WARDLE FAMILY YMCA
Discovery Kids Preschool at Wardle Family YMCA
A Safe, Nurturing Preschool Serving Beaufort & Port Royal, SC
Give your child a strong start at Wardle Family YMCA Preschool, where early learning, individual attention and a commitment to child safety come together in a nurturing YMCA environment.
Located in Port Royal and serving families throughout Beaufort County, Wardle Family YMCA Preschool provides children ages 3–5 with hands-on learning, social-emotional development, faith-based enrichment and kindergarten preparation—all while helping children build confidence, independence and meaningful relationships.
And now, families have more flexibility to choose the preschool schedule that works for them. Choose our new Half-Day Preschool option from 7:30 AM–12:30 PM or our Full-Day Preschool option from 8:30 AM–6:00 PM, with early drop-off available beginning at 7:30 AM.
As a South Carolina DSS-licensed preschool and part of a Praesidium Accredited® YMCA, we place the safety and well-being of every child at the center of our program.
Ready to learn more? The first step toward enrollment is scheduling a preschool screening and interview.
Half-Day & Full-Day Preschool Options
Flexible Preschool Schedules for Beaufort County Families
Families have different schedules and different needs. Wardle Family YMCA Preschool now offers two enrollment options, giving parents greater flexibility while providing children with the same safe, enriching YMCA preschool environment.
Half-Day Preschool
7:30 AM–12:30 PM
Early Drop-Off: 7:30–8:30 AM
Our new half-day option is a great choice for families looking for a shorter preschool day while still giving their child opportunities for learning, social development, friendship and kindergarten preparation.
Full-Day Preschool
8:30 AM–6:00 PM
Early Drop-Off: 7:30–8:30 AM
Our full-day option provides an extended schedule for families who need additional flexibility while giving children a full day of learning, enrichment, play and social development.
The preschool calendar follows the Beaufort County School District calendar. Enrollment is subject to availability.
Info at a Glace
Why Choose Wardle Family YMCA Preschool?
More Than Preschool. A Place to Belong and Grow.
Finding the right preschool means finding a place where your child will be safe, known, encouraged and excited to learn and finding a schedule that works for your family.
With half-day and full-day preschool options, families now have greater flexibility without sacrificing the quality, safety and nurturing environment they want for their child.
At Wardle Family YMCA Preschool, our low teacher-to-child ratios allow teachers to build meaningful relationships with children and provide more individualized attention throughout the day.
Children benefit from:
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Half-day and full-day preschool options
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Low teacher-to-child ratios
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Experienced, nurturing teachers
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Hands-on, age-appropriate learning
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Social-emotional development
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Kindergarten-readiness activities
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Faith-based enrichment
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Daily outdoor play
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A strong emphasis on child safety
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The trusted support and values of the YMCA
Our goal is simple: to provide a place where children can belong, grow and succeed.
Child Safety Comes First
A Preschool Environment Designed With Safety in Mind
When you leave your child with us, you're placing tremendous trust in our team. We take that responsibility seriously.
Wardle Family YMCA Preschool is a South Carolina DSS-licensed preschool, and the Wardle Family YMCA is Praesidium Accredited®.
Praesidium Accreditation reflects an organization's commitment to meeting rigorous standards designed to help protect children and vulnerable populations. For families, it's another important layer of confidence when choosing who will care for their child.
Our safety practices include:
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Secure, locked facilities
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Authorized pick-up only
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Background-checked staff
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CPR and First Aid-certified staff
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Regularly conducted emergency drills
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YMCA child-protection policies and procedures
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Low teacher-to-child ratios that support closer supervision and individualized attention
Safety isn't an add-on to our preschool program. It's foundational to how we operate.
Low Teacher-to-Child Ratios
Because Every Child Deserves to Be Known
One of the most important advantages of Wardle Family YMCA Preschool is our emphasis on low teacher-to-child ratios.
Smaller ratios give teachers more opportunities to understand each child's personality, strengths, interests and developmental needs.
That means more individualized attention, more meaningful interactions and more opportunities for teachers to help children work through challenges, celebrate accomplishments and develop confidence.
Your child isn't simply another student in the classroom. We want every child to feel known, valued and supported.
Preschool Curriculum & Early Learning
Preparing Children for Kindergarten and Beyond
The Wardle Family YMCA Preschool curriculum provides children with opportunities to learn through exploration, play, interaction and hands-on experiences.
Our program incorporates the Beaufort County curriculum with faith-based enrichment and emphasizes development of the whole child.
Preschoolers participate in experiences that support:
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Kindergarten readiness
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Early academic development
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Hands-on learning
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Language and communication
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Social-emotional development
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Fine and gross motor skills
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Problem-solving
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Creativity and exploration
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Independence and confidence
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Daily outdoor play
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Faith-based enrichment and character development
Our teachers create age-appropriate learning opportunities that help children develop important skills while keeping learning engaging, active and fun.
Faith-Based Enrichment & YMCA Values
Building Character Alongside Kindergarten Readiness
Preparing for kindergarten is important, but childhood development extends far beyond academics.
At Wardle Family YMCA Preschool, Christian values are integrated throughout the day as children learn about kindness, respect, responsibility, friendship and caring for others.
Through the YMCA's approach to youth development, we strive to help children grow socially and emotionally while developing the confidence and independence they'll carry with them into kindergarten and beyond.
Preschool for Ages 3–5
Wardle Family YMCA Preschool serves children ages 3–5, with a strong focus on kindergarten readiness and developmentally appropriate learning.
Children must be fully potty trained to participate in the preschool program.
Our teachers meet children where they are developmentally while helping them strengthen the skills they'll need as they move toward kindergarten.
Age eligibility is determined based on the child's age by September 1.
3-Year-Old Preschool
Our 3-year-old program builds independence while introducing more structured learning, social development and age-appropriate kindergarten-readiness skills.
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.
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 at Wardle Family YMCA Preschool
Start With a Preschool Screening
Interested in joining Wardle Family YMCA Discovery Kids Preschool? 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!
Find Your Child's Place at the Wardle Family YMCA
Choosing a preschool is a big decision. You want a program that fits your family's schedule—but more importantly, you want to know your child will be safe, cared for, challenged and encouraged to grow.
At Wardle Family YMCA Discovery Kids Preschool, families find flexible half-day and full-day options, low teacher-to-child ratios, South Carolina DSS licensing, Praesidium Accreditation®, nurturing teachers, kindergarten preparation, hands-on learning, faith-based enrichment and the trusted support of the YMCA.
It's a preschool experience built to give children a strong start for a bright future.
Fun. Friends. Faith. Future.
Give your child a place to belong, grow and succeed.
Discovery Kids Preschool
Wardle Family YMCA
1801 Richmond Avenue
Port Royal, SC 29935