PRESCHOOL PROGRAM

About Our Preschool

At the Riverbrook Regional YMCA Preschool, we believe that children learn best through exploration, discovery, and play. Our state-licensed preschool program for children ages 3-5 provides a warm, nurturing environment where curiosity is celebrated, creativity is encouraged, and every child is supported as an individual learner.

With a low teacher-to-child ratio, our experienced educators create meaningful learning experiences that help children build confidence, develop independence, and establish a lifelong love of learning.

Learning Through Play

Our program is built on the understanding that young children learn most effectively through hands-on experiences and purposeful play. Through free play, children develop critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and social-emotional skills while exploring their world in a way that is natural and engaging.

We invite you to learn more about the value of play by reading This is not just child’s play.

Engaging Learning Environments

Our classrooms are thoughtfully designed with interactive learning centers that inspire exploration and creativity, including:

Art and easel activities
Block building and engineering
Dramatic play
Water and sensory exploration
Library and literacy areas
Math and science discovery centers

Children are encouraged to make choices based on their interests while participating in a healthy balance of child-directed, small-group, and whole-group activities.

Check out our Preschool Calendar 2026-2027

Building Early Literacy Skills

Early literacy is woven throughout our daily program through a whole-language approach that nurtures a love of reading, writing, and communication. Children are introduced to literacy concepts through:

Story time and read-alouds
Songs and rhymes
Letter and word recognition
Writing opportunities
Finger plays and poems
Dictation and storytelling

These experiences help children develop strong listening, speaking, and pre-reading skills that support future success in kindergarten and beyond.

Inspired by Connecticut Early Learning Standards

Our curriculum is guided by the Connecticut Early Learning and Development Standards (CT ELDS) and is designed to support the whole child. Learning experiences encourage growth across all developmental domains, including social-emotional development, language and literacy, cognitive development, and physical well-being.

Healthy Bodies, Active Minds

As part of the YMCA’s commitment to youth development and healthy living, we place a strong emphasis on physical activity and wellness. Children have opportunities to build large motor skills, coordination, and confidence through a variety of enriching experiences, including:

Outdoor play
Swimming lessons
Gym activities
Creative movement
Yoga
Zumba
Music
Cooking classes

These activities help children stay active while fostering healthy habits, teamwork, and self-expression.

A YMCA Community for the Whole Family

Families enrolled in the Riverbrook Regional YMCA Preschool Program have the flexibility to choose the YMCA membership option that best fits their needs and lifestyle, Our preschool program generally follows the Public Schools calendar, providing families with a familiar and convenient school-year schedule.

We are proud to provide a caring, engaging, and enriching preschool experience where children can learn, grow, and thrive every day.

Contact information is at the bottom of the site.

Schedule a Tour Today!

Please contact Kimberly Fejes at 203-762-8384 x293 or at kfejes@riverbrookymca.org

Application and Parent Contract Preschool 26-27

Parent Testimonials

This is our third son we’ve put through the Wilton YMCA Preschool program. We can’t get enough of the incredible teachers and staff! We feel at home at the Y.

Our children all continued to grow and enjoy their time at the Y. They also participated in the swim programs and after school sports activities , which we were so fortunate for. We have and will continue to support the YMCA preschool and all it has to offer.

~Kim L

This was our first time enrolling our son in preschool. We were very nervous at first, but the teachers and the rest of the staff at the YMCA are so incredible and we felt very comfortable within the first week of school. Our son is so excited every morning about going to school. He absolutely adores his teachers. He’s become much more social and confidant since school has started. We are very thankful to have discovered the Y and its extraordinary staff. We highly recommend this preschool.
George and Kyle D.

We have been so happy with the Riverbrook YMCA 3’s and 4’s program. Our daughter loves going to the program. She gets excited to tell us about the things she has learned and activities she has done. She was hesitant to swim but learning at the YMCA she now looks forward to her swim days. The staff has been amazing, and it is evident that they love teaching and caring for young children. We are comforted knowing our daughter is in very capable and caring hands.
Melissa & Will F.

My daughter loves the Riverbrook regional Y nursery school! She first attended as a 3-year-old and is now in the 4s/5s class. She is always excited to go to school and the classroom environment is so warm and loving. Her classmates are often greeting each other with hugs and excited hello’s! All of the teachers and staff take pride in creating a safe, happy, and nurturing environment to support each child’s needs. My daughter’s teachers have been able to strengthen her academic and motor skills significantly without making her feel pressured or frustrated. I also love the “extras” she gets like Zumba, cooking with chef Michael and swim lessons. And, I really appreciate the strong communication between parents, teachers, and the director of the program. The Riverbrook Regional Y is a fantastic program and I am confident that my daughter will leave with the foundation she needs to conquer kindergarten!
Stephanie T.

