May 28, 2021
The New Canaan YMCA is excited to introduce the Rainbow Station 5’s Pre-K program beginning this fall. The program is designed specifically for children who would benefit from a year of support, growth, and preparation before entering kindergarten.
The Rainbow Station 5’s Pre-K program is open to children turning five years old by December 31, 2021. The program will be offered Monday-Friday from 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM with the option for after-school care through the Y’s Kids Unlimited program until 6:00 PM. The 5’s Pre-K program begins Monday, August 30, 2021, and will follow the New Canaan Public Schools academic calendar.
The Pre-K curriculum provides a balance between academics and play. Daily lessons include pre-reading, pre-writing, math, social studies, and science activities. Participants will also enjoy the unique benefits of the New Canaan YMCA facility including instructional swim lessons, Bouncing Bears time in the Kid Zone, music and movement classes, and playground time.
Led by a state-certified elementary education teacher, the 5’s Pre-K program offers a balance between Kindergarten and preschool. Program participants will learn a breadth of subjects to prepare them for Kindergarten, utilizing a play-based learning style consistent with and assisting with the transition from preschool. The staff-to-child ratio for the Pre-K program is one teacher to eight children.
“We are thrilled to provide the opportunity for children to gain another year of play in an enriching and academically-challenging environment, where they can develop social and emotional skills, while also gaining the confidence and independence necessary for Kindergarten,” said Emma Scalero, Rainbow Station Infant/Preschool Childcare Director. She added, “The goal of this program is to create a hybrid environment, blending play-based learning with the structure of a Kindergarten curriculum, preparing children to be successful in school and beyond.”
The 5’s Pre-K program will be taught by Rebecca Evensen, who holds Dual-Bachelor’s degrees and Connecticut certifications in Elementary Education and Special Education, as well as a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Evensen also brings to the program elementary school teaching experience with the New Canaan Country School, and has been part of the New Canaan YMCA community for the last six years as the Assistant Director of Camp Y-Ki.
Evenson shared, “I am thrilled for this opportunity to bring my experience and passion for teaching to this exciting new program at the Y. Preparing children for success in Kindergarten is incredibly important, and I’m looking forward to helping each child learn, grow, and thrive through this program.”
Enrollment for the Rainbow Station 5’s Pre-K program is currently available. For additional information, any questions, and to enroll, contact Emma Scalero at 203-920-1613 or escalero@newcanaanymca.org.
Thanks to donations made to the Y’s annual support campaign, financial assistance is available for membership and program fees. To learn more about financial assistance at the Y, contact Diana Riolo at 203-920-1653 or driolo@newcanaanymca.org.
About the New Canaan YMCA
Founded in 1954 by a group of community volunteers, the New Canaan YMCA is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization whose mission is to enrich all people in spirit, mind, and body. As an inclusive community service organization, the YMCA turns away no one for reasons of race, religion, or economic background and last year awarded nearly $285,000 in direct financial assistance. Serving the communities of New Canaan, Pound Ridge, and South Salem, the YMCA also strives to partner with a variety of outside organizations to further its role as a community service provider.