Y staff reading to pre-school toddlers.

Child Care

The YMCA has always focused on meeting the social, emotional and academic needs of our young learners so they can grow into the changemakers of tomorrow—and today is no different.

The Y’s early learning, child care and out-of-school time offerings are staffed with people who understand the cognitive, physical and social development of kids, the support parents and families need and the importance of maintaining a safe, clean environment for children to learn and thrive. At the Y, infants develop trust and security, preschoolers experience early literacy and learn about their world and school-age kids make friends, learn new skills and get help with their schoolwork. Learn more about the Y’s offerings below.

Child Care: Y staff and kids with art project.

Early Learning and Child Care

Off

Following state and local safety guidelines, Ys across the country offer quality full-day and partial-day early learning opportunities and child care for infants through preschoolers, enabling parents and family members to go to work knowing their children are in safe, stimulating environments.

Find your Y to learn more about child care in your area.

Child Care: Y staff playing with kids.

Child Watch

Off

Looking for child care while you exercise? Many Ys offer free drop-in Child Watch while caregivers make use of the Y’s fitness facilities.

Child Care: School partnerships Y staff with kids - STEM activity.

YMCA-School Partnerships

Off

Many school districts transitioned to remote or hybrid learning environments at various points over the past two years. YMCAs across the country are working to ensure their programming not only aligns with and complements the work of schools as they meet state and local guidelines, but that programs are also executed safely and in ways that advance our commitment to equity.

The National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) has identified the Y as a partner for afterschool programming. Learn more about how the Y supports success of 500,000 children at an estimated 10,000 sites each year.

Find Your Y

Coordinates
Enter an address to be localized.
Find more Ys

My Y Stories

Watch more Y stories

  • Afterschool: He Lights Up Our Program.

    Homework help, art, and playtime with friends await Jaiden at YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City’s afterschool program. His mom, A’dria, loves knowing that he’s in a safe environment with staff who truly care about him, and she considers the Y their extended family. This is their Y. Their camera. Their story.

  • Early Learning Readiness: I'm Getting My Daughter Ready for Kindergarten.

    Every mother wishes more for her children. For Gabby, the Y's early learning readiness program is giving her daughter, Marlene, a chance to learn as she grows. This is their Y. Their camera. Their story.

  • Afterschool: Christopher's Coming Out of His Shell.

    As a parent, you worry about the decisions you make for your kids. For David, enrolling his sons in the YMCA's after school programs was one of the best things he has ever done, especially for Christopher. This is their Y. Their camera. Their story.

  • Child Care: At the Y, My Kids Have Many Friends.

    Kavitha and Sreenivas live in New Jersey, and commute to Manhattan during the week. Lucky for them, they feel great knowing that the Y is a place that not only takes care of their children while they are at work, but it also provides their girls a safe, fun environment where they can grow and thrive. This is their Y. Their camera. Their story.

  • Child Care: They're Enriching Their Childhood Experience.

    From early literacy, to character development, to creative play in the Nature Explore-certified playground, Sadie and Hazel will be ready to enter kindergarten with the social skills and academic knowledge that will prepare them for success. See why the Dickmanns love sending their daughters to child care at the Y. This is their Y. Their camera. Their story.

Support the Y

When you support the Y, you give young people a chance at a better future, foster healthy lifestyles and help build vibrant communities right where you live.