JAMES FISHER MEMORIAL FOUNDATION YMCA
A Safe, Nurturing Preschool in Ridgeland, SC
Preschool Options Designed for Your Family
Every family’s schedule is different. That’s why Discovery Kids Preschool offers both half-day and full-day enrollment options.
Half-Day Preschool
8:00 AM–11:30 AM
Full-Day Preschool
8:00 AM–3:00 PM
Our program offers rolling admission based on availability and follows the Beaufort County academic school calendar.
Whether your child joins us for a half day or full day, they’ll experience a supportive preschool environment focused on helping them develop the skills, confidence and independence they need for their next stage of learning.
Info at a Glace
Safety You Can Feel Confident About
Your Child's Safety Is Our Priority
Choosing a preschool means trusting someone else with one of the most important people in your life. We take that responsibility seriously.
Discovery Kids Preschool is licensed by the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) and is part of a YMCA committed to rigorous child protection practices through Praesidium Accreditation®.
Our safety practices include:
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Low teacher-to-child ratios that allow for greater supervision and individual attention
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A secure, locked facility
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Authorized pick-up only
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Background-checked staff
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Staff certified in CPR and First Aid
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Regularly conducted emergency drills
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YMCA child-protection policies and procedures
Our goal is to create an environment where children feel secure and supported—and where parents can feel confident about the care their child receives each day.
More Individual Attention
Low Teacher-to-Child Ratios Make a Difference
Young children thrive when the adults caring for them have the opportunity to truly know them.
Our low teacher-to-child ratios allow teachers to provide more individualized attention while building meaningful relationships with each child.
That means more opportunities to recognize individual strengths, provide encouragement, support developing skills and help children become more confident and independent learners.
At our Preschool, your child isn't simply part of a classroom. They are known, supported and encouraged to grow.
Preschool Curriculum & Early Learning
Learning Through Exploration, Play and Purpose
Our preschool curriculum is designed to support the development of the whole child while helping prepare children for a successful transition to kindergarten.
Children participate in age-appropriate experiences focused on:
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Hands-on learning
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Early academic skills
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Social-emotional development
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Communication and language development
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Fine and gross motor development
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Problem-solving and independence
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Kindergarten readiness
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Daily outdoor play
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Creative exploration
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Faith-based enrichment
Learning happens through meaningful experiences that encourage children to explore, ask questions, interact with others and develop confidence in what they can do.
Faith-Based Enrichment
Growing Minds, Character and Confidence
The James Fisher YMCA Preschool incorporates faith-based enrichment throughout the preschool experience.
Along with developing academic and social skills, children are encouraged to practice values such as kindness, respect, responsibility and caring for others.
As part of the YMCA, we believe early childhood education is about more than preparing children academically. It’s about helping children develop the confidence, character and relationships that provide a strong foundation for the future.
Preschool for Ages 2–5
James Fisher YMCA Preschool serves children ages 2 through 5, with expectations and learning experiences designed around each stage of early childhood development.
2-Year-Old Preschool
Our youngest preschoolers receive nurturing support as they build independence, communication skills, social skills and everyday routines.
Potty-training assistance is available for 2-year-olds, with the goal of helping children become increasingly independent by the end of the year.
3-Year-Old Preschool
Our 3-year-old program builds independence while introducing more structured learning, social development and age-appropriate kindergarten-readiness skills.
Children in the 3-year-old program must be fully potty trained.
4/5-Year-Old Preschool
For our oldest preschoolers, there is an increased focus on the skills and confidence children need as they prepare for kindergarten.
Children continue developing academically, socially, emotionally and physically through hands-on learning and purposeful activities.
Children ages 3–5 must be fully potty trained.
Financial Assistance Available
We Believe Preschool Should Be Accessible
The YMCA of the Lowcountry is committed to strengthening our community and helping more families access quality programs.
Financial assistance is available for qualifying families and may help make Discovery Kids Preschool more affordable.
Contact our preschool team to learn more about available assistance and the application process.
How to Enroll in Discovery Kids Preschool
Start With a Preschool Screening
Interested in joining Discovery Kids? Our enrollment process begins with a preschool screening and interview so we can learn more about your child and help determine whether our program is a good fit for their needs.
Your Next Steps
1. Schedule a preschool screening/interview - Meet with our preschool team and introduce us to your child.
2. Receive the preschool director's decision - Our team will follow up after the screening process.
3. Receive your registration invitation - Families accepted into the program will receive information about registration.
4. Complete enrollment paperwork - Submit all required forms and enrollment information.
5. Get ready for the first day of preschool!
Discover the Difference at the James Fisher YMCA
Finding the right preschool is an important decision. At the James Fisher YMCA, families don't have to choose between safety, quality early learning, personal attention and a nurturing environment.
With low teacher-to-child ratios, South Carolina DSS licensing, Praesidium Accreditation®, experienced teachers, hands-on learning, faith-based enrichment and flexible half-day and full-day options, our YMCA provides a preschool experience designed to help children thrive.
Fun. Friends. Faith. Future.
Give your child a place to belong, grow and succeed.
Discovery Kids Preschool
James Fisher Memorial Foundation YMCA
11010 E Argent Pkwy
Ridgeland, SC 29936