ENSURE A BRIGHTER FUTURE
With so many demands on today’s families and the increased focus on early brain development, families need all the support they can get to nurture the potential of youth. That’s why child care and early learning programs at the Y focus on holistically nurturing child development by providing a safe and healthy place to learn foundational skills, develop healthy, trusting relationships and build self-reliance through the Y values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.
 
Child Care  
Available for ages 6 weeks through 5 years
Infant & Toddler
​Ages 6 weeks-18 months
The infant program focuses on sense of self development and establishing some independence in being away from family members for a period of time. Children will learn basic self-help skills such as feeding, movement, managing emotions and how to interact at a basic level with other children. Infant staff members work with parents to bridge the child’s schedule and routine from home to that of the program for a smooth transition.
Locations
 
Preschool Enrichment Classes
Ages 18 months - 3 years
The YMCA of Greater Rochester provides preschool classes that will help your child explore their world, find out how to get along with others, and test their skills and muscles. In our classes, children work on individual skill development, learn how to work with others and are introduced to different activities. Our Enrichment classes run with the sessions. Please refer to our Session Handbooks or visit a branch near you for current preschool offerings.
 
Nursery School
Ages 2-5
The YMCA of Greater Rochester’s preschool programs seek to develop the whole child by fostering their physical, emotional and social growth. Activities are structured around our “learning through play” philosophy.  Nursery School programs run September – June and follows the school district calendar.
Locations & Registration
 
Universal Pre-K
Ages 4-5
Universal Pre-Kindergarten is a program for children four years of age by December 1st and entering Kindergarten the following year. A developmental learning approach is combined with fun, values-based activities taught by a NYS certified teacher. The program length mirrors a traditional kindergarten program 2 1/2 hours per day, 180 days per year. Parents may choose a full day option with on-going care during regular child care hours.
Locations

Child watch
Complimentary Child Care
Ages 6 weeks-12 years
Our experienced staff will care for your child for up to 2 hours while you are using the facility. Child Watch hours vary between branches. To access Child Watch hours, please visit the facilities page for each branch. These pages are accessed by clicking on the Locations option on the left side of the main navigation menu and choosing your branch.  Child Watch is a benefit of YMCA Family and Individual Parent Memberships only.

 

School Age Child Care
Before & After School Care
Kindergarten-12 years
Our Before & After School Care program meets the needs of children at varying stages of development by creating an environment that fosters independence, cooperation, and self-control. The daily schedules is structured to allow a wide range of activity choices, balancing active and quiet times, and providing opportunities for children to pursue particular interests and develop individual abilities. Programs are provided in the morning and afternoon either at local schools or YMCA branches. Activities vary by program.
Locations & Registration
Kindergarten Wrap Around
K-Wrap a program designed to enrich the Kindergartner's experience by providing a unique learning experience in fun and meaningful ways. Students will expand on their half day of education at the YMCA by participating in developmentally-appropriate activities that will help them develop physically, emotionally, intellectually, socially, and spiritually. The activities are offered daily and/or weekly.
Vacation Fun Club/Emergency School Closings
Kindergarten-12 years
Vacation Fun Clubs are held on most school holidays. These are optional care days for which there is an additional fee. We also offer Emergency Fun Club Days when school is closed due to inclement weather. All Fun Club Registrations take place at the branch. The YMCA will provide a Fun Club option every day with the exception of the following national holidays: Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day.