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YMCA OF GREATER TORONTO

Early Learning and Care

Learning ABCs and 123s in a play-based environment

At the Y, we believe play is the primary way in which children learn. That's why our dedicated Early Childhood Educators implement our acclaimed YMCA Playing to Learn™ curriculum at our licensed child care centres throughout the Greater Toronto Area.

YMCA Child Care

three youth at ymca teen night

 At the YMCA, we understand children learn through play. Our YMCA Playing to Learn™ Curriculum offers children an opportunity to:

  • Develop their confidence, self-direction and self-regulation
  • Use play as the primary learning medium
  • Learn literacy, numeracy, arts, science, and more
  • Build the skills necessary for a smooth transition into primary school

Click here to see the YMCA Early Learning Parent Handbook (ages 0 to 4).

YMCA LICENCED CHILD CARE PROGRAMS

Early Learning & Care Programs

Program Details

toddler boy with firemen helmet

Infant Program

Designed for children 6 weeks to 1.5 years of age

Program Features: Indoor and outdoor exploration, songs and stories, discovering creative and sensory materials, imitation play, and lots of time for cuddles!

  • Small group ratio of 1:3, with a maximum group size of 10, to ensure children receive the continuous support they need all day long
  • Educators communicate new developments and milestones with parents every day through our Weemarkable app, including their infant’s sleep times, eating patterns, and diapering schedules
  • Families will have the opportunity to meet with educators to review their child's progress and work together to create a customized schedule that matches each family's lifestyle
a toddler smiling

Toddler Program

Designed for children 1.5 to 2.5 years of age

Program Features: Exploring the indoors and outdoors, music and movement, discovering creative and sensory material, puzzles, stories, blocks, dramatic play and learning to play with others!

  • Small group ratio of 1:5, with a maximum group size of 15
  • Follows a flexible group schedule where each child's sleep, eating, and diapering times are documented
  • Staff use our Weemarkable app to share detailed recaps of each child’s day, including new developments made and milestones achieved
  • Families will have the opportunity to meet with educators to review their child's progress and discuss any concerns they may have
a young girl smiling

Preschool Program

Designed for children 2.5 to 4 years of age

Program Features: Exploring the indoors and outdoors, introductory to the arts (visual, dramatic and music), discovering science, engaging in mathematics and literacy activities, developing social skills, gross and fine motor skills, and problem-solving!

  • Small group ratios of 1:8, with a maximum group size of 24
  • Follows a flexible group schedule which is catered to the children’s interests at the time
  • Staff use our Weemarkable app to share detailed recaps of each child’s day, including new developments made and milestones achieved
  • Families will have the opportunity to meet with educators to review their child's progress and discuss any concerns they may have
boy stacking blocks on top

Nursery Program

Designed for children 2.5 to 4 years of age

Program Features: Exploring the indoors and outdoors, introductory to the arts (visual, dramatic & music), discovering science, engaging in mathematics and literacy activities, developing social skills, gross and fine motor skills and problem-solving

  • Licensed nursery program from September to June every year
  • Option to enroll child 2, 3 or 5 times/week
  • Program runs in the morning and afternoon for 2.5 hours each day
  • Staff use our Weemarkable app to share detailed recaps of each child’s day, including new developments made and milestones achieved
YMCA CHILD CARE

A Unique Play-Based Curriculum Taught by our Trusted Experts

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three youth at ymca teen night
  • Over 100 full-day Early Learning locations conveniently located throughout the GTA
  • Programs for infants and toddlers at select locations
  • Part-time program options
  • Hours of operation: Monday to Friday, 6:45-7:30am until 6:00-6:30pm

YMCA Weemarkable App

Our Early Learning programs use the YMCA Weemarkable app to provide families with daily updates, including:

  • photos
  • play highlights
  • information regarding naps, snacks, and meals
  • direct messages from your child's educator
a child drinking from a cup

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"When Evelyn turned two, news came that no one can prepare for: her father, Derek, had cancer.

“The Y offered us support at every turn,” says her mom, Helen. “Evelyn’s care was the one thing we never had to worry about.”

When Derek passed away, on top of everything else, Helen suddenly had to adjust to living on a single income. The Y stepped in with financial assistance, helping maintain a familiar, loving environment for Evelyn. “They provided us with stability while we were dealing with so much.”

When you donate to the Y, you help provide financial assistance for families like Evelyn’s, giving them access to care and support when they need it most.