Early Childhood Development
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A STRONG START FOR EVERY CHILD

More than childcare. A foundation for lifelong learning.

Choosing the right early learning environment is one of the most important decisions you will make as a parent. At the Forchetti Family YMCA Center for Early Learning, we create a safe, loving place where children feel known, supported, and excited to learn.

MORE THAN A PRESCHOOL

A place to learn, play, grow and belong

Our classrooms support the whole child through hands-on discovery, purposeful play, meaningful relationships, and positive values.

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Flexible early learning options for your family.

Full Day Program

Our full day program provides year round care and education for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years in a structured, nurturing environment focused on school readiness and whole child development.

  • Year round enrollment
  • Full day care and early education
  • Children ages 6 weeks to 5 years
  • State licensed classrooms
  • Paths to Quality Level 3 Provider
  • Meals and snacks included

Half Day Program

Our half day program offers a fun and engaging preschool experience for kids ages 3-5 that helps children build confidence, friendships, and kindergarten readiness skills while following the Duneland School Corporation calendar.

  • Located at Trojan Learning Center 
  • Weekly swim lessons included
  • Follows the Duneland School Corporation calendar
  • Hands-on, play-based curriculum
  • Caring, experienced teachers

Forchetti Family YMCA Center for Early Learning

270 E Burdick Rd Chesterton, IN 46304

Trojan Learning Center 

601 W Morgan Ave.  Chesterton, IN 46304 Door #9
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We’ve earned the trust of parents by being more than just a babysitter; we provide a nurturing place for your children to play, learn and grow.

OUR CLASSROOMS

In our infant care rooms, staff members build positive individual relationships with at least one adult for every four infants. Our goal is to create a strong partnership and incorporate parental care requests in the development of healthy, thriving children.

YOUR INFANTS DAY

Your child is truly unique and days are tailored to suit each child’s individual schedules and needs.

  • The day begins with a welcome, and teachers create an environment for a smooth transition from home.
  • Throughout the day, infants engage in active learning. Together, we explore different environments that include blocks, toys, games, imitation, art, sensory, music and the outdoors.
  • When it’s time to send children off for the day, our staff assists children in a smooth transition out of the classroom. Parents receive information and updates on how the day went for your infant.

FACILITIES

Our clean, bright and cozy infant room has state of the art furniture, toys and equipment needed for your baby to play, nap, be fed and diapered properly in a calming, comfortable, safe and secure environment. Each child receives his or her own crib and cubby to store items. Mothers may choose to provide their own milk or stop in anytime during the day to nurse in our nursing room. Our center is licensed and meets strict standards as set forth by, Paths to QUALITY™, Indiana’s Child Care Quality Rating and Improvement System.

Toddlers receive guidance and support from a warm, caring staff. Classroom experiences help toddlers learn through play as they navigate social situations, investigate cause and effect relationships, and build essential early language and motor skills in a nurturing environment that includes at least one adult for every seven toddlers.

YOUR TODDLER’S DAY

Once the day begins, kids participate in:

  • Large-group learning to explore areas of daily life, weather, letter, numbers and colors
  • Small-group learning, which expands on concepts shared in the large group and works to serve more individual needs
  • Interest-based learning that helps toddlers make their own choices
  • Several transitions (washing hands before a meal, stories before nap time, etc.) that form a predictable routine, which helps toddlers feel secure, learn and socialize. Through transitions, children learn social skills and develop self-help abilities.

At the end of the day, our staff assists children in a smooth transition out of the classroom. You’ll get information and updates on how the day went for your toddler.

AREA OF FOCUS

  • Literacy – building vocabulary, language use and communication skills
  • Mathematics – basic counting and patterns
  • Science – developing an awareness of the world, people and technology around us
  • Social Studies – beginning awareness of people and places
  • Arts – beginning enjoyment of dance, music and visual art
  • Healthy Habits – Learning about healthy eating and personal safety
  • Body, Mind and Spirit – developing social skills while promoting core values

With at least one adult for every 10 preschoolers, your child will get the attention they need as they gear up for more structured classroom experiences.

