Preschool & Pre-K Programs in Idaho Falls
Preschool & Pre-K Programs
Help your child build confidence, friendships, and a strong foundation for school at the Idaho Falls Family YMCA Learning Center. Our full-day Preschool and Pre-K programs provide a safe, nurturing environment where children ages 3–5 can learn through play, hands-on activities, creative exploration, and consistent daily routines.
Children develop important social, emotional, language, cognitive, and physical skills through stories, early literacy, math, science, art, music, movement, outdoor play, and group activities. Our caring teachers support each child’s individual development while helping them prepare for their next stage of learning.
Programs at a Glance
Preschool: Ages 3–4
Pre-K: Ages 4–5
Hours: 6:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Schedule options: Four or five days per week
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack provided
Assistance: ICCP accepted and financial assistance available
Contact the YMCA Learning Center at 208-523-0600 Ext. 107 to ask about current openings or to schedule a visit.
Preschool Program for Ages 3–4
Our Preschool Program helps children become comfortable in a classroom environment while developing independence, communication skills, friendships, and an excitement for learning.
Children participate in early literacy, counting, art, music, movement, sensory exploration, imaginative play, and other age-appropriate activities. Consistent routines and supportive teachers help children learn to express themselves, follow directions, work with others, and feel confident in a group setting.
Pre-K Program for Ages 4–5
Our Pre-K Program builds on children’s developing skills while helping prepare them for a successful transition to kindergarten.
Through engaging, hands-on activities, children strengthen letter and number recognition, early writing, problem-solving, listening, cooperation, and classroom routines. Teachers encourage children to ask questions, explore new ideas, work independently, and participate positively in a group.
What Children Learn
Our Preschool and Pre-K programs use hands-on learning and play to help children build the skills they need for school and everyday life.
Children participate in activities that support:
- Early literacy, language, and communication
- Counting, shapes, patterns, and problem-solving
- Sharing, cooperation, confidence, and independence
- Art, music, science, and imaginative play
- Fine- and gross-motor development
Pre-K activities place additional emphasis on kindergarten readiness, including letter and number recognition, early writing, listening skills, and classroom routines.
A Typical Day in Preschool and Pre-K
| Time | Activity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 6:00 AM - 8:00 AM | Arrival & Free Play | Children arrive, greet teachers, and engage in free play with a variety of toys and learning stations. |
| 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM | Breakfast Time | Healthy breakfast compliant with the Federal Food Program is provided. Children practice self-feeding and social interaction during breakfast time. |
| 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM | Class Separation & Free Play |
Classes Separate into their own classroom to bond and play with only their age group. |
| 9:00 AM - 9:15 AM | Circle Time | Group activities including songs, stories, and discussions about the day’s theme or topic. |
| 9:15 AM - 9:45 AM | Structured Learning & Craft | Focused activities such as literacy exercises, simple math games, and theme-based projects. |
| 9:45 AM - 10:00 AM | Center Time | Children are given different centers to participate in. Many of these centers help build their fine motor skills and imagination. |
| 10:00 AM - 10:15 AM | Story Time | Engaging with books and stories to develop language skills, listening, and comprehension. |
| 10:15 AM - 10:30 AM | Bathroom Break | Many children in this class are still learning to master their bodies and toilet training is a big part of that. |
| 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM | Outdoor Play | Supervised outdoor play for physical development and exploration. |
| 11:15 AM - 11:45 AM | Lunch | Nutritious meals Approved by the Federal Food Program provided. Encouraging self-feeding, table manners, and social skills during lunch. |
| 11:45 AM - 12:00 PM | Bathroom Break | Allowing time for scheduled bathroom breaks helps children learn stop what they are doing and listen to their bodies. |
| 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM | Nap/Quiet Time | Rest time with a calm environment for naps. |
| 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM | Quiet Activity Time | Children who are awake from nap can participate in a variety of quiet activities while their classmates are still asleep. |
| 2:30 PM - 3:00 PM | Themed Activities | Activities related to a weekly or monthly theme to expand knowledge and exploration. |
| 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM | Snack Time | Children are provided with approved healthy snacks to help them stay energized and happy. |
| 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM | Story & Music Time | Reading and music are great ways to keep proper development on track. |
| 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM | Free Play & Bathroom Break | Unstructured playtime to foster imagination and creativity. |
| 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM | Combine & Pickup | Combine into the other classrooms or outside as children are picked up for the day. |
Preschool & Pre-K Program Rates:
| Program | YMCA Member | Non-Member |
|---|---|---|
| Preschool/Pre-K – 4 days/week | $530/monthly | $580/monthly |
| Preschool/Pre-K – 5 days/week | $600/monthly | $650/monthly |
| Daily Rate | $60/day | $60/day |
- Financial assistance available for qualifying families.
- ICCP Accepted
Find Preschool and Pre-K Childcare in Idaho Falls
Give your child a welcoming place to learn, grow, make friends, and prepare for their next stage of learning.
Contact the Idaho Falls Family YMCA Learning Center at 208-523-0600 Ext. 107 to ask about Preschool or Pre-K availability, schedule a visit, or learn more about rates and financial assistance.