Our daughter has attended 3 nursery schools in Wilton. We have loved them all but the Riverbrook YMCA is by far our daughter’s favorite. It is a very caring, engaging environment. Our daughter comes home every day to talk about what she learned and who she played with. She loves Chef Michael, Zumba and cannot wait for swimming lessons to start soon. Her confidence as a student has greatly increased. I know her experience will better prepare her for Kindergarten next year. The communication between school and home is wonderful. Parents receive a weekly schedule from the teachers with their lesson plans and Kim, the director, sends emails with reminders and upcoming events. For anyone looking for a preschool, the Riverbrook YMCA is a perfect choice. Thank you for providing such a wonderful, safe, and happy place for our daughter.
Shanan M.

Our family is very happy with the Nursery School at the Riverbrook YMCA. Our 3-year-old daughter is in the 3/4’s class with Miss Patty and Miss Jodie. We were looking to start a preschool program to help her gain confidence and socialization. Within a few weeks she knew all her classmate’s names and came home more verbose than ever. She looks forward to going to school and counts down the weekend until she can return. She has already impressed us with all the new knowledge she has gained. Swim, Zumba and music classes are a huge bonus as she is constantly moving and trying new things. We are confident in the program and know when it’s time for kindergarten she will be ready to thrive!
Garry Family

As newcomers to the town of Wilton, we could not be more pleased with the PreK program that the YMCA offers. Our daughter loves going to school each day and that is largely due to the loving and nurturing environment provided by her teachers. The staff provides her with an early learning foundation delivered in a fun and interactive way. The Director and teachers are always available to answer questions and concerns; the communication is always transparent.

I would highly recommend the Wilton YMCA to parents looking for a PreK program that will truly love and care for their children and provide them with a positive introduction to school.
Marisa R.- 2019-2020

Inclement Weather Policy

When the Wilton Public School closes, the Preschool Program is CLOSED.
In the event of a delayed opening, Preschool will begin later, please see below for times based on WPS’s decision.

Delayed Openings

When there is a delayed opening for inclement weather, for the Wilton Public Schools, the Wilton Family Y Preschool Program opens based on the following delay times:

WPS 1-Hour Delay Start	10:30am start time	10:30-10:40am Drop-Off
WPS 2-Hour Delay Start	10:30am start time	10:30-10:40am Drop-Off
WPS 3 Hour Delay Start	11am start time	11-11:10am Drop-Off

There will be NO swimming on delayed opening days. The dismissal time for all classes remains the same on these days.

If the Wilton Public Schools announce an early dismissal, Preschool will dismiss at 11am. Pick-up will be 11-11:15am.

Please check your local News, email and SportsYou for updates.

Classes and Tuition

3’s Classroom
Days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday or All 5 days
Time: 9:00am– 1:30pm or 9am-3pm
Note: Must be three by 12/31
Ratio 1:6, 12 children in class

4’s Classroom
Days: Monday – Friday
Time: 9:00aam – 1:30pm or 9am-3pm
Note: Must be four by 12/31
Ratio 1:8, 16 children in class

5’s Class
Days: Monday through Friday
Time: 9:00am – 3pm
Note: Must be five by 12/31
Ratio 1:8, 16 children per class

How to Enroll or Schedule a Tour
Please contact Kimberly Fejes at kfejes@riverbrookymca.org, with any questions.

To Enroll, Please complete the application and email kfejes@riverbrookymca.org to submit or drop off at the Y. Subject to space and availability.

Our Teaching Staff

Meet Our Director

Kimberly Fejes, Preschool Director

I joined the YMCA nearly 20 years ago because I was drawn to the sense of community and connection that makes our preschool so special. What began as a teaching role quickly became much more, a place that feels like an extension of my own family.

Over the years, I have had the privilege of serving as both a teacher and now Director of the Preschool and Afterschool Programs. During that time, I have watched hundreds of children learn, grow, and thrive through our preschool, afterschool, and summer camp programs. One of the greatest joys of my career has been partnering with families and witnessing the incredible growth and confidence that develops during these important early years.

I am grateful to be part of a program whose philosophy aligns so closely with my own commitment to educating the whole child. We believe that strong

partnerships between educators and families create the foundation for meaningful learning and lifelong success.

As a Classroom Educator certified in Positive Discipline, I work closely with our teaching team to foster classroom environments built on mutual respect1 creativity, independence, and a positive sense of self. Together, we strive to nurture each child’s natural curiosity, love of learning, and readiness for future educational experiences.

One of my favorite parts of every day is visiting our classrooms and experiencing the magic of early childhood firsthand, whether it’s witnessing an act of kindness between friends, seeing a child’s face light up during an exciting “aha!” moment, or celebrating a new skill mastered independently. These everyday moments remind me why I am so passionate about the work we do and the children and families we serve.

