For more information contact:
Madison Area YMCA
Marketing & Communications Department
973.822-9622 ext. 2241 
For Immediate Release throughout the school year           

Young 5s Registration at the F. M. Kirby Children’s Center

(Madison, NJ) August 28, 2015 – Registration will begin mid-September for the Young 5s program at the F.M. Kirby Children’s Center of the Madison Area YMCA. The program prepares children for kindergarten and offers an academic advantage for entrance into the area’s top-notch school districts through its Young 5s program.

Kirby’s Young 5s program is specifically designed to meet the differing needs of children who are nearing kindergarten age. It is ideal for children who miss the October 1 kindergarten cut-off date, but who are ready for more than preschool; children who make the cut-off, but need more structured preparation to help them get ready for kindergarten; and children who are age-eligible and ready for kindergarten but would benefit from higher level academic work. Two or three day per week options are available from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Focusing on developing the whole child, the Young 5s program prepares children for the academic rigors now expected of kindergartners in addition to developing their social and emotional growth in a way that enables them to experience the full benefit of their foundational kindergarten year. Students leave Kirby’s Young 5s program well-prepared to confidently transition to, and succeed in, any kindergarten program. 

Applications are also being accepted for the Kindergarten Wraparound program and After-School program at the F.M. Kirby Children’s Center. These programs provide a safe and enriching learning environment that is focused on STEAM-based activities to keep both minds and bodies active with an emphasis on fun. The program allows for convenient drop off and pick up times at the Kirby Center located at 54 East Street in Madison with transportation provided to and from local schools, including during delayed openings and early dismissals due to inclement weather. Full-day care is available during school vacations and closings.

The F.M. Kirby Children’s Center of the Madison Area YMCA is one of the largest early childhood education centers in the area offering exceptional quality in childcare and curriculum-based early childhood education programs and care for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, Young 5 students and kindergartners. The Center offers Before- and After-School Care and a Kindergarten Wraparound program. Programming includes Talking Tots, a half-day toddler program with an intensive focus on speech and language acquisition and development taught by a specially-trained teaching team under the direction of a licensed speech and language pathologist.

Initially serving as an elementary school, the Kirby Center facility is specifically designed for children. Located on almost 3 acres of property, the Center has a full-size gym, full kitchen that serves snacks and meals developed by a staff nutritionist, a registered nurse on staff and five state-of-the-art playgrounds to serve all age groups. 

The F.M. Kirby Children’s Center is a member of the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance and a participating partner in the Horizon Foundation for New Jersey’s Healthy U program which teaches children the importance of physical activity and healthful nutrition. Financial assistance may be available for eligible families. 

For more information, contact Director of Childcare Services Linda Bartek-Smith at 973-377-4945 x3226 or lbartek-smith@madisonymca.org.

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