It's never too early to focus on the development of the whole person - in spirit, mind, and body. We recognize the unique character and temperament of each child, from infants to preschoolers, and support developmentally appropriate activities to foster social, emotional, intellectual, and physical growth. We consistently stimulate infants with music, movement, color, touch, and language and challenge toddlers with increasingly complex levels of play to enhance gross motor and cognitive skills.

At the YMCA, our staff takes the time to listen, guide, teach, and play with warmth, patience, understanding, and fairness. Each child develops at his or her own pace, which helps to create an ideal learning environment - one of comfort, security, encouragement, and fun.

Although we offer several programs for children of various ages, the YMCA uses a host of factors - including developmental checklists, teacher observation, and parent input - to determine a child's readiness to advance to the next program. We know that children develop at different speeds, so no child is ever moved ahead based on age alone.

Infant Program (6 weeks to 24 months)

The YMCA's infant care program is designed to meet the needs of each baby based on his or her own schedule. Infants nap, feed, play, and cuddle when they're ready, not on someone else's predetermined timeline. Music, singing, reading, finger playing, and constant verbalization foster budding socialization, self-concept, and developmental skills. Facilities are equipped with cribs, swings, walkers, and age-appropriate toys and books.

Toddler Program (2- to 3-year-olds)

The YMCA offers a safe, caring environment in which toddlers can begin the path of life-long learning. Both the full-day and half-day nursery school programs emphasize developing a strong self concept as well as social, intellectual, and verbal skills.

Preschool Program (3- to 5-year-olds)

Besides the developmental curriculum, children in the Preschool Program enjoy many other YMCA activities - soccer, swimming, gymnastics, dance, and computers - that build self-confidence and socialization skills. We offer full-day and half-day nursery school programs.

Head Start (3- to 4-year-olds)

The community-based, full-day Head Start program provides developmentally appropriate instruction for preschoolers as well as a full range of support services for the entire family. Soccer, gymnastics, swimming, and computers enhance the children's learning experiences and help teach self-control and socialization and build confidence and creativity.