Our Early Learning Academy has 2 locations at both Central Branch in Plano, IL and West Branch in Sandwich, IL.

We offer a full day / full year ages 0-3 years licensed program for Infants, Toddlers, and Twos where our highly trained and qualified teachers provide individualized care, create environments that support and encourage exploration, ensure children's health and safety and develop partnerships with families.

INFANTS (6 weeks - 15 months; 1:4 Ratio)
In the infant classroom, our primary emphasis is meeting the infant’s daily needs and providing a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment. Children are provided with experiences that foster and develop their cognitive, social/emotional, and motor skills while encouraging their independence. Infants are engaged in developmentally appropriate toys, books, stories, and fingerplays throughout the day. They are learning through routines and attachments to their caregivers. Infant daily nap and meal schedule are based on the infant’s individual needs.

TODDLERS (16-24 months; 1:5 Ratio)
In the toddler classroom, children are introduced to a more structured and regular routine. Children are provided an environment that encourages exploration and curiosity through child-initiated and teacher-guided activities. Toddlers have opportunities to make choices in art, sensory, exploration, problem-solving, music, books, self-help skills, and interactive play. The toddler classroom provides a rest time as part of the daily schedule.

TWOS (1:8 Ratio)
In the two’s classroom, the children discover a stimulating environment arranged into various interest and learning centers. Our goal for our two-year-olds includes developing valuable self-help skills such as potty training, personal hygiene, dressing self and putting toys away. We also focus on building cognitive skills, such as counting, sorting, recognizing letters, colors, and shapes. Another important skill we work on is interacting with others. We have many opportunities for sharing, listening and taking turns. The two’s classroom provides a rest time as part of the daily schedule.

Click here for our Threes, Fours, and Fives Program

Click here for pricing

If you have any questions about any of the Early Learning Academy (ELA) services, please contact either Senior Child Care Director This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. at (630)552-4100 or ELA West Branch Director This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. at (815) 786-9998.

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Early Learning Academy Daycare Pricing

All branches of Gymnastics and Tumbling help develop motor skills through activities that increase strength, balance and body control.

TINY TYKES (ages 1-2 with parent)
Experience an exciting and playful atmosphere with your little ones while they explore the world of movement. Focusing on basic gymnastics skill and fine motor skill development, balance, and coordination. How tiny’s learn best! 

MINI TYKES (ages 3)
Kids will earn to be independent while practicing proper techniques through specific gymnastic stations and circuits. Learning the basics for vault, walking on beam in different directions, properly holding the bar while holding positions, and starting their rolls, cartwheels, and handstands. 

MIGHTY TYKES (ages 4-5)
Learning through circuits, stations and different props to allow mighties to not only stay on task but also to have fun while learning gymnastics. Promoting strength, balance, coordination, flexibility with all their skills. Learning the basics for vault, walking on beam in different directions, properly hold the bar while holding positions, and starting their rolls, cartwheels and handstands. Progressive gymnastics skills (Beginner-Intermediate) are introduced and developed as the gymnast’s skill level improves.

BEGINNER (ages 6+)
For anyone with little to no experience. Skills include jumps for vault, glide swing, cast, hip pullover, walking on the beam in different directions, rolls, cartwheels, backbend,  and handstands on floor. Preparing you for Advanced Beginner.

ADVANCED BEGINNER
For anyone who has mastered ALL skills from Beginner. Director approval needed. Skills include handstand fall flat, back hip circle, bar dismount, jumps on beam, split jumps, backbend kick over and candlestick forward roll. Preparing you for Intermediate.

INTERMEDIATE
For anyone who has mastered ALL skills from Beginner and Advanced Beginner. Director approval needed. Skills include: jump to handstand fall flat, shoot through, mill circle, cut back, levers on beam, half turns, stretch jumps, cartwheel to handstand, leaps on floor, back walkovers on floor. Preparing you for Pre-team.

Click to register for classes.

Fox Valley Flyers Competitive Team

For class times and descriptions download our program guide.

*Advancement from each level may take anywhere from three months to two years, depending on the individual gymnast. The Y reserves the right to move gymnasts to the appropriate levels, combine classes, cancel classes, and change times during the course of all sessions.

In anticipation of Summer Day Camp, we want you to get to know some of our counselors! So, we're featuring counselors who have gone above and beyond. These are counselors who are loved by camp kids, Y staff and have achieved success outside of the Y. Whether it be in academics, sports and/or community outreach.

