What makes parents choose, without hesitation, the YMCA for the care of their children?
Quality
They know that the YMCA has been providing stimulating infant and toddler day care and innovative before- and after- school programs for more than 30 years. As one of the nation's largest private, not-for-profit child care organizations, the YMCA opened its doors with a strong commitment to families, recognizing immediately the need for quality, affordable child care. Today, our local branches throughout DC, Maryland and Virginia supervise more than 27,000 children a year.
Reliability
Our parents enjoy peace of mind. They know that their children will learn and grow in a safe, nurturing, wholesome and fun environment, under the loving guidance of certified professionals who make each child a priority. Through an age-appropriate curriculum combined with creative activities, games, reading, recreation, computer lessons, homework assistance and field trips, we help children of all ages develop motor, mental and social skills and achieve a sense of security and independence. Because healthy activities help build strong spirits, minds and bodies, we always include swimming, sports and specialty classes, like dance and art. The YMCA child care programs, which adhere to the goals and standards of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), encourage youngsters to:
- Develop their self-confidence
- Build healthy peer relationships
- Learn to appreciate the core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility
- Grow in leadership and team spirit
Asset Building
In our critical work with children – from toddlers to teens – we at the YMCA have a wonderful approach called Developmental Assets. Based on findings from the Search Institute, the Developmental Assets model identifies 40 essential character building blocks that all young people need to grow up as healthy, competent, caring, responsible and contributing adults.
Our goal is to help youngsters acquire these building blocks to create a firm foundation for life – a positive identity; a strong sense of power, purpose, and self-worth; and values that will enable them to make wise choices. We want to help them become compassionate, well-rounded and well-adjusted individuals who care about the well-being of others and learn to place the needs of others above their own.
The YMCA provides the positive, supportive environment necessary for children to develop these assets. Through project-based, hands-on activities geared toward individual learning levels, ages and interests, our children begin to feel empowered as valued members of the community, experience the consequences of their actions and celebrate the process of learning.
Security
Our reputation for consistency, dedication and professionalism and safety make parents feel confident entrusting us with the care of their children. We continuously review our health and safety policies to ensure the well-being of each child. Our low child-to-teacher ratios enable the staff to foster solid relationships and provide sound guidance, while maintaining the stability that contributes so effectively to the comfort, security and development of the children in our programs.
Learn more about our child care programs:
Click here for detailed child care listings and descriptions.
Click here for child care at-a-glance chart.
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