage independence and age-appropriate responsibility.
• Help children build positive relationships with teachers and peers.
• Promote healthy development and well-being.

The YMCA incorporates the character values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility, and Inclusion throughout its childcare programming.

PROGRAM INFORMATION

Program: Bright Beginnings Private Preschool
Ages: 2½–5 years
Location: Garfield YMCA 
Program Year: September 2026–June 2027
Days: Monday–Friday
Full Facility Childcare Hours: 7:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m.

Families may select an available care schedule based on their childcare needs and program availability.

Available Care Options- all tuition is monthly based 

Half Day 7:00 am to 12:00 pm

3 days a week $ 363.00

4 days a week $ 484.00

5 days a week $ 605.00

Full day 8:00 am to 4:00 pm 

3 days a week $ 525.00

4 days a week $ 665.00

5 days a week $ 815.00

Extended Day 7:00 am to 6:30 pm 

3 days a week $ 705.00

4 days a week $ 845.00

5 days a week $ 995.00

Required Paperwork

The following documents must be submitted before your child can begin the After School Program:

All documents can be dropped off or emailed to michelef@garfieldymca.com

• Copy of your child's Birth Certificate
• Parent Receipt of Information form (signed)
• Medical Declaration Statement
• Copies of a photo ID for all authorized pick-up persons
• All required online registration forms and waivers completed and signed

Please note: Your child's registration is not complete until all required paperwork has been received. Children will not be permitted to attend the program until their registration packet is complete.

CURRICULUM & LEARNING

Bright Beginnings uses Creative Curriculum in its classrooms. The curriculum provides developmentally appropriate learning experiences and aligns with state expectations for early childhood development.

Children have opportunities to develop skills in:

Early Literacy

• Letter recognition
• Vocabulary development
• Storytelling
• Listening comprehension
• Pre-writing skills
• Name recognition

Early Mathematics

• Counting
• Number recognition
• Sorting and classifying
• Patterns
• Shapes
• Measurement
• Early problem-solving

Science & Discovery

• Observation
• Nature
• Cause and effect
• Sensory exploration
• Simple experiments

Social-Emotional Development

• Sharing
• Taking turns
• Following routines
• Identifying feelings
• Conflict resolution
• Making friends
• Building confidence

Physical Development

• Fine motor development
• Gross motor development
• Movement activities
• Outdoor play
• Physical education

Creative Development

Children also participate in activities such as arts and crafts, music, computers, academics, physical education, and other enrichment experiences.

WHAT TO BRING

Please label all belongings with your child’s first and last name.

Your child should bring:

• Backpack
• Complete change of clothes
• Seasonally appropriate clothing
• Appropriate footwear
• Refillable water bottle, if requested
• Lunch and/or snack when required by the program
• Rest-time supplies as directed by the classroom
• Diapers and wipes, if your child is not toilet trained
• Any additional items requested by the teacher

The YMCA asks families of children who are not toilet trained to provide diapers, wipes, and extra clothing.

Please avoid sending valuable toys or personal belongings unless specifically requested for a classroom activity.

Olivia DePeri
Childcare Development Director
oliviad@garfieldymca.com

Michele Florio
Childcare Development Director
michelef@garfieldymca.com

Garfield YMCA
33 Outwater Lane
Garfield, NJ 07026
973-772-7450