Preschool Program
With a variety of activities and learning experiences here at AYCC, your little one will have the space to grow, explore, and spark their curiosity. We get that every family is unique, so you’ll find our childcare both affordable and flexible, making early education accessible to your family.
Registration for the 2024-2025 Program Year is NOW OPEN!
We are excited to welcome returning families and new families to the AYCC Preschool Program. The 2023-2024 program has ended and the 2024-2025 program year begins Monday, August 26. Annual registration is required.
New families must check with and schedule a tour with Preschool Coordinator, Crystal Stanley before registering their child for the program. Contact Crystal at 207-873-0684 or email cstanley@clubaycc.org
Program Details
Amenities & Activities
The Alfond Youth & Community Center’s Preschool Program provides children in the greater Waterville community the opportunity for a safe and educational childcare option. The AYCC provides quality care, nutritious snacks, and meals, arts, athletics, early childhood academic support, and a variety of other activities to enrich the lives of our youth every day.
- NinjAdventure Zone – we will use the indoor play structure, small climbing wall, and the new lil’ ninja soft play obstacle course inside the AYCC periodically.
- Arts Activities – We will learn about various forms of art and how we can express our creativity. Art experiences will focus on the process, rather than the finished produc and team children how to symbolize the world around them.
- Books – Each day there will be opportunities to explore wonderful children’s books. Large and small groups as well as independent reading opportunities will be a part of our daily routine.
- Daily Choices – These options are offered each day and will cover the domains of physical, social/emotional, linguistic, and cognitive development and cover the subject or content areas, including language, literacy, mathematics, social studies, science, art, music, physical education, sensory, and health.
- Dramatic Play – Children will be given the opportunity to explore further learning through open play time in dramatic play. Children will have a chance to act out familiar scenes in their community and explore different roles that they see in their daily lives. This area will change throughout the year, based on themes in the classroom, curriculum, or the interests of the children.
- Morning Meeting – At the Morning Meeting each day we will sing, read a book or two, move our bodies and build community in the group. It is a time to get to know one another and talk about the day’s choices. The circle will set the tone for learning throughout the day.
- Gymnasium & Outdoor Play – We strive to provide at least 60 minutes of gross motor play to all children each day. This is offered through indoor play as well as playground time. We understand the importance of physical activity in child development and give these opportunities several times throughout each day. If your child is not feeling well enough to go outside, please do not bring them to Preschool.
- PLUS! The AYCC offers pay-for-play lessons such as martial arts and swim lessons.
Contact Us
Feel free to reach out to Crystal Stanley, AYCC Preschool Program Coordinator:
207-873-0684 x253
Details
Our Preschool Program is tailored to accommodate busy family schedules. They run from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday through Friday.
You can choose between full-day and half-day options to best meet your child’s needs and your family’s routine.
- Full Days: $267.00
- Half Days: $133.00 (Available 7:30-12:30 or 12:30-5:30.)
- Ages: 3 – 5
- Both full-time and part-time enrollment requires an AYCC Youth or Family Membership
Affordable Access Program
At AYCC, we are committed to providing affordable, quality childcare options for families. We collaborate with various organizations, including the State of Maine’s Department of Health and Human Services, to accept third-party funding. Additionally, we offer financial assistance for our childcare programs. Our goal is to assist local families in accessing funding opportunities to ensure children have safe and enriching childcare experiences.
Contact
Registrar & Billing Specialist
207-873-0684 / programbilling@clubaycc.org
Third-Party Childcare Assistance
Prior approval is required before a child can attend our program unless you are paying personally. Families qualifying for third-party childcare assistance/subsidy must secure childcare funding before enrollment. Commonly used programs include the Child Care Affordability Program (CCAP) and Transitional Child Care (TCC).
Child Care Unit Contact Information Phone: (207) 624-5200
Email: Childcare.dhhs@maine.gov
For eligibility details or to apply:
- You can apply online: Click here
- Call (207) 624-7999 or 1-877-680-5866
- Visit your local DHHS office for more information.
For further assistance, contact Registrar & Billing Specialist, at programbilling@clubaycc.org or call 207-873-0684 x787.
Important Note:
Parents/guardians are responsible for reporting absences to the Childcare Site Coordinator. Excused absences are limited. Utilization of third-party funding requires a minimum weekly attendance of 6 hours after school and 30 hours during school vacations.
