Highlands Elementary Pre-K Programs And YMCA Preschool

Ready For Kindergarten

Our Pre-K and Preschool programs provide a nurturing environment where kids feel safe and supported while learning, growing, making friends and preparing for the world of kindergarten.

About

Our YMCA preschool programs at Santa Fe Trail Elementary offers a variety of features to provide your child with a positive experience. Our educated staff lead students through a curriculum focused on kindergarten readiness skills and incorporates the YMCA Core Values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility. Nutritious snacks are provided daily. Fully licensed by Kansas Department of Health and Environment. The Y also offers before and after school care for elementary students who attend Santa Fe Trail Elementary, making it a convenient option for families with multiple children.

Photo of two girls, each holds an art project of a stop light

School Year Pre-K and Preschool Details

AGES: Pre-K: 4-5; Full-Day Preschool: 3-5
DAYS: Monday-Friday
TIME: School Year Pre-K A.M. session 8-11 a.m.; P.M. session 12:15-3:10 p.m.; Before and After Care 7-8 a.m. and 3:15-6 p.m.; Full-Day YMCA Preschool: 7 a.m.-6 p.m.
FEES: Fees vary by school year and program. Check registration form for pricing.
REGISTRATION: $75

Half-day Pre-K enrollment for the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 school years are now open. Please download and submit a form to register. Half-day program participants must qualify through Shawnee Mission School District to register.

2024-2025 Enrollment Form

2025-2026 Enrollment Form

Full-day Preschool enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year is open. Register online below, or download and submit this form to register.

Summer Day Camp 2025

Learning and fun continue in the summer at preschool camp. Weekly themes with fun-filled activities allow for physical movement, social interaction, educational opportunities, leadership building, personal growth and creativity.

Campers are in small groups by age with activities appropriate to the interests and needs of each group. Y Summer Day Camps focus on caring, honesty, respect and responsibility in all of our activities.

AGES: 3-5

DAYS: Monday - Friday

TIME: 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.

DATES: May 27 - August 1, 2025
No camp Thursday, June 19, Friday, June 20 or Friday, July 4.

REGISTRATION FEE: $55 per camper. Nonrefundable.

WEEKLY FEE: $200

DEPOSIT: $20 deposit required for each week of camp at registration to hold your child's spot that will be applied to your fee for that week. Nonrefundable and not transferrable.

Preschool Camp Themes

Week 1 (May 27–30): Adventure Awaits!

Kick off summer with a week filled with treasure hunts, obstacle courses and outdoor exploration! Activities may include creating maps, solving riddles and teamwork challenges to find hidden treasures.

Week 2 (June 2–6): Superhero Academy

Campers design their own superhero personas, complete with costumes, capes and special powers! Fun may include obstacle training, "saving the day" scenarios, and a grand finale superhero parade.

Week 3 (June 9–13): Wacky Science Lab

Dive into the wonders of science with hands-on experiments, slime-making, and erupting volcanoes! Themes may touch on chemistry, physics and environmental science in a fun and interactive way.

Week 4 (June 16–20): Animal Discovery

Celebrate animals with petting zoos, animal crafts and a safari adventure game. Each day may spotlight different animals, including farm animals, jungle creatures, and backyard critters.

Week 5 (June 23–27): Time Travelers’ Quest

Travel through history with themed activities each day, like exploring dinosaurs, ancient Egypt, medieval castles, and futuristic space travel.

Week 6 (June 30–July 3): Red, White & Boom!

Celebrate all things patriotic with festive games, Fourth of July crafts and a cookout-style lunch. Campers can decorate bikes, make flags, and enjoy water balloon games.

Week 7 (July 7–11): Camp Carnival

Transform the camp into a fun-filled carnival with games, face painting, popcorn, and prizes! Campers may create and run their own game booths, enjoy silly contests, and end the week showing their talents.

Week 8 (July 14–18): Ocean Explorers

Dive into underwater adventures with beach-themed games, mermaid or pirate crafts, and water play! Activities may include building sandcastles, scavenger hunts and learning about marine life.

Week 9 (July 21–25): Creation Station

Encourage campers to use their imagination and choose their passion to create projects using various materials, tools, and techniques. Campers may explore STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) or topics that allow for exploration, building, and design.

Week 10 (July 28–August 1): Space Camp Adventures

Blast off into a galaxy of fun with astronaut training, rocket building and stargazing! Campers may create space-themed crafts like constellations and glow-in-the-dark planets.

Child peering into the camera wit playground in background.

2025-2026 School Year Registration

To enroll in Shawnee Mission School District Pre-K programs, you must be enrolled in their Preschool Programs. Space is limited. Call Youth Development Services at 816.360.3390 to check availability.

Mail completed registration forms to YMCA of Greater Kansas City, 6901 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Suite 300, Overland Park, KS, 66202, or fax to 816.931.1847. Email registrations and payments are not accepted. Bring an Emergency Information Packet on the first day.

Download 2025-2026 Enrollment Form

Staff member and student laughing while working on project.

2024-2025 School Year Registration

Download 2024-2025 Enrollment Form

Student working on blocks with other students and staff member.

Emergency Information Packet

All preschool program participants must complete an Emergency Information Packet. These packets include emergency information and health forms that the State of Kansas require for licensing.

Complete all forms in the packet and take a copy to your child's preschool on the first day. Please keep a completed copy of the Emergency Information Packet for yourself.

Download Emergency Packet

Smiling girl in wheelchair holding ping pong paddle playing with other students.

No School Days

For those irregular days when school isn't in session, such as seasonal breaks, conference days and in-service days, the Y offers No School Days for preschool and Pre-K participants.

Learn More

YMCA OF
GREATER KANSAS CITY