Meet YWCA’s Preschool Pros

Ask any working mother (or father) – few things give you more peace of mind than knowing your toddler is in caring, capable hands while you’re on the job.

YWCA Preschool is honored to provide excellent preschool education and childcare in the heart of downtown Hilo for almost a century now. A full 9.5-hour day, including breakfast, lunch and snack, 50 weeks a year, an accredited developmental education program, and affordable tuition are all part of the reason that working families have a real opportunity to give their children an ideal start in life and learning.

But even the best location and programming would be nothing without great teachers. And that’s where YWCA Preschool really shines.

Led by Director Michelle Flemming, the women who run YWCA Preschool are, unequivocally, the best in their field. Newer talent like Auntie Sheryse bring a fresh perspective while absorbing the mana and wisdom of seasoned professionals like Auntie Carrie, who has been teaching keiki at YWCA for more than 30 years and was born and raised right here in Waiakea Uka. Auntie Jocelin, who has 29 years of experience in early childhood education, is fluent in several languages and has lived in five different countries.

Auntie Sheryse said, “What sets this place apart from other work environments is the teamwork. Our staff truly get along and we enjoy working with one another. We play to each other’s strengths and learn from each other.”

Auntie Carrie added that Michelle’s leadership is unparalleled. “I’ve been here a long time and worked with a lot of great directors but Michelle makes me look forward to coming to work every day. She always makes sure to let us know how much she appreciates us. She sees and acknowledges even the little things. She listens. She LISTENS.”

That camaraderie and mutual respect can’t help but extend to the children who come to school every day—and to the parents and caregivers who raise them. One of YWCA Preschool’s most popular innovations has been the monthly Family Literacy Night. Teachers select a book that complements the current area of study, an upcoming holiday or other appropriate theme, and develop a fun mini-curriculum that parents can enjoy with their kids. Pizza helps too! It’s a great way to bridge school and family life, and establish continuity and parent buy-in.

YWCA’s preschool teachers like Carrie, Jocelin, Sheryse and Michelle are credentialed professionals who are continuously educating themselves in their field. Many have multiple and/or advanced degrees. But the they are also warm, loving women who give and get countless hugs. They hear “I love you, Auntie!” multiple times a day.

They are the reason so many keiki wake up in the morning excited to go to school. They make YWCA of Hawaii Island proud.

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