For the last five years, my family has utilized the Mon Valley YMCA for various reasons. Before we had kids, my husband and I joined the YMCA to improve our health and fitness. As the years went by, we grew our family and added our children to our membership so they could also reap the benefits. Now, years later, we still use the Mon Valley YMCA for its gym area and group fitness classes, but we also rely on it for our children’s preschool classes.
Like any parent sending their child off to school for the first time, I was nervous about how they would handle the adjustment from being at home all day to being in a structured environment. Much to my surprise, our oldest son, who has been attending the Mon Valley YMCA preschool for the last couple of years, handled the transition well. He always comes home talking about his new friends and his wonderful teachers.
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Programs & Services
Preschool:
Our oldest son currently attends the Mon Valley YMCA three-day preschool program. This will be his third year at the YMCA in this program. The teachers he currently has, and the ones he has had in the past, are absolutely amazing. When my son was only three years old, he was having a rough time, and his teachers, Miss Katie and Miss Danielle, helped him through his tough feelings and redirected him back into the day’s activities. They take the time to get to know the children personally and make everyone feel included.
Academically, we have seen a tremendous improvement in our son’s knowledge of numbers, letters, shapes, and writing. They have a great curriculum that teaches the basics and helps prepare the children for kindergarten. Our son also requires additional support through speech therapy (provided through the Intermediate Unit), and the YMCA allows his speech therapist to come to his class for sessions without interrupting his day. The teachers at the Mon Valley YMCA have the required credentials and certification needed to teach a more in-depth curriculum to their students.
To check eligibility for your child to enroll in the Mon Valley YMCA preschool program, visit their site HERE.
Fitness Programs:
While my husband and I typically use the gym for our independent workouts, the Mon Valley YMCA offers numerous fitness classes throughout each day, which are free for members and available for a small fee for non-members. They have just launched a new interactive app to easily check the schedule of fitness programs. Click to download it here: ANDROID || APPLE
Community Events:
Throughout the year, the Mon Valley YMCA hosts a wide variety of events and activities to encourage community togetherness and fun! Some of our favorite events include the Easter Egg-travaganza, family fun nights, and Doggie Paddle Days at the end of every summer. (Who doesn’t love events that include their furry family members?)
Youth Programs:
Another great aspect of the Mon Valley YMCA is their youth programs. This past summer, our oldest son attended the Little Summer Camp a few times and absolutely loved it. Every day he came home excited about all the fun activities he did at camp, especially swimming in the outdoor pool.
The Mon Valley YMCA frequently offers youth programs to encourage kids and teens to be part of something bigger and to get involved in their community. From “First Friends,” a program for babies six weeks and older to engage in activities, to the “Swim Team” and more, there are numerous options and opportunities for kids to get involved.
Facilities
Gym:
In the last year, the Mon Valley YMCA significantly updated their gym area equipment and reorganized it for better flow. They have a variety of exercise equipment, including multiples of the same type, so you can work out without having to wait long. The gym also features numerous treadmills and exercise bikes, as these are popular among members.
Pool:
One of the great benefits of having a YMCA membership is access to their indoor pool year-round and their outdoor pool during the summer months. The outdoor pool also has a smaller pool for little ones. With a YMCA membership, you are eligible for reduced-cost swimming lessons for your children.
Fitness Classes:
Every month, the Mon Valley YMCA publishes a calendar of all the fitness classes available to the community. Members have free access to these classes, while non-members pay a small fee per class. These classes are great because they encourage you to work out more intensely and help you focus on specific areas.
Other Amenities:
There are so many great features at the Mon Valley YMCA, which is why my family and I have been members for so long. We have enjoyed other amenities such as the sauna, hot tub, basketball courts, and much more. They even have a room to rent out for birthday parties and other events that is very cost affordable.
Overall, the Mon Valley YMCA has been an invaluable resource for our family, providing a wide range of programs and facilities that support our health, fitness, and personal growth.
The Mon Valley YMCA has been more than just a gym or a preschool for our family; it has been a community that fosters fitness, learning, and togetherness. The comprehensive range of programs and services has supported our health, education, and social connections, making it an integral part of our lives. Whether you are looking to improve your physical fitness, find quality preschool education for your children, or participate in community events and youth programs, the Mon Valley YMCA offers something for everyone. We are grateful for the positive impact it has had on our family and look forward to continuing our journey with the YMCA for many years to come.
(Pictured above is our oldest son, Tyler with his bestie Ronan from Preschool!)