SUMMER CAMP STAFF: MEET KASSIDY!
The Y has always been a positive part of Kassidy’s life. Starting at the age of 2, Kassidy began daycare at the Y and continued through her preschool years. As a school age kid, she participated in summer camp and attended the SAFE program. She also took dance lessons, tumbling and swim lessons at the Y. For the last two years working as a SAFE and summer camp counselor, “Y has impacted my decision to pursue a career working with children with special needs.” In the fall, Kassidy will begin college courses at Waubonsee Community College to study Communication and Science Disorders.

Hang-out with Kassidy at Summer Day Camp! Click to find out more.  

SUMMER CAMP STAFF: MEET CORA!
Starting at age six Cora took ballet followed by swim lessons at the Y where she was “able to develop friendships, learn new skills, and be a part of the Y Family,” she says.  Hired as a S.A.F.E. Counselor and summer camp counselor, she saw firsthand kids grow and develop, demonstrating the Y’s core values. “This has made a great impact on my decision to become an elementary teacher, and I will be graduating from Aurora University in May of 2018. As I continue my education, I hope to positively influence the youth in our community, just like the Y has done for me”.

Hang-out with Cora at Summer Day Camp! Click to find out more.  

SUMMER CAMP STAFF: MEET JOE!
The Y has been in Joe’s life since he was just a little guy who could barely tie his shoes. At 7 years old, Joe moved into the area and his mother was looking for ways to get involved in the community.  She registered Joe for multiple programs at the Y including karate, indoor soccer, and basketball. “The Y was responsible for me not only meeting new friends but also for sparking my love of sports,” says Joe.  Fast forward to today where you can find Joe working for our Before & After School SAFE program and this summer will be his 2nd year as a counselor at Summer Day Camp. “SAFE & Summer Camp have been great to me because it lets me make a difference in the kids’ lives, as well as allowing me to feel like a kid again.”  Joe is currently attending Waubonsee Community College focusing on a Nursing Major. “The Y will continue to play a role in my life. I'm very grateful for all the opportunities the Y has given me over the years.”

Hang-out with Joe at Summer Day Camp! Click to find out more.

PRIVATE COACHING
Class is constructed around abilities and taken at a pace that works for the swimmer. Class times are set up between the instructor and the swimmer. Contact Aquatics Director, Kevin Satler at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

Half Hour: $30M/$40NM
One Hour: $60M/$80NM
Package of 6 – 30 minute lessons: $160M / $210NM 

PRIVATE LESSONS
Private lessons are constructed around each swimmers abilities and taken at a pace that works for the swimmer. Class times are set up between the instructor and the swimmer. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to request private lessons. Download the private swim lesson request form here.

Half Hour: $22M / $33NM
Package of 6 – 30 minute lessons: $115M / $175NM
Semi-private lessons: $150M / $230NM

Attachments:

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Private Swim Lesson Form

Welcome Annette Smith to our Arts Department

Annette Smith is excited to start sharing her love and knowledge of theatre and all things dramatic with the Fox Valley Family YMCA community. She started acting at age 5 and found her passion on stage, spending every summer performing at theatre camps. When she reached high school she focused on theatre - beginning to teach at the same summer camp she attended growing up. When she started her time at Illinois State University she focused on acting and theatre education, wanting to help future generations find a home either on stage or backstage like she did. She also began her study of Shakespeare at the Illinois Shakespeare Festival. Annette moved to the Fox Valley Area from Chicago with her husband and son to be closer to their family.  She brings her passion for theatre in all its forms, especially Shakespeare and musicals, with her to the YMCA and looks forward to helping build a strong arts department for everyone!

View featured THEATRE WORKSHOPS, including Intro to Theatre and Improv, here.

BIG ENOUGH TO BE FUN, SMALL ENOUGH TO BE QUALITY

The future of fitness, small group training is an affordable way to take advantage of a trainer expertise, creativity, and motivation at a lower cost. Draw from the energy of your group as you push yourself for real results. Small group training is for 4-8 participants creating smaller, intimate classes with more individualized attention. For more Information visit a front desk or email: Central Branch contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., West Branch contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

What can you expect from Small Group Training?

