We know that the time we spend with your children in our Before and After-School Programs is integral to growing their curiosity and sparking interests in new things. Our Education and Curriculum Director, Nicole Derr, has an extensive background in education that allows her to create robust and engaging lesson plans so that your kids learn, grow, and thrive beyond the bell.

Nicole’s career spans over 18 years of writing and implementing curriculum for preschool and elementary ages. Before becoming the Y’s Education and Curriculum Director, she led after-school programs for seven years, was an elementary school teacher in the Shoreline School District for five years and oversaw the University Family YMCA’s Family Programs department for two years.

Nicole has a Bachelor of Arts in Education with a focus on Interdisciplinary Child Development, a Master's of Education with a focus on Curriculum and Instruction, and holds a Washington State Teacher’s Certificate with endorsements in elementary and early childhood education.

“Nicole is well-known to the Y and respected by her peers for her positive attitude, commitment to quality and love of supporting learning for kids of all ages,” said Courtney Whitaker, Assistant Vice President of Youth Development.

As part of the Y’s proprietary Before and After-School curriculum, SCALED Learning™, Nicole develops lesson plans that ensure kids have opportunities to create, explore, and lead in our programs.