Early childhood education – YMCA of Reading and Berks County

Pre-K Counts at the YMCA

Every child possesses unique superpowers waiting to be discovered and nurtured. At the YMCA of Reading & Berks County, we believe that early childhood education is the key to unlocking these abilities. Our Pre-K Counts program is designed to help your little hero develop the skills they need to soar into kindergarten and beyond!

What is Pre-K Counts?

Pre-K Counts is a free, full-day Pre-K program for financially eligible families in the Greater Reading area. It is funded by is Pennsylvania’s Keystone STARS program for children 3-5 years old to provide an educational foundation that prepares them for future academic success.

Keystone STARS is Pennsylvania’s quality rating and improvement system for early learning programs designed for children to get the best start in a safe, nurturing environment. The higher the STAR level, the higher the quality of excellence. YMCA’s Early Learning Center in Reading holds the highest STAR 4 designation. The Y gives children a strong foundation to build successful lifelong learning, curiosity, and confidence.

Pre-K Counts Program Highlights at Reading YMCA

Full-Day Classes: Engaging sessions are held Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 3 PM.
Nutritious Meals: Enrollment includes lunch and two snacks during school days.
Extended Care Options: The Y offers optional on-site before- and after-school care for families who need early drop-off or late pick-up times.
Safe and Caring Environment: Our classrooms provide a nurturing space where children can thrive.
Licensed Staff : Experienced educators in a top-rated STAR 4 center ensure high-quality instruction and curriculum.
Bilingual Staff: Many staff are bilingual, providing smoother communication and understanding – a win for both kids and families.

Developing Super Skills Through Preschool

With Pre-K Counts, Reading YMCA’s early education staff focuses on more than just academics. Our curriculum is designed to foster a range of skills that are essential for lifelong success:

Academic Readiness: We introduce foundational concepts in reading and math, ensuring that children are well-prepared for the challenges of kindergarten. Activities are tailored to make learning fun and engaging, sparking a love for education early on.

Social and Emotional Growth: Learning to work with others, managing emotions, and developing empathy are crucial skills for all children. Our program emphasizes teamwork, communication, and building positive relationships with peers and teachers. We teach fundamental skills and core values that help preschoolers understand valuable contributions to every community: honesty, respect, responsibility, and caring.

Physical Development: Active play is an integral part of our daily routine. Through games and physical activities, children enhance their motor skills, coordination, and overall health, keeping them strong and ready for any adventure.

Creative Expression: All of our superheroes have their own unique flair! We encourage creativity through art, music, and imaginative play, allowing children to express themselves and explore their interests.

Why Choose the YMCA’s Pre-K Counts Program?

Experienced Educators: Our teachers are passionate about early childhood education and are dedicated to each child’s growth.
Family Engagement: We believe in partnering with families to support children’s learning and development.
Community Focused: As part of the YMCA, we are committed to strengthening our community and providing resources for all.

Enroll Your Little Hero Today!

Give your child the opportunity to develop their superpowers with the YMCA’s Pre-K Counts program. Spots are limited, so don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to set your child on the path to success.

Enroll for free Pre-K Counts today and join us at the YMCA of Reading & Berks County, where we help children discover their inner superheroes every day!

At the Y, Ariyah found the security and the support that gave her game-changing confidence.

Her mom found peace of mind and watched her daughter thrive.

When Ariyah made the big leap from Pre-K to Kindergarten, her mom thought she had prepared for everything: the labeled backpack, the sparkly shoes, the proud “first day of school” picture. The only thing she wasn’t ready for was Ariyah sobbing at drop-off and refusing to let go, every single morning.

“She would cry uncontrollably, cling to me, and sometimes even try to run back out of the classroom,” her mother, Perla Santiago, remembers. “It was heartbreaking to watch her feel so overwhelmed and scared.”

For weeks, this was their morning routine: chaos, tears, and heartbreak. Kindergarten wasn’t just a new classroom—it was a big, unfamiliar world, and Ariyah felt lost in it. For her mom, it was just as painful to watch her little girl struggle so much with the transition. “As a mother, it left me feeling helpless. She wouldn’t talk about what was bothering her, and I wasn’t sure how to make things better,” Perla reflects.

Then came the YMCA of Reading & Berks County’s Before & After School Program, which turned out to be the lifeline both Ariyah and her mom needed.

Y Care staff saw more than just a nervous Kindergartener. They saw a child in need of reassurance. Rather than trying to rush her through the transition, Y staff took the time to really get to know her and to understand what she needed to feel safe and secure.

“They approached Ariyah with so much patience, care, and understanding,” her mom shares. “They paid attention to the little things—what made her feel calm, what sparked her interest, and how to gently encourage her to engage.”

While some environments push kids to “get over it,” the YMCA staff walked beside Ariyah, step by loving step. They partnered with her mom, keeping her in the loop every day. They reminded her that growth doesn’t happen on a strict schedule—it happens with support, consistency, and heart.

And slowly, everything began to change. The tears stopped. The fear eased.

The same child who once ran out of classrooms now walks into the Y with her head held high and a confident smile. “She gives me a hug and says goodbye with confidence,” her mom beams. “The transformation has been incredible.”

"She gives me a hug and says goodbye with confidence. The transformation has been incredible."

Perla Santiago, Ariyah's mom

At the Y, Ariyah didn’t just gain comfort, she gained confidence. She discovered that she was brave. That she could trust new people. That the world wasn’t so scary after all. And her mom? She finally could trade those tearful drop-offs for peace of mind, knowing that her daughter was being cared for and engaged, not just supervised.

For the YMCA of Reading & Berks County, this is what community looks like. This is what donors make possible. Your support doesn’t just keep the lights on or fund a program, it creates a safe space where kids like Ariyah can thrive and where parents like her mom can exhale.

Because of Y supporters, a little girl found her courage and a mom found her hope.

And because of the YMCA, their mornings now begin not with fear, but with smiles.Instead of just making it through the day, Ariyah can be fully engaged in learning and making moments with friends.

Want to be part of stories like Ariyah’s?

Help us continue providing safe, nurturing spaces for every child who walks through our doors. Donate today and be the reason another child smiles tomorrow.

Tag: Early childhood education

Unleash Your Child’s Inner Superhero