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 Thomasville City School calendar for 2025-2026 school year

• 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 the list of children attending the program. We will contact those parents to let them know about their placement.
• Will NC Pre-K 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 contact, they will be notified of their child's starting scheduling.
• Will there be Meet the Teacher?
  • Yes, we are aiming to have a Meet the Teacher night towards the end of July. This will be a required meeting for families entering this program.
• Will the YMCA serve lunch to NC Pre-K students?
  • Yes, we will serve a 5-component meal and snack each day. Children may also bring their lunches if the 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 7:45-8:00am and pick up between 2:15-2:30pm. More information about this procedure will be provided to parents at Meet the Teacher night.
• How many children will be in the classroom?
  • There will be at most 9 children.
• What curriculum will the YMCA use?
  • All NC Pre-K classrooms in Davidson County use the same curriculum. Parents can learn more about this at Meet the Teacher.
• 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 $265 fee per month per child for Tom A. Finch Community YMCA members and a $305 fee per month per child for Non-Members.
• Does the YMCA offer Financial Assistance for NC Pre-K Wrap Around Care?
  • Yes! Please contact Ryan Ayscue, Assistant Director of Child Care, at Ryan.Ayscue@MyYNow.org or at 336-474-5256 for more information on how to apply.
• How old does my child need to be to participate in NC Pre-K?
  • Children must be 4 years old by August 31, 2025.
• 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.