YMCA Inspire Preschool & Early Childhood Care offers continuous enrollment throughout the year, based on classroom availability and licensed capacity. Families are encouraged to register as early as possible, as classroom spaces may fill quickly.
Before beginning care, families must complete the registration and enrollment process, including all required preschool paperwork and health documentation. An annual $100 non-refundable registration fee is required prior to enrollment unless the family is using authorized CCAP.
Families participating in Colorado Universal Preschool (UPK) must also complete the required UPK enrollment process and receive placement with the YMCA Inspire Preschool program.
We understand that plans can change. If you need to cancel your preschool enrollment, please contact the Business Office.
Cancellation requests submitted at least two weeks in advance are eligible for a full refund, minus any non-refundable registration fees or deposits.
Each day at YMCA Inspire Preschool is planned to balance learning, play, movement, creativity and connection. While daily schedules may vary slightly by location and classroom, children can typically expect a day that includes:
Arrival, greeting and choice activities
Morning meeting and group time
Hands-on learning through Creative Curriculum activities
Handwriting Without Tears activities that support early writing, letter formation, fine motor development and pre-writing skills
Literacy, math, art, sensory and nature-based learning experiences
Outdoor exploration and gross motor play
Morning and afternoon snacks
Lunch
Rest or quiet time
Small-group and individual learning opportunities
Music, movement, dramatic play and classroom learning centers
Social-emotional learning and opportunities to build independence
End-of-day choice activities and family pick-up
Outdoor-based learning is woven throughout the day whenever possible, giving children opportunities to explore nature, observe plants and animals, investigate natural materials, and build curiosity about the world around them.
Our preschool classrooms follow a consistent daily routine while still allowing teachers to adjust activities based on the needs, interests and developmental levels of the children. Each day gives children opportunities to learn through play, build friendships, develop independence and grow academically, socially, emotionally and physically.
Group sizes are determined by the ages of the children, classroom capacity and Colorado child care licensing requirements. YMCA Inspire Preschool maintains required staff-to-child ratios to provide a safe, supportive and engaging learning environment.
Ratios vary by age, beginning at a minimum of 1 teacher for every 5 infants and increasing gradually as children get older. Preschool classroom ratios generally range from 1:8 to 1:12, depending on the ages of the children.
For classrooms participating in Colorado Universal Preschool (UPK), staffing follows the required UPK ratio of 1 teacher for every 10 children.
Classroom enrollment may also be smaller than the maximum allowed based on licensed room capacity, staffing and the needs of the children.
Our preschool teachers are caring, experienced early childhood professionals who complete YMCA and state-required training before working with children.
Staff complete required background checks and maintain CPR and First Aid certification. Teachers also receive ongoing training in areas such as child development, health and safety, emergency procedures, positive behavior guidance, social-emotional development, trauma-informed care, inclusive practices, mandated reporting, and early childhood teaching strategies.
Teachers also complete required professional development through Colorado’s early childhood training system and continue building their skills throughout the year.
Many of our teachers bring years of experience working with young children and are committed to creating safe, nurturing, and engaging preschool classrooms.
Yes. An annual, non-refundable registration of $100 is required at the time of registration to secure your child’s spot.
Yes. YMCA Inspire Preschool accepts Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for eligible families.
We also participate in Colorado Universal Preschool (UPK). Eligible families may receive state-funded preschool hours through UPK, which can help reduce the cost of care depending on the child’s approved placement and number of funded hours.
Families using CCAP or UPK may still be responsible for any remaining tuition or fees not covered by their authorization or award. Our Business Office can help families understand how their benefits apply to preschool tuition.
Financial assistance is also available for families that do not qualify for CCAP but still need support.
To help your child have a comfortable and successful day, please send them with:
A labeled water bottle
A nut-free lunch packed in a lunch box with foods that do not need refrigeration and do not need to be heated
A complete change of clothes, including underwear and socks
A small blanket for rest time
A small stuffed animal or comfort item for rest, if needed
Comfortable, closed-toe shoes for playing and exploring
Weather-appropriate items such as a jacket, hat, or sun hat
Please label all belongings with your child’s name so we can help everything make its way back home.
The YMCA provides two snacks each day and sunscreen for outdoor play.
We ask families to leave special toys, electronics and other valuables at home unless requested by your child’s teacher.
Business Office General Inquiries
Program Registration, Membership Processing, Billing, Financial Assistance, CCAP, Etc.