Preschool | YMCA of Portsmouth

Preschool for Ages 3–5

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: Raymeika Bynum-Felton

Raymeika Bynum-Felton Early Childhood Development Director, Portsmouth Preschool Program

Raymeika Bynum-Felton began her journey in early childhood education as a preschool teacher, where her love for nurturing young minds quickly grew into a lifelong calling. With a deep, hands-on understanding of child development and classroom dynamics, she spent years building meaningful connections with children, families, and colleagues, laying the groundwork for compassionate and effective leadership.

Now serving as an Early Childhood Director, Raymeika brings that same passion and dedication to guiding high-quality learning environments. She is known for mentoring educators, supporting strong teacher-family partnerships, and fostering spaces where every child feels safe, supported, and inspired to grow. She leads by example and is committed to equipping her team with the tools, training, and encouragement they need to thrive.

With over a decade of experience in early learning, Raymeika holds multiple certifications and continues to expand her knowledge as a student at Paul D. Camp Community College. Outside of work, she enjoys time with her husband and family, and finds joy in singing, decorating, painting, watching movies, and creating homemade wax melts and other fragrant items.

Raymeika Bynum-Felton is dedicated to creating joyful, enriching early childhood experiences that support the whole child and reflect her belief in the power of care, creativity, and connection.

Preschool Rates

Y Member Weekly Rate:
2-Year Olds: $197
3–5 Year Olds: $181

Regular Weekly Rate:
2-Year Olds: $249
3–5 Year Olds: $234

Enrollment Fee: $100

Weekly payments are automatically drafted from your preferred payment method 14 days before each week of preschool.

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