YOUR PRESCHOOLER’S DAY

When children arrive, teachers create an environment for a smooth transition from home. Once the day begins, kids participate in:

  • Large-group learning to explore areas of daily life, weather, letter, numbers and colors
  • Small-group learning, which expands on concepts shared in the large group and works to serve more individual needs
  • Interest-based learning that gives preschoolers the opportunity to make their own choices
  • Several transitions (washing hands before a meal, stories before nap time, etc.) that form a predictable routine, which helps preschoolers learn social skills and develop self-help abilities

At the end of the day, our staff assists children in a smooth transition out of the classroom. Parents get information and updates on how the day went for your preschooler.

AREA OF FOCUS

  • Literacy building writing skills – increased vocabulary, letter formation, interactive writing and name recognition
  • Literacy pre-reading skills – shared reading, letter recognition, rhyming and alliteration
  • Mathematics developing skills – understanding number concepts, counting, shape sorting, matching patterns and relationships
  • Science – understanding of physical, life and environments
  • Social studies – understanding of people, places and environments
  • Arts – knowledge and understanding of dance, music, drama, and visual arts
  • Technology – awareness and beginning basis of tools and technology 
  • Social and emotional development – recognizing feelings, building peer relationships and exploring solutions to conflict
  • Physical skills development – large and fine motor skills,
  • Healthy habits – understanding healthy eating and personal safety, while building lifelong enjoyment of physical activities
  • Body, mind and spirit – developing social skills, core values and a foundation for social responsibility

With at least one adult for every 10 preschoolers, your child will get the attention they need as they gear up for more structured classroom experiences. During our time together, students in our Fours and Fives Classrooms develop a passion for learning and experience a true sense of achievement in literacy, math, science, social studies, arts, technology and healthy habits.

YOUR PRE-KINDERGARTENER’S DAY

When children arrive, teachers create an environment for a smooth transition from home. Once the day begins, kids participate in:

  • Large-group learning to explore areas of daily life, weather, letter, numbers and colors
  • Small-group learning, which expands on concepts shared in the large group and works to serve more individual needs
  • Interest-based learning that gives preschoolers the opportunity to make their own choices
  • Several transitions (washing hands before a meal, stories before nap time, etc.) that form a predictable routine, which helps preschoolers learn social skills and develop self-help abilities

At the end of the day, our staff assists children in a smooth transition out of the classroom. Parents receive information and updates on how the day went for your preschooler.

AREA OF FOCUS

  • Literacy building writing skills –  increased vocabulary, model writing, and letter practice
  • Literacy pre-reading skills – interactive reading, book knowledge, print knowledge and take home family activities
  • Mathematics developing skills – exploring concepts of addition, subtraction and classification, structured activities and math games
  • Science – understanding of physical, life and environments
  • Social studies – understanding of people, places and environments
  • Arts – knowledge and understanding of dance, music, drama, and visual arts
  • Technology – awareness and beginning basis of tools and technology 
  • Social and emotional development – problem solving with peers, building peer relationships, developing self-regulation, understanding social cues
  • Physical skills development – large and fine motor skills, CATCH activities
  • Healthy habits – understanding healthy eating and personal safety, while building lifelong enjoyment of physical activities
  • Body, mind and spirit – developing social skills, core values and a foundation for social responsibility

OUR STAFF

Our early childhood development staff are experienced, trained professionals chosen for their warmth, creativity, experience with children, and commitment to excellence. We employ individuals who are nurturing, understand child development, and respect each child. We seek employees who value working as a team with parents, colleagues, and volunteers. Our staff environment encourages mutual respect for each individual’s personal characteristics and teaching style, opportunities for shared leadership, and provision for providing professional growth.

The YMCA has a training series to advance the knowledge and development of all levels of staff. Mandatory YMCA training for child care staff includes first aid, CPR and Child Abuse Prevention.

I’ve been with the Duneland Family YMCA for 11 years as the Lead Infant Teacher, and I feel honored to care for children during such an important stage of their development. I’m passionate about creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where babies can explore, grow, and reach milestones at their own pace. As a mother of three, I understand the trust families place in us and strive to build strong relationships through open communication, patience, and compassionate care. I believe every child deserves individualized attention, and I’m grateful to be part of each baby’s early learning journey.

I’ve been with the Duneland Family YMCA for five years and hold a degree in Early Childhood Education. As a mom of three wonderful children, I’ve always had a passion for working with young learners. Growing up in my mom’s home childcare, I loved helping care for the children and saw firsthand the positive impact a caring teacher can have.

