Mission

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We have so many great stories to share!  Here are just a few that highlight our core philosophies:

Afterschool Care:

One recent activity the afterschool Art Club undertook was to read a story about hermit crabs and then build hermit crab shells from varied materials.  This led into a number of great conversations about Caring and Respect.  The children shared stories about their own homes, talked about each house is unique, and even touched upon more complex ideas, such as housing prices and financial status.

Saturday Fun:

We believe that parent involvement is one of the most critical components to a child’s success in school and in life and our family-friendly design enables parents to physically take part in their child’s development.  And our participant numbers show that they do; fully one third of our parents (an average of 30 parents) accompany their kids on any given Saturday. 

Preschool:

We include activities to foster social-emotional growth in many aspects of our preschool program.  Circle Time includes activities for greeting children and setting the stage for the day’s activities.  There may be individual and group recognition with songs, chants, or rhymes.  Socialization happens in all other parts of the days.  The children can choose to do an individual activity (puzzle, book, manipulative, art work) or a small group activity (dramatic play area, block area, math activity, view science items or play musical instruments).  We locate books and writing materials in each of the activity areas so children can read, make lists, write notes, draw small sketches and connect their activities to their growing literacy skills.  Socialization continues during snack and lunch time.  Each teacher sits with a group of children.  The children pass food and take turns distributing the napkins, cups and cutlery.

Seniors:

If we have bingo or other games scheduled in the afternoon, many of the seniors will rush lunch.  After we clear the tables, we’ll set up the PA for bingo.  Eve, a 95 year old long term resident of the Excelsior, likes to call and oversee the first half of  the bingo games including  “inside picture frame” and “four corners”.  During bingo several of the senior will translate the calls into Spanish, Filipino, and even Italian.

Mission YMCA.  Fun.  Safe.  Affordable.  In the neighborhood!