Early Childhood Education

The Tom A. Finch Community YMCA is now a classroom location for NC Pre-K through Smart Start of Davidson County. Smart Start is a statewide initiative that helps working parents pay for child care and resources like NC Pre-K. NC Pre-K is a program to provide educational experiences for 4 year olds that will enhance their school readiness.

Program Time:

8:00am-2:30pm | Mondays-Fridays following the Davidson County School calendar for 2026-2027 school year

Last Day of School is May 21, 2027

2026-2027 Supply List

2026-2027 Daily Schedule

2026-2027 Handbook

Questions? Contact Emily Palmer, NC Pre-K Teacher, at Emily.Palmer@MyYNow.org or at 336-474-5248.

• When will I know where my child is going for NC-PreK?
  • Smart Start will contact the Y about one week before school starts to provide us with the list of children attending the program. We will contact those parents to let them know about their placement.
  • Must have a Child Medical Report completed by a pediatrician and up-to-date immunizations.
• If applying through the YMCA for Preschool, you will know as you register if there are spots available.
  • Tom A. Finch YMCA Rate: $800/month
  • Non-Members: $867/month
  • Payments are due by the 19th of each month.
• Will NC Pre-K & Preschool have a staggered entrance?
  • Yes, we will plan to do a staggered entrance, which means all the children will not start on the same day. When parents are contacted, they will be notified of their child's scheduled start.
  • August 25, 26, 27, 2026
• Will there be Meet the Teacher?
  • Yes, we will have a Meet the Teacher night on August 24, 2026. This is a required meeting. Classroom supplies can be dropped off during this meeting.
• Will the YMCA serve lunch to NC Pre-K & Preschool students?
  • Yes, we will serve a 5-component meal and snack each day. Children may also bring their lunches if they prefer. We will have a refrigerator for those lunches, but will NOT have a way to heat food.
• Will the YMCA provide transportation?
  • No, we will not be able to provide transportation. Parents will drop their child off each day between 7:45am-8:00am and pick up between 2:15-2:30pm. More information about this procedure will be provided to parents at Meet the Teacher.
• How many children will be in the classroom?
  • There will be at most 15 children.
• What curriculum will the YMCA use?
  • Creative Curriculum
• Does the YMCA offer Before and After-School care for NC Pre-K?
  • We will NOT be able to provide Before School Care. We will be able to provide After School Care called Wrap Around Care. There will be a $300 fee per month per child for Tom A. Finch Community YMCA members and a $340 fee per month per child for Non-Members.
  • Limited to 9 spots.
• Does the YMCA offer Financial Assistance for NC Pre-K and Wrap Around Care?
  • Yes! Please contact Tracy Ballard, Director of Youth Development, at Tracy.Ballard@MyYNow.org or at 336-474-5240 for more information on how to apply.
• How old does my child need to be to participate in NC Pre-K & Preschool?
  • Children must be 4 years old by August 24, 2026.
• Does my child have to be potty-trained?
  • Yes! We are unable to assist with toileting.
• How can I register my child for NC Pre-K?
  • Applications must be sent to Smart Start who will place children in their various locations.