I strive to create a safe, nurturing environment where children can learn and grow through hands-on experiences, exploration, and making their own choices. My goal is to help each child grow academically while modeling kindness, respect, and positive behavior, encouraging them to become confident, caring individuals.

I’ve been working with children for more than eight years through the YMCA, nannying, and tutoring, and I feel fortunate to be one of the One-Year-Old Lead Teachers at the Duneland Family YMCA. My teaching philosophy is to follow each child’s lead, helping them discover and develop their unique strengths.

I love sharing my sense of adventure, curiosity, and creativity with young children. Whether we’re reading stories, singing songs, creating art, or exploring outdoors, I strive to make every day fun, engaging, and full of opportunities to learn, grow, and discover together.

As the Lead Teacher in the Two-Year-Old Classroom, I love helping little learners grow through play, creativity, exploration, and everyday discovery. With experience caring for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and as a former paraprofessional, I’m passionate about creating a warm, safe, and nurturing environment where children can build confidence, develop social skills, and have fun learning.

I enjoy incorporating outdoor play, music, crafts, and hands-on activities into each day. Building strong relationships with families is just as important to me as supporting every child’s unique learning journey. Outside the classroom, I’m a proud mom of three daughters, grandmother of four, and dog mom to a playful Bernese Mountain pup.

I’ve been with the Duneland Family YMCA Forchetti Center for more than five years as one of the Two-Year-Old Lead Teachers. With a degree in Early Childhood Education from Purdue University and more than 25 years of experience, I’ve had the opportunity to work with children of all ages, giving me a strong understanding of each stage of early development.

I love creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging classroom where children can learn and grow through play, music, art, movement, and outdoor exploration. As a mom of two and a proud Gigi, I value building strong relationships with families and working together to provide every child with the individualized care, support, and encouragement they need to thrive.

I’ve been with the Duneland Family YMCA for three years as the Early 3’s Teacher and have more than 13 years of experience in early childhood education. I hold my Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and am passionate about helping young children learn, grow, and thrive.

I believe every child should feel valued, important, and capable. My goal is to create a caring, supportive classroom where children build confidence, develop strong social-emotional skills, and discover the joy of learning through positive experiences each day.

I’ve been working in early childhood education for 10 years and am proud to be the Preschool Teacher at the Forchetti Center. I love creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging classroom where children feel supported, valued, and excited to learn.

I believe play, exploration, and kindness are the foundation of early learning. My goal is to help children build friendships, develop independence, and grow in confidence while fostering a lifelong love of learning. I also value strong communication with families and believe that working together creates the best possible experience for every child.

I’ve spent several years working with young children and am proud to be the Lead Teacher in the Four-Year-Old Classroom. I hold my Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and am passionate about helping children grow through meaningful learning experiences.

I believe education should nurture the whole child—academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. My goal is to help every child build the confidence, curiosity, and skills they need to explore, discover, and become lifelong learners in a fun, supportive environment.

I’ve been with the Forchetti Family YMCA Center for Early Learning for more than 15 years as the Pre-K Teacher and hold my Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. I’m passionate about creating a safe, nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive.

In our classroom, children learn through hands-on activities, play, creativity, music, movement, and plenty of laughter. I believe children learn best through exploration, imagination, and building friendships. My goal is to help every child feel loved, confident, encouraged, and excited to come to school each day. I also value strong partnerships with families, knowing that open communication and teamwork help create the best possible experience for every child.

I’ve been with the Duneland Family YMCA for three years as the Half-Day Pre-K Teacher and have six years of preschool teaching experience. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from St. Xavier University and am passionate about helping children build a strong foundation and a lifelong love of learning.

In our half-day program, children ages 3–5 learn through hands-on activities, play, and meaningful social interactions. I strive to create a safe, happy, and engaging classroom while building strong partnerships with families through open communication. My goal is for every child to feel confident, supported, and excited to come to school each day.

I’ve been with the Duneland Family YMCA for more than five years as a Half-Day Pre-K Teacher and hold a degree in Early Childhood Education. I’m passionate about creating a safe, nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and build confidence.

In our half-day Pre-K program, children learn through hands-on activities, creative play, and meaningful social interactions. I value strong relationships with families and believe communication and teamwork are key to helping every child succeed. My goal is to create a positive, engaging classroom where children can explore, discover, and have fun every day.