The YMCA offers a complete Early Care and Education Program designed to meet the needs of both parents and children. The program is licensed by the Department of Public Welfare, Keystone STARS,  PA Pre-K Counts, and is NAEYC accredited.

The Downtown YMCA offers Infant, Toddler and Pre-School,Pre-K, Traditional Pre-K Before and After School, Schools Out Fun Day, Summer Day Camp, 2nd Shift & Saturdays.

Child Care Philosophy

The Erie YMCA has designed the Child Care Programs according the the YMCA’s philosophy to foster the development of the spirit, mind and body. The centers have a well-balanced program that fits the needs of the children according to their ages and individual progress. The programs have been designed to promote physical, educational, emotional and social growth for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children.

Children are natural learners. The Erie YMCA provides pre-planned positive activities to enhance the “whole” child. Every child participates in a combination of structured and non-structured activity time. An integrated curriculum including art, music, fine motor skills and physical fitness will best promote the child’s cognitive, creative, physical, social and emotional development. The YMCA utilizes its gym and swim facilities to provide age-appropriate gym and swim programs.

*Upon availability at sites

The YMCA accepts CCIS payments. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify.

Goals

The Child Care Program will provide each child with experiences that encourage the following:

• Self-esteem and positive self-image
• Social interaction
• Self-expression and communication skills
• Creative expression
• Large and small muscle development
• Intellectual growth

Infant/Toddler Care

Well-trained and caring staff members of the YMCA give infants and toddlers the consistent, positive attention they need. You expect the YMCA to address your child’s health and physical development. Our experienced staff is keenly aware of the developmental stages and how each child reaches those stages differently. Using the Creative Curriculum we help them build new skills, interact and learn to trust others and develop their own self-esteem. Ages 6 weeks- 2 years.

Preschool

YMCA Preschool care builds on a child’s natural desire to learn things and become more self-reliant. Getting along with other children, sharing, taking turns and working in a group are all natural parts of learning. The YMCA Creative Curriculum is an exciting and challenging program that helps pre-schoolers stretch their skills in mind and body. It is also a safe, fun and comfortable place where children build positive relationships with caring adults. Ages 3-5 years.

Work Without Worry

For the times you can’t be there yourself, the YMCA supports your efforts to nurture your child’s healthy development. Well-trained staff provide safe, affordable, high quality care so you can have peace of mind while you work to help your family succeed.

Objectives

• Grow personally
• Clarify values
• Improve personal and family relationships
• Appreciate diversity
• Become better leaders and supporters
• Develop specific skills
• Have fun!

Pre-K

A caring and friendly place for your child to learn and grow! Children develop a readiness for kindergarten through a variety of hand-on, child-centered activities. The class is lead by a certified teacher using the Letter People and Creative Curriculum. This curriculum program is open to children one year prior to kindergarten enrollment.

School Age

The time gaps before and after school can be empty and lonely for kids or they can be filled creatively and constructively. YMCA school age care gives children the chance to express their talents in the arts, sports and other areas of interest, taking advantage of all the Y has to offer. Kids find out what success is all about in an approach that says everybody plays, everybody wins. Time is set aside for tackling homework with adult help available. Caring, well-trained Y staff know how to challenge children and to listen to them. Activities include KidsLit, science, group projects, environmental awareness, arts and crafts, games, sport components, field trips and more! Ages K-15 years.

Focus On The Family

No matter how many hours children spend in child care, family is the most important structure in their lives. At the YMCA, good child care is good family care. Like all Y programs, child care is open to all, with financial aid available. Staff members are partners with parents and other caregivers, working together to help children grow healthy, happy and strong.