Meet Our Teachers

Miss Patty - 4's Teacher

For almost 20 years, I have had the privilege of teaching preschool at the YMCA, helping young learners grow, explore, and discover the world around them. Every day brings new opportunities to inspire curiosity, build confidence, and create meaningful connections with children and their families.

When I’m not at the Y, I enjoy spending time in Wilton with my husband of 30 years, our three wonderful sons, and our two dogs. I love cooking and baking for family and friends, taking long walks, spending time at the beach (even in the winter!), gardening, and volunteering within the community.

Why I Teach at the Y
I love teaching at the YMCA because it truly feels like the heart of our community. There is always a sense of positive energy, connection, and belonging throughout the building. The Y welcomes everyone and promotes a healthy mind, body, and spirit, creating an environment where children, families, and staff can thrive. Being part of a community that values kindness, wellness, and lifelong learning is what makes the Y such a special place to teach.

Miss Brenda - Pre-K Teacher

I am so excited to be part of the Riverbrook Regional YMCA Preschool family! Supporting children as they learn, grow, and build confidence is incredibly rewarding, and I feel fortunate to be part of such a caring and welcoming community.

When I’m not at the Y, you can often find me volunteering at the Meals on Wheels kitchen, where I help prepare more than 100 sandwiches each week for homebound community members. I also enjoy gardening, working on puzzles, reading, and cheering on the New York Knicks with my family and our German Shepherd puppy, Leo.

Why I Teach at the Y

The YMCA has always been an important part of my life. Growing up in Redding in a big family, with five brothers and two sisters, we spent a lot of time at the Y. Later, as a parent, my own three children enjoyed being part of the Y community as well.

Over the past several years, I have been fortunate to serve the YMCA in a variety of roles, including Child Watch, the Front Desk, and as a substitute teacher in the Preschool Program. These experiences have allowed me to connect with so many wonderful families and see firsthand the positive impact the Y has on our community.

I love that the YMCA is a place where everyone feels welcome, supported, and connected. I am proud to be part of an organization that serves families in so many meaningful ways, and I am thrilled to continue that work as a member of the preschool team.

Miss Carrie - Pre-K Teacher

Welcome to the YMCA Preschool! I have been teaching at the Y for many years and truly love being part of such a vibrant and supportive community. Helping young children discover, explore, and grow is incredibly rewarding, and I feel fortunate to share in those important early learning experiences every day.

When I’m not at the Y, I stay busy as a mom and enjoy reading, baking, watching reality TV, and exploring local trails with my dog, Peppa.

Why I Teach at the Y

After earning my degree in Early Childhood Education, I began my journey at the Wilton YMCA and have had the opportunity to serve in many different roles, including Summer Camp, Kindergarten Enrichment, the 3s Program, the 4s Program, and Pre-K. I have also enjoyed volunteering at many YMCA events throughout the years.

Miss Cecy

I have been part of the YMCA community for several years and feel incredibly proud to work in such a welcoming and supportive environment. As an educator and a lifelong learner myself, I am passionate about helping children grow, discover new interests, and build confidence in their abilities. Watching children develop new skills and celebrate their accomplishments is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.

When I’m not at the Y, I love spending time with my family and am a proud mom of two wonderful children.

Why I Teach at the Y

I am so excited to be your child’s teacher! My goal is to create a nurturing classroom where children feel safe, valued, and excited to learn each day. Together, we will explore, create, discover, and build meaningful friendships while having lots of fun along the way.

I love being part of each child’s journey and helping them grow through hands-on experiences, creativity, curiosity, and play. There is nothing more special than watching children gain confidence, develop independence, and discover the joy of learning in a supportive and caring environment.

Miss Tatiana

Originally from France, I now call Redding home with my American husband and our wonderful son, ,R,.obin. I er1j9yqc;1nc::ing, si11ging, CQQkingL trqy1:=ljng, crafting, and spending time with family and friends. These passions inspire the creativity, energy, and joy that I bring into the classroom each day.

As the Preschool Art Teacher, I am thrilled to begin another school year with your little ones. I believe every child is unique and full of potential, and I love helping them discover their strengths, express their creativity, and build confidence through exploration and hands-on learning.

Why I Teach at the Y

Working with young children is truly a joy. I love creating opportunities for children to develop their interests, strengthen their motor skills, express themselves through art, and gain the confidence to try new things. Watching children grow, learn, and flourish is what makes teaching so rewarding.

I believe that strong relationships are at the heart of a successful preschool experience. In addition to supporting each child’s development, I am committed to building meaningful connections with families. Please know that I am always here to listen, answer questions, and partner with you throughout your child’s preschool journey.

I look forward to a year filled with creativity, discovery, learning, and wonderful memories together!