• No Session Dates! We know fitting a workout into your busy schedule is tough and we don't want that to be the reason you're not able to work out. A great convenience of small group training is that you're able to designate start dates and class times with your trainer so that it fits your schedule!
• Think of small group training as a hybrid of personal training and group exercise classes. Benefit from one on one time but within a group of participants who are at your similar fitness level, creating a bond through healthy competition.
• How many participants can I expect? 4-8 participants

*Please note: Small Group Training has replaced Specialty Group Classes such as TRX, F.I.T., Women on Weights, HIIT, Speed & Agility, Senior & Kids Fitness. For more Information visit a front desk or email: Central Branch contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., West Branch contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Click to meet our trainers!

July 15-July 19  |  $25M/$40NM
Ages: 5-7  |  10-11am
Ages: 8-10  |  11-12pm

Flag football clinics are a week-long camp that will emphasize football skills without the hard-hitting of contact football. Clinic training will include: passing, receiving, fly routes, and running drills. This camp is ideal for players interested in learning the fundamentals of flag football and those looking to improve their football skills.

We offer full day or half day licensed programs for children ages three to five years at Central and West Branch. Our preschool program offers quality care in a safe and supportive environment that fosters the emotional, physical, social and cognitive growth of each child. In addition, your child will develop skills to build character values, self-esteem, friendships, and kindergarten readiness skills.

FULL DAY or HALF DAY PRESCHOOL PROGRAM (ages 3-5)
The three to five-year-old classrooms focus on the growth and development of the whole child: physically, intellectually, emotionally and socially. Activities and classroom centers are oriented to the child’s interest and developmental levels. Our three to five-year-olds are able to make choices in a variety of areas including art and sensory activities, dramatic play, stories and books, music and movement, fine and large motor development and much more.

Our program builds the foundation and prepares children for those skills needed in Kindergarten. Math, science, language areas, and pre-reading and writing are emphasized. In addition, children learn important classroom skills such as taking turns, sharing and cooperation as well as learning to develop socially acceptable behaviors and positive social relationships through cooperative play.  

YMCA Youth Membership is included in all of our Preschool options.

Our Preschool Curriculum includes the following areas: Language Development, Creative Experience, Fine and Gross Motor Skills, iPad Technology, Music/Movement, Science and Discovery, Dramatic and Sensory Play.

Preschool events include School Pictures, Holiday Parties, Recreational swimming, End-of-Year Pre-K ceremony, Spring Recital, Local Field Trips, and more. Additional YMCA Benefits include Indoor gymnasium, music and dance rooms, after-school enrichment programs, USDA-approved lunches and snacks, 17-acre outdoor pavilion, indoor pool, two secure and safe outdoor play areas, "Let's Move Initiative," and a gymnastics center.In need of financial assistance? The Y is able to offer help through the generosity of our donors. Call or stop in for details.

In need of financial assistance? The Y is able to offer help through the generosity of our donors. Call or stop in for details.

Click here for information on our before and after school-based program for students in Yorkville, Plano, Sandwich, Somonauk and Newark School Districts.

CENTRAL BRANCH PRESCHOOL
630-552-4100
Center Hours: Monday - Friday 6:30am-6:00pm
To register your child, stop in today! Contact Early Learning Academy Director This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (630-552-4100 x230) with questions.

HALF DAY PRESCHOOL - 3-5 years old
Snack will be provided
Monday thru Friday
9-11:30 am and/or 12:15-2:45 pm

FULL DAY PRESCHOOL - PRE-K
Breakfast, Lunch and Snack will be provided
Monday thru Friday
6:30am-6:00pm

WEST BRANCH PRESCHOOL
815-786-8914
Center Hours: Monday - Friday 6:00am-6:00pm
To register your child, stop in today! Contact Early Learning Academy Director This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (815-786-8914) with questions.

HALF DAY PRESCHOOL - 3-5 years old
Snack will be provided
Monday thru Friday
9-11:30am and/or 12:15-2:45pm

FULL DAY PRESCHOOL - PRE-K
Breakfast, Lunch and Snack will be provided
Monday thru Friday
6:00am-6:00pm

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Thursdays | February 8 - April 5 | $250/team

This league has two divisions: Advanced and Competitive. If you are interested in a fun night of organized co-ed volleyball between novice and intermediate play, the Competitive league is for you. If your skill level is intermediate to advanced play, the Advanced division is what you’re looking for. Teams must consist of at least two females. There is an eight-team max for each division. Want to play but don't have a full team? Contact Sports Coordinator, Ciara Ingram to be placed at 630-552-4100 ext. 224. REGISTER ONLINE or call the front desk at 630-552-4100.

