YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas
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Program Highlights

  • Enrollment: Serves up to 65 children daily across 6 classrooms, each with 8-12 students.
  • Inclusive Approach: Over 50% of students have developmental delays, creating a diverse learning environment where children of all abilities grow together.
  • Classroom Structure: Organized by age (6 months to 6 years) and educational needs, with a 1:3-4 adult-to-child ratio. Each classroom has a lead teacher (Master’s degree or pursuing one) and two instructional teacher assistants.
  • Individualized Education: Children receive up to 6,000 hours of instruction, intervention, and therapy by age six, preparing them for mainstream kindergarten and beyond.

Daily Routine & Therapy

  • Includes individual and group activities, gross motor play (indoor/outdoor), therapeutic services, lunch, and rest.
  • Therapies are integrated into daily routines, ensuring consistent skill development. Therapists collaborate with families and teachers for tailored recommendations.

Year-Round Schedule

Aligns with local school district calendars. Breaks include:

  • 1 week in spring
  • 2 weeks in June
  • 3 weeks in August
  • 1 week at Thanksgiving
  • 3 weeks in December/January

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–2:30 PM. After-care is available from 2:30 PM–5:30 PM through the YMCA.

Why Rise?

  • A proven model of inclusion, fostering academic growth, independence, and empathy in all students.
  • Exceptional adult-to-child ratios and comprehensive therapies promote optimal development.
     
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