Join Schedules Registration Program Brochures YMCA360 Donate Online NEW CANAAN YMCA Youth Development Programs Healthy Living Programs Social Responsibility Initiatives Membership Support Our Y About Child Development Rainbow Station Preschool Kids Unlimited After-School Program School Vacation Camp CHILD DEVELOPMENT Rainbow Station Rainbow Station Infant/Toddler & Full-Day Preschool Rainbow Station is a full-day child care program for children 6 weeks through five years of age. The program is located in our Tom Hargrove and Anita Grover, MD Child Development Center and operates on a year-round basis. Hours are Monday-Friday, from 7:30am-6:00pm. We maintain a staff ratio of at least 1:3 for infants, 1:4 for toddlers and 1:8 for preschoolers. Rainbow Station provides a safe, nurturing environment, rich with age-appropriate experiences where children can explore their surroundings and develop at their own pace. Children have the opportunity to develop social, emotional, cognitive, physical, and creative skills. Additionally, nutrition-based lessons and activities are included in weekly curriculum. We offer children spacious indoor and outdoor spaces to explore and learn through play-based curriculum. Additionally, as a benefit of being offered through our Y, Rainbow Station preschoolers are also given the opportunity to experience activities beyond the scope of a traditional childcare program and participate in programs unique to our Y, such as Bouncing Bears gymnastics, music class, and swim lessons. Rainbow Station 5’s Pre-K Program The Rainbow Station 5’s program is specifically designed for children who would benefit from a year of pre-k support, growth, and preparation before entering kindergarten. This program reviews and refines the fundamental skills and play-based learning style taught throughout our Rainbow Station program, with a modified kindergarten curriculum led by a state-certified elementary education teacher. Daily lessons include pre-reading, pre-writing, math, social studies, and science activities. Participants enjoy benefits of the facility including instructional swim lessons, Bouncing Bears time in the Kid Zone, and weekly music and movement classes, which provide a balance between academics and play. Participants must be age 5 by December 31, 2021 Program Dates: Monday, August 30 – Wednesday, June 15, 2022 (follows New Canaan Public Schools academic calendar) Monday – Friday from 7:30 am – 2:30 pm (after school care is available through Kids Unlimited until 6:00pm) Staff-to-child ratio of 1 teacher to 8 children (1:8) Morning/afternoon snacks provided For additional information, contact Heather Dean at 203-966-4528 ext. 113 or by email. Contact Director Current Brochure Register Online Download 2021-2022 Rainbow Station Family Handbook Rainbow Station Covid-19 Response Forms Medication Administration Form Early Childhood Health Assessment Record Form © 2021 New Canaan YMCA | 564 South Avenue New Canaan, CT 06840 | (203) 966-4528