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Hurley Ranch YMCA Preschool

Y-Academy Early Learning

8950 West Illini Street
Tolleson, AZ 85353
Director
Esther McCowan
Mon - Fri:
6:30am – 6:00pm
Supporting Children
Ages 1 - 5
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Esther McCowan

Tolleson Center Director

Esther, brings 18 years of expertise in early childhood education, beginning her career as a behavior specialist, where she developed a keen understanding of young children’s diverse needs. She later transitioned to preschool teaching, where her dedication to nurturing young minds truly blossomed. Esther holds a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and is furthering her education with a degree in early childhood education, underscoring her commitment to excellence and professional growth. Passionate about creating enriching learning environments that support each child’s development and well-being, Esther also enjoys sharing laughter, singing, and quality time with her family.

Esther, brings 18 years of expertise in early childhood education, beginning her career as a behavior specialist, where she developed a keen understanding of young children’s diverse needs. She later...

Esther, brings 18 years of expertise in early childhood education, beginning her career as a behavior specialist, where she developed a keen understanding of young children’s diverse needs. She later transitioned to preschool teaching, where her dedication to nurturing young minds truly blossomed. Esther holds a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and is furthering her education with a degree in early childhood education, underscoring her commitment to excellence and professional growth. Passionate about creating enriching learning environments that support each child’s development and well-being, Esther also enjoys sharing laughter, singing, and quality time with her family.
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You Deserve Peace of Mind About Your Early Education Provider

How Your Child Will Be Supported

NURTURING ENVIRONMENT

At our learning centers, we create a warm and welcoming atmosphere where every child feels valued and safe. Our nurturing environment is designed to support your child’s emotional, social, and physical development.

HIGHLY QUALIFIED TEACHERS

Our team of certified teachers brings expertise, passion, and dedication to early childhood education. We understand the pivotal role educators play in shaping young minds.

HOLISTIC CURRICULUM

Our intentional curriculum is thoughtfully designed to promote comprehensive development, balancing structured learning with creative exploration.

  • NURTURING ENVIRONMENT

    At our learning centers, we create a warm and welcoming atmosphere where every child feels valued and safe. Our nurturing environment is designed to support your child’s emotional, social, and physical development.

  • HIGHLY QUALIFIED TEACHERS

    Our team of certified teachers brings expertise, passion, and dedication to early childhood education. We understand the pivotal role educators play in shaping young minds.

  • HOLISTIC CURRICULUM

    Our intentional curriculum is thoughtfully designed to promote comprehensive development, balancing structured learning with creative exploration.

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Curriculum for Well-Rounded Development at Every Age

Award-Winning Creative Curriculum

  • Discoverers

    This image shows a young child engaging in a coloring activity. The child, who is wearing a white t-shirt, is focused

    1
    Age

    In our Discoverers class, your child will enjoy a structured day that prioritizes learning through play done under the tender guidance and nurturing of our caregivers, who provide a solid foundation for a love of learning.

  • Explorers

    This image captures a young child engaged in coloring at a wooden table. The child, with light brown hair, is holding a

    2
    Age

    The Explorers classroom offers structured activities that provide frequent opportunities for language development and meaning-making. Curriculum units cover familiar subject area at an accessible level, introducing your Explorer to early concepts in language, math, science, and the arts.

  • Innovators

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    3
    Age

    The Preschool program emphasizes learning through play and introduces more advanced classroom structures and routines. Circle time, themed learning centers, and skill-based work jobs contribute to students’ social and emotional growth, cognitive skills, and motor development.

  • Scholars

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    4-5
    Age

    Students in this program build a social foundation of knowledge and depart with the confidence and capabilities necessary for a successful transition to kindergarten. Students expand their relational and self-advocacy skills through structured play, group activities, and new opportunities for presentations, music, and art.

A Caring, Welcoming Environment

Snapshots of Life at the Y-Academy @ Hurley Ranch YMCA Preschool

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This image features a young girl sitting at a round table in what appears to be a classroom or a child-friendly learning environment.
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What Parents Are Saying

  • “My daughter has thrived in Y-Academy! She looks forward to going every day and loves the hands-on activities that keep her engaged.”

    – Tiffany M.

  • “The staff at Y-Academy are incredible. They truly care about the well-being and development of every child.”

    – Maria M.

  • “We’re so grateful for the Y-Academy’s supportive environment, where our son is learning and having fun in a safe space.”

    – Destiny J.

  • “Y-Academy has been a game-changer for our family. It provides a structured and enriching program that our kids love.”

    – Jenna C.

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Steps background image

Enroll Today in Three Easy Steps

How the Process Works

1 Step

BOOK A TOUR

Schedule a visit to explore our classrooms and meet our teachers.

2 Step

REGISTER TO SECURE YOUR SPOT

Complete your registration to ensure a place in our program.

3 Step

WATCH YOUR CHILD GROW!

Observe as your child thrives in our nurturing environment.

Schedule A Tour Today!
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Finding the Right Early Learning Program Can Be Difficult

We Are Here to Help

Choosing the right preschool or day care is a really important decision. You deserve peace of mind that your child is getting the nurturing environment they deserve. At our child care centers, we create a warm and welcoming atmosphere where every child feels valued and safe...

