Preschool | YMCA of Portsmouth

Preschool for Ages 2–5

We offer safe, affordable and high quality care year-round at the YMCA of Portsmouth, located on High Street in Portsmouth, VA. Enrollment is open year round, as long as space is available.

Hours:
Full Day: Monday–Friday, 6am to 6pm

Location Info

Sample Daily Schedule

Arrival & Early Free Play	Children settle in with quiet, independent activities like books, puzzles, and table toys.
Free Play & Transition Activities	Calm activities help children prepare for the structured day ahead.
Morning Snack	A healthy snack that supports independence, social skills, and good nutrition.
Morning Circle Time	Group time for songs, stories, and introducing the day’s theme.
School Begins: Learning Centers & Small Group Activities	Hands-on centers (literacy, math, science, art, dramatic play) led by teachers to support learning.
Outdoor Play & Gross Motor Activities	Active play outside or in the gym builds coordination, teamwork, and motor skills.
Teacher-Led Group Learning	Structured STREAMin³ activities like science, music, or social-emotional learning.
Lunch	Nutritious meal shared together to build independence and social skills.
Rest/Quiet Time	Children nap or enjoy quiet activities to relax and recharge.
Afternoon Snack	A light snack helps children refuel for the rest of the day.
Afternoon Learning Centers & Exploration	Continued learning through art, sensory play, and collaborative activities.
School Ends: Outdoor Play & Movement Activities	Outdoor games and free play to end the school day with movement and fun.
Extended Care: Free Play & Enrichment Activities	Choice-based enrichment like crafts, STEM, and dramatic play.
Final Dismissal	Children are picked up and head home for the day.

Meet the Director: Katrina Lamb

Katrina Lamb has been a part of the YMCA family for 14 years and stepped into the role of Director in October 2025. Prior to this, she served as a Lead Preschool Teacher, giving her firsthand insight into the classroom experience. While Katrina initially joined the YMCA as a job opportunity, she quickly developed a deep passion for early childhood education and the positive impact the organization has on young families.

Today, Katrina remains dedicated to the YMCA not only for the flexibility it provides her own family, but also for the opportunity to support the families she serves. She is committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and developmentally appropriate environment where every child can thrive.

Katrina works closely with our teaching staff to foster a learning environment that supports children's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. She looks forward to empowering both our teachers and students to reach their highest potential while ensuring a safe, nurturing, and engaging classroom experience for your children.

WEEKLY RATES

Tuition is paid weekly by automatic draft from your preferred credit or debit card on Mondays, 14 days in advance of the school week begin date. A $100 enrollment fee is due at registration.

Classroom	YMCA Members	Community
2-Year Old Classroom	$210/week	$265/week
3-Year Old Classroom	$195/week	$250/week
4-Year Old Classroom	$195/week	$250/week

Classroom placements are based on your child’s age at the start of the academic year. Children progress to the next age group each fall. Your child must be at least 2 years old to enroll.

Need help paying for preschool?
The Y provides income-based rates for preschool through its Open Doors financial assistance program, accepts payment assistance from the Virginia Department of Social Services, and is an approved community provider for Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood assistance.

Preschool Closures