Early Learning

Early Learning

Early Learning 

We are proud to offer a variety of options for your child’s early development. Our programs are designed to assist in the social, emotional, and cognitive development of your child. Our team of experienced and educated staff are trained and certified in early learning education, childcare, mandated reporting, CPR, and first aid. We strive to build a great foundation for your child in their early years as they walk with us across many developmental stepping stones!

Stepping Stones Programs

Read below to learn about our Early Learning Stepping Stones Programs. Programs require a new registration for each session. See our About Programs page for more details. Programs are subject to change for each 6-week session.

Register for Programs
  • Discover Time

    Ages:  6 months – 23 months old

    This teacher-led program features activities that support cognitive, sensory, creative, and explorative play. Children will engage in tummy time, develop fine motor skills through art projects and musical instruments, play with developmentally appropriate toys, and enjoy story time. This is the perfect class for your child to enhance their social and emotional skills as they begin to meet new friends.

    This is a drop-off style class.

  • Water Babies (Swim Lessons)

    Ages:  6 months – 2 years

    Infants and toddlers will learn to be comfortable in the water and develop swim-readiness skills.  Parents will also learn about water safety topics.  An adult must accompany each child in the water.

  • Stay + Play Sports

    Ages:  2 Years Old

    Toddlers will have the chance to enhance their gross motor skills by trying new sports including: basketball, balloon volleyball, bowling, and more! This program also focuses on developing social skills while meeting new friends and learning to work together as a team.

    This is an adult-accompanied class. One adult must accompany each child in class.

  • Water Babies (Swim Lessons)

    Ages:  6 months – 2 years

    Infants and toddlers will learn to be comfortable in the water and develop swim-readiness skills.  Parents will also learn about water safety topics.  An adult must accompany each child in the water.

  • Talented Twos

    Ages:  2 Years Old

    Our Talented Twos program will introduce your two-year-old to colors, shapes, numbers and letters through activities and play. Each class will include activity time, story time, and circle time for songs. 

        This is a drop-off style class.

  • Little Steps Preschool

    Ages:  3-5 Years Old

    Our Little Steps Learning program provides a structured and nurturing environment for young minds to grow and meet new friends. This program is designed to give your kiddos the chance to take “little steps” with the Y as they learn, play, swim, and socialize with other students. Classes follow the Streator Elementary School District 44 schedule for days off.

    All students must have an active YMCA membership to enroll in the program. Registration packets are available at the Welcome Desk.

  • Pee Wee Sports

    Ages:  3-5 Years Old

    In these clinic-style classes, little athletes will learn the basics of sports such as: football, basketball, t-ball and more! Sport covered changes each program session. We keep the emphasis on fun through fundamental skill-building and group games.

  • Bubble Buddies (Swim Lessons)

    Ages:  3-4 Years Old

    Preschoolers can learn to be comfortable in the water learn skills that will prepare them to advance into Beginner Level swim.  Parents will also learn about water safety topics.  An adult must accompany each child in the water.

  • Beginner Swim Lessons

    Ages:  5+ Years Old

    Swimmers will develop skills in water acclimation and water movement. Instructors will work on building your swimmer’s independence in the pool.

Meet Our Teachers

Miss Emilee Sharisky and Miss Megan Rose are proud to be the Streator Family YMCA’s Early Learning Department teachers. Their classes include: First Steps Discover Time, Talented Twos, and Little Steps Preschool.

Miss Emilee is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education Leadership from Rasmussen University. Miss Megan graduated in 2022 from Illinois State University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education.

Together, their passion and dedication to shaping young minds sets our Early Learning Programs apart in the Streatorland community.

Early Learning Contact