Attachments:

File
Co-Ed Volleyball Rules

Your time is valuable...
Your time is valuable and the world is full of conflicting information regarding exercise. Exercising with a Personal Trainer can change your life. Our trainers have the knowledge and skills to maximize the use of the latest exercise techniques to help you reach your goals, whether you’re trying to lose a few pounds, compete in a triathlon, or just get healthy.

Make the most of your exercise time. Contact the Healthy Living Director, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., to find out how your goals can be reached with the help of a Y Personal Trainer!

click for PERSONAL TRAINING options and pricing

Michelle LeMaistre Michelle has been an instructor for the Y since 2013 specializing in Les Mills classes and group cycling. As the Healthy Living Director, Michelle oversees our chronic disease programs and is passionate about health, wellness and weight management. In addition, Michelle is also a Registered and Licensed Dietitian with experience in both clinical and community environments. Michelle enjoys working with all clients from children to seniors. She has been involved in the healthcare industry since 2005 and brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for personal training. Specializes in: Kids & Senior Fitness,  Weight Management & Nutrition. Education Bachelors of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics Registered and Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist Certifications ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor ACE Certified Personal Trainer Certified LesMills BodyPump and BodyCombat Instructor Certified Cycling Instructor	Jackie Bruns Jackie's love of fitness began 5 years ago when she successfully lost over 100 pounds herself and maintained that weight loss through diet and exercise.  Motivating and helping others achieve their goals is her #1 priority when working with clients.  She also believes that a good workout is a fun one, and strives to maintain that attitude throughout all her classes and work with clients.  In her free time, Jackie enjoys traveling with her husband and 3 children. Specializes in: TRX, Women on Weights, Circuit & HIIT training. Education Bachelors of Psychology Certified Nursing Assistant Certifications NETA Personal Trainer YMCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Instructor Schwinn Certified Indoor Cycling Instructor Certified Les Mills Body Pump, Tone & BodyFlow Instructor SCW Yoga I Instructor	Machele Hill Machele has been in the fitness field for 7 years.   Her training sessions are always designed to help clients work toward their personal fitness goals while being safe and staying within their abilities and range of motion.  Machele lives in Yorkville with her husband and three active children and has a passion for dance. Specializes in: Strength Training, Senior Fitness, TRX, Barre, Balance, Circuit & HIIT training. Certifications NETA Personal Trainer YMCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Instructor AFAA Primary Group Fitness Werq Dance Fitness Certified Instructor Ballet BARRE Certified Instructor
Melissa Wright Melissa lives, dreams and enjoys fitness every day of her life. She fell in love with fitness and wanted to share this with others who want to become better stronger versions of themselves. She believes that finding time for yourself and your health is very important and a great example for family. She has one adult son, two beautiful grandchildren, and an amazing husband. "I would love to help you get started on your fitness journey." Specializes in:  F.I.T.(Functional Interval Training) and Kid & Senior Fitness. Certifications YMCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Instructor Certified Les Mills Body Pump, Body Step, Body Combat, BodyVive and CXWORX Instructor	Amanda Tuftee Her love for fitness brought her to the Fox Valley YMCA 2 years ago where she has also been teaching group fitness classes. She believes it is her job to help others feel good about themselves. She would love to transform the way you think and feel about yourself by helping you on your journey to be the best you yet! Amanda loves spending her spare time with her husband and two children and working in her yard. Certifications YMCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Instructor Certified Les Mills Bodypump and Bodystep Instructor	Kayla Djidic Kayla's love for fitness started after walking into her first Zumba Fitness® class. Shortly after, she became licensed to teach Zumba Fitness® classes in 2012. With the drive to learn more, she is now licensed to teach other Zumba® formats and doesn't plan to stop there. Her goal is to show that anyone can live a healthier lifestyle and that it can be a fun process too. Kayla strives to motivate, reach goals and keep exercise fun. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. Specializes in: Aqua Fitness and HIIT training. Certifications AFAA Certified Personal Trainer AFAA Certified Group Exercise Instructor Licensed Zumba®, Aqua Zumba®, Zumba Gold® and STRONG by Zumba® Instructor