Read More

Other Nearby Locations

Explore Additional Y-Academy Centers

Maryvale

3825 North 67th Avenue,
Phoenix, Arizona 85033

Mon - Fri:
6:30am – 6:30pm

Supporting Children
Ages 1 - 5

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Goodyear

2919 North Litchfield Road,
Goodyear, Arizona 85395

Mon - Fri:
6:30am – 6:30pm

Supporting Children
6 Weeks - Age 5

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Downtown Phoenix

350 North 1st Avenue,
Phoenix, Arizona 85003

Mon - Fri:
6:30am – 6:30pm

Supporting Children
Ages 1 - 5

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Tempe

7070 South Rural Road, Tempe, AZ, USA

Mon - Fri: 6:30am - 6:30pm

Supporting Children

Ages 1 - 5

View Location Get Directions

Scottsdale / Paradise Valley

6869 East Shea Boulevard, Scottsdale, AZ, USA

Mon - Fri: 6:30am – 6:30pm

Supporting Children

Ages 1 - 5

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Monterey Park

2301 N 3rd St, Phoenix, AZ, USA

Mon - Fri: 6:30am – 6:00pm

Supporting Children

6 weeks - Age 5

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Mesa

1807 S Sunview, Mesa, AZ, USA

Mon - Fri: 6:30am – 6:30pm

Supporting Children

Ages 1 - 5

View Location Get Directions

Maryvale

3825 North 67th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ, USA

Mon - Fri: 6:30am – 6:30pm

Supporting Children

Ages 1 - 5

View Location Get Directions

Tolleson

8950 West Illini Street, Tolleson, AZ, USA

Mon - Fri: 6:30am – 6:00pm

Supporting Children

Ages 1 - 5

View Location Get Directions

Goodyear

2919 North Litchfield Road, Goodyear, AZ, USA

Mon - Fri: 6:30am – 6:30pm

Supporting Children

6 Weeks - Age 5

View Location Get Directions

El Mirage

12450 West Cinnabar Avenue, El Mirage, AZ, USA

Mon - Fri: 6:30am – 6:30pm

Supporting Children

Ages 1 - 5

View Location Get Directions

Downtown Phoenix

350 North 1st Avenue, Phoenix, AZ, USA

Mon - Fri: 6:30am – 6:30pm

Supporting Children

Ages 1 - 5

View Location Get Directions

Chris-Town

5517 North 17th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ, USA

Mon - Fri: 6:30am – 6:30pm

Supporting Children

6 Weeks - Age 5

View Location Get Directions

Chandler / Gilbert Family YMCA

1655 West Frye Road, Chandler, AZ, USA

Mon - Fri: 6:30am – 6:30pm

Supporting Children

6 Weeks - Age 5

View Location Get Directions

Arcadia

3811 North 44th Street, Phoenix, AZ, USA

Mon - Fri: 6:30am – 6:00pm

Supporting Children

Ages 1 - 5

View Location Get Directions
View All Locations

Frequently Asked Questions

More About Y-Academy

Our Y is committed to supporting families and children in the area; the Early Learning Center provides a nurturing environment where children feel safe and supported while learning, growing, making friends and preparing for the world of kindergarten and beyond. Our core values, caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and safety, are implemented daily in everything we do. The Y is committed to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. We have educated, well-trained employees committed to our cause.

Yes! Schedule a tour today!

Tuition Rates – Each Section:

Due 2 times a month on the 1st & 15th

  • Infants (6 wks – 12 m)
    • Member Rate: $657.50
    • Non-Member: $712.50
  • Preschool 1 yr
    • Member Rate: $527.50
    • Non-Member: $577.50
  • Preschool 2 yr
    • Member Rate: $487.50
    • Non-Member: $537.50
  • Preschool 3 yr
    • Member Rate: $472.50
    • Non-Member: $522.50
  • Pre-k 4-5 yrs
    • Member Rate: $455.00
    • Non-Member: $505.00

  • 6:30 am – 9:00 am: Early Risers Program
    • 6:30 am: Free choice
    • 7:30 am: Breakfast
    • 8:00 am: Gym
    • 9:00 am: Circle (Books, songs, music, and movement)
  • 10:00 am: Snack
  • 10:30 am: Small group
  • 10:45 am: Gym (Group games, gross motor skills)
  • 11:30 am: Lunch pep/wash hands
  • 11:45 am: Lunch
  • 12:30 pm: Nap
  • 2:00 pm: Quiet activities
  • 2:45 pm: Gym
  • 3:30 pm: Snack
  • 3:45 pm: Circle (Books, songs, music, and movement)
  • 4:00 pm: Free choice
  • 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm: Evening Starts Program

  • To enroll, please visit our Early Learning Center in person with the documents listed below.
    • Emergency card
    • Medication form (if applicable)
    • Immunization
    • Best of care form

  • What child safety measures are in place?
    • Weapons are prohibited
    • Staff are certified in the following: First Aid, CPR, Blood Borne Pathogens, Child Abuse Prevention, and are required to take 18 hours of professional development training every year. They also undergo a nationwide criminal background check, and Arizona state background check.
    • All of our staff are mandated reporters by law. If any form of child abuse or neglect is suspected, by law our staff are required to report it verbally to Dept of Child Safety (888-SOS-CHILD) immediately. The staff who reports the incident must also submit a written report to CPS within 72 hours. We are fortunate to employ mature and caring staff, anxious to make your family’s experience as fun, educational, safe, and memorable as possible.

  • The Y is firmly committed to access for all, regardless of family financial situations. The amount of financial assistance awarded each year is dependent on the amount of fundraising and donations received each year.
  • Scholarship form must be fully completed with all information included. Allow a minimum of three weeks for processing. All fees apply as normal until the application has been reviewed and approved. All scholarships are subject to availability of funds.
  • While we are committed to serving everyone, participants are expected to pay a fee based on their financial ability. Anyone is eligible to apply for Financial Assistance and awards are based on a sliding scale that considers household size and income. You may download the application located on our website valleyymca.org/join-the-y/financial-assistance/ and include required documentation and return to the Y.
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YMCA Academy