Nurturing the potential of every child

Parents want a safe environment where children can learn practical and social skills and develop positive values. Kids want to exert energy, discover who they are and what they can achieve, and be accepted among others. At the Y, we nurture life lessons in kids while promoting health and well being in a safe and creative environment.

We designed our Early Care and Education Programs to embody the YMCA’s philosophy to foster the development of spirit, mind and body. Our high-quality programs are licensed by the Department of Public Welfare, participate in Keystone STARS, and adhere to YMCA of the USA Childcare Quality Standards.

We offer programs for Early Childhood (ages 6 weeks – 3 years), Preschool and Pre-K (ages 3-5 years), and School Age (K – 18 years).

YMCA Early Care Philosophy

Our well-balanced Early Care and School Age Programs are designed to promote educational, emotional, physical, and social growth for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children. Well-trained educators provide safe, affordable, high quality care so you can have peace of mind while you work to help your family succeed.

Each child participates in pre-planned, positive activities to enhance their “whole” being. Our integrated curriculum includes art, music, fine motor skills and physical fitness to promote age-appropriate development in a combination of structured and non-structured activity time.

We believe that family is the most important structure in a child’s life. At the Y, childcare is family care. We partner with parents and caregivers to support your efforts to nurture your child’s healthy development and help them grow up healthy, happy and strong.

YMCA Early Care and School Age Program Goals and Benefits

The YMCA Early Care and School Age Programs are licensed by the Department of Public Welfare, participate in Keystone STARS, and adhere to YMCA of the USA Childcare Quality Standards.

Each child will benefit from experiences that encourage:

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

Children who attend Early Care and School Age Programs at the YMCA benefit from other perks, too!

• Breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks provided daily with no additional cost
• Physical education takes place in the gym and pool (where available)
• Lower YMCA member rates and sibling discounts
• Convenient hours (The Downtown YMCA supports Saturday and 2nd shift)
• “Fun Days” for days off school
• Busing for before and after school programs is provided to and from the YMCA

Programs and Locations

The Y offers complete Early Care and School Age Programs designed to meet the needs of both parents and children. Our programs are licensed by the Department of Public Welfare, Keystone STARS and PA Pre-K Counts.

Learn more about our Early Care Programs for ages 6 weeks – 3 years

Learn more about our Preschool and Pre-K Programs for ages 3-5 years

Learn more about our School Age Programs for K – 18 years

Financial Assistance

We believe that all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. Like all Y programs, our Early Care and School Age Programs are open to all. The YMCA accepts CCIS payments, and financial assistance is available to those who qualify.