State of Maine Income Eligibility Guidelines
Effective July 1, 2024
Licensing
Rest assured, our programs are fully licensed by the State of Maine Department of Health and Human Services and accredited by the Council on Accreditation. Each staff member is a part of the Rising Stars for Maine, committing to ongoing professional development to stay at the forefront of childcare education.
State of Maine Rising Star Rating Program
The Rising Star rating program is a voluntary system for licensed childcare providers to have their quality assessed on a 5-star rating scale. Expectations for each step must be met before moving to a higher level. Every step is an important quality measure based on the following criteria:
- Licensing History
- Learning Environment (daily schedule, activities planned, etc.)
- Program Evaluations (looking at strengths and weaknesses)
- Staff Development (training opportunities for staff)
- Administrative Polices and Procedures (holiday closings, illnesses, etc.)
- Family Involvement (welcoming parents into the classrooms)
- Community Resources (where to find other services to help families)
- Child Observations (watching for children’s interests and skills)
Meals & Snacks
Nutritious Meals & Snacks
Our AYCC Kitchen Staff provides breakfast, two snacks, and lunch options daily for campers. We follow the USDA School Food Nutrition Guidelines.
Families may send their child with a lunch and/or snacks if they prefer. Peanut or nut products are prohibited and the AYCC is unable to refrigerate or microwave items.
Our food program is mainly funded through state and federal grants and as such, we may require families to complete the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Child and Adult Care Food Program application. Completing these forms allows us to provide FREE, quality, nutritious snacks and meals to all our childcare participants, but especially to children who may otherwise go without.
Visit our Gardens & Greenhouse page for the USDA Federal and State of Maine Non-Discrimination Statements.
Military Childcare Options
The AYCC has also partnered with Military Child Care dot Com to offer assistance with childcare costs. Learn more about the program below.
Enrollment for New and Returning Families
New Families
The Preschool Program enrollment process for new participants includes:
- A one-time visit with parents/guardians, child and the Preschool Coordinator. This visit will help acquaint the family with the teachers, other children, and the routine, as well as the facility. It’s a great time to answer questions, and calm the nerves of first-time childcare jitters. The best time to visit will be from 9:30-11:00 am Monday-Friday. Please contact Preschool Coordinator, Crystal Stanley to schedule your tour.
- The registration form must be completed and returned to the Welcome Center.
- The State of Maine Department of Education Child Nutrition form must be returned WITH the registration.
- The child’s immunization records must accompany the registration form. Families who reside in Maine may retrieve a copy of their child’s record by visiting the State of Maine’s portal.
- Participants must hold a current Youth or Family Membership with the AYCC. Youth Memberships are $50.00/year or families may choose to purchase a Family Membership, which begins at $60.00/month. The AYCC offers financial assistance on our memberships. Visit the Welcome Center for details or the Membership Page for details.
NOTES:
- If there are custody arrangements in place for a child, the custodial parent/guardian is requested to make those arrangements known to our staff at the time of enrollment. Relevant court orders must be provided.
- Preschool Wait List—to be added to the list, please submit the completed registration, immunization records, and the nutrition form to the Welcome Center.
Returning Families
The Preschool Program requires annual registration to assure records are accurate and to sign off on any new or updated policies.
- The registration form must be completed each Fall and turned into the Welcome Center.
- The State of Maine Department of Education Child Nutrition form must be returned WITH the registration.
- The child’s immunization records must accompany the registration form. Families who reside in Maine may retrieve a copy of their child’s record by visiting the State of Maine’s portal.
- Participants must hold a current Youth or Family Membership with the AYCC. Youth Memberships are $50.00/year or families may choose to purchase a Family Membership, which begins at $60.00/month. The AYCC offers financial assistance on our memberships. Visit the Welcome Center for details or the Membership Page for details.
Registration Documents
Interested families are encouraged to contact our Preschool Program Coordinator, Crystal Stanley, to arrange a visit. This visit allows families to meet our staff and other children in the program, explore our space, and learn about our curriculum and offerings to ensure AYCC’s Preschool Program is the right fit for your child.
Contact:
Crystal Stanley, Preschool Program Coordinator
207-873-0684 x 253 or email cstanley@clubaycc.org
Downloads
Seasonal Options
Our Preschool Program operates year-round, with annual registration starting each August. We also have opportunities to accept children during the summer months. For more information, please contact our Preschool Program Coordinator.