Jessica Divin Jessica has always had a passion for fitness. A former rower turned distance runner, she has been an active member of the YMCA for 3 years and an instructor since 2016. Jessica believes that exercise is as beneficial to emotional well being as it is to physical health. She strongly feels that exercise should be an activity that you look forward to and part of your daily life! Residents of Yorkville for over 10 years, Jessica and her husband stay busy with their 3 children. Certifications NETA Certified Personal Trainer Schwinn Certified Indoor Cycling Instructor	Mike Click You could say that Mike has been a fanatic of fitness most of his life.  He grew up playing sports, from baseball and basketball, to track and field and swimming.  After swimming competitively, he moved into the world of triathlons, where he found a new passion that led to competing in a half Iron Man.  Being a parent, Mike understands the juggle of finding time to take care of yourself and wants to assist others in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.  He believes that instead of training for a specific event, that you should approach fitness more as “training for life.” Specializes in: Lifting, Swim Conditioning, Speed & Agility. Certifications YMCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Instructor	Rachel Toftoy  Rachel is a passionate Certified Personal Trainer, her role is to motivate, enable and make training a fun and rewarding experience.  Rachel’s training philosophy is that everyone is different, but anyone can benefit greatly from training.  Training can vastly improve your health, performance, mood, and overall quality of life.  In her free time, she loves to spend quality time with her husband and 2 boys. Certifications: NETA Personal Trainer AFAA Group Fitness Instructor WERQ Dance Fitness Certified Instructor Barre Fitness Certified Instructor
Nikki Blocker Nikki began her career as a fitness instructor at the Fox Valley Family YMCA West Branch in June of 2014.   Seeing the benefits of bringing physical health and emotional health together, Nikki decided to enroll in iPEC, the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching.  In March of 2016, Nikki received her designation as a Certified Professional Life Coach and Energy Leadership Master Practitioner.  Nikki’s favorite part of her job is connecting and encouraging our members.  She enjoys the family atmosphere and friendships that have developed with members and staff.  Nikki has been married to her high school sweetheart for 24 years and is the mom of two witty college boys.  She has 4 marathons under her belt and currently hits the pavement to walk with her dog, Sandy. Specializes in: TRX, HIIT and Senior Fitness. Certifications ACE Certified Personal Trainer SCW Yoga, Foam Rolling and Nutrition, Metabolism and Hormones Training TRX Suspension Training YMCA Group Exercise and Enhance Fitness	Meagan Toto  Maegan's passion for all things fitness began 2 years when she decided to make a big change. Maegan committed herself to a diet and exercise routine that eventually led to losing 180 pounds! By sharing her story with her clients, she hopes to inspire and motivate people to achieve their own goals no matter how big or small. In her free time, she enjoys quality time with her 5 kids, dancing, and running. Specializes in: Kids Fitness. Certifications SCW Personal Trainer YMCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Instructor Licensed Zumba Instructor	George Burns George discovered fitness when he was diagnosed with a chronic arthritis condition and his doctor recommended he work on losing some weight to feel better. Over the last 6 years, he has been able to quit smoking, lose weight, put on muscle and discover fitness was not only a choice but also a lifestyle that pays more in dividends than he ever imagined. George started running in 2012, starting with a Walk2Run program that led to other races before completing a full marathon. He also joined the YMCA and began taking group fitness classes. He loved the group fitness environment and decided to become an instructor, as well as a Personal Trainer. He is here to help anyone on their fitness journey – from the first day making a choice to live a healthier lifestyle to increasing athletic ability to conquer their next goals. Outside of fitness, George is an Insurance Executive in Oak Brook. In his free time, George enjoys spending time with his husband Tom and daughter Sophia, amongst other hobbies. Specializes in:  F.I.T. (Functional Interval Training), Kids Fitness, Speed & Agility. Certifications NETA Certified Personal Trainer Schwinn Certified Indoor Cycling Instructor
Dina Stupec Dina is passionate about the importance of exercise. She trains people at all fitness levels incorporating  resistance and cardio into each workout. Specializes in:  F.I.T. (Functional Interval Training).	Jenny Miller Jenny believes that everyone should find a fitness program they enjoy. Her goal is to create a positive and fun atmosphere for her clients, as well as use her knowledge and experience to equip them with the skills to help them achieve their health and fitness goals. Specializes in: Cardio Conditioning and Weight Training.