The expansion of Parkview Warsaw YMCA’s preschool was recently celebrated with a ribbon-cutting, at which representatives from LaunchPad and the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce were present. Adults pictured left to right are: LaunchPad Director Sherry Searles, Parkview Warsaw YMCA’s Amanda West, Virginia Cox, Krysta Utter, Rachel Hardy, Molly Tyler, Rebecca Elder, Sydney Gause, Stacy Thomas and Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Rob Parker. Photo provided.

News Release

WARSAW — Parkview Warsaw YMCA has expanded its preschool.

The accomplishment was recently marked by a ribbon-cutting, at which the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce and LaunchPad were present.

In the fall of 2020, after seeing the need for more early learning programs in Kosciusko County, the Parkview YMCA opened a half-day preschool for children in the community who were ages 3-5. That program was met with more demand this year, prompting the YMCA to add an afternoon class as well.

Not only has the YMCA increased the number of preschool seats, it also implemented a research-based curriculum called HighScope. This educational approach emphasizes active learning, which means students have direct, hands-on experiences with people, objects, events and ideas.

Children’s interests and choices are at the heart of HighScope programs. They construct their own knowledge through interactions with the world and the people around them. The HighScope educational approach is consistent with the best practices recommended by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

The YMCA’s early education staff attended training over the summer months and will continue to meet regularly over the school year for professional development in a learning community. The training for the YMCA staff was made possible by LaunchPad, with a grant from the Dekko Foundation.