FULL AND PART TIME CHILD CARE

The YMCA is dedicated to providing high-quality, affordable childcare with family-centered, values-based programs to nurture children's healthy development.
Well-trained staff provide safe, affordable, expert care so you can have peace of mind while you work. Like all Y programs, childcare is open to all, with financial aid available. Staff members are partners with parents and other caregivers, working together to help kids grow up healthy, happy and strong.

Why do parents choose YMCA Day Care over any other day care programs?

Our purpose is to enhance a child's total development through active exploration, self discovery and positive reinforcement. To achieve this, our philosophy is based on programs that allow all children to reach several basic goals:

To feel happy and confident in themselves.
To feel comfortable interacting and communicating with others.
To feel safe & secure in a loving & nurturing environment outside home.
To support and strengthen the family unit.
To open the doors to an excitement and joy for learning.

We achieve these goals with the understanding that each child is unique and will receive individualized attention appropriate to their developmental needs.

6 WEEKS-18 MONTHS
The YMCA recognizes how crucial the early months of life are for establishing a base for later learning. 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, fingerplaying and constant verbalization foster budding socialization, self-concept and developmental skills. Facilities are equipped with cribs, swings, walkers and age-appropriate toys and books.

18 MONTHS-3 YEARS
The daily schedule will become more structured to reflect the development of the children as they grow. The YMCA offers a safe, caring environment in which toddlers can begin the path of life-long learning and emphasize developing a strong self concept as well as social, intellectual and verbal skills.

3 YEAR OLDS
Program focus on active play, exploration, and time to develop independence and trust. They will have nap time after lunch. A detailed schedule can be obtained from the classroom teacher.

4 YEAR OLDS
The four your old program provides experiences that influence positive self-concept, recognize cultural backgrounds, needs, interests and the developmental levels of the children while encountering Kindergarten readiness through activities to develop reading, science, math and literacy skills. Specific schedules will be made available by the classroom teacher.

EARLY HEAD START
Designed specifically for children ages 0-3 years, this program provides full day, year-round child care as well as additional family services which focus on children's health, dental needs and overall family support. A social service and parent involvement staff specialist is available to assist participating families.

UNIVERSAL PRE-K
A program for 4 year-olds who will enter kindergarten the following year in the Rochester City School District. 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.

KINDERGARTEN
The kindergarten program is affiliated with Rochester City School District to ensure quality education and a smooth
transition into first grade while providing a full day of care. The curriculum focuses on listening skills, language and literacy development, cognitive skills, as well as social an emotional growth. The classroom teacher will provide specific
schedules upon request.

Carlson MetroCenter Child Care
Child Care Center at Lewis Street
Westside YMCA Child Care