Early Learning and Care
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.
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
Program Details
Infant Program
Designed for children ages 6 weeks to 1.5
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
Toddler Program
Designed for children ages 1.5 to 2.5
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
- A flexible group schedule where each child's sleep, eating, and diapering times are documented
- Detailed staff recaps, via our Weemarkable app, of each child’s day, including new developments made and milestones achieved
- The opportunity for families to meet with educators to review their child's progress and discuss any concerns they may ha
Preschool Program
Designed for children ages 2.5 to 4
Program Features: Exploring the indoors and outdoors, introduction 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
- A flexible group schedule, catered to the children’s interests at the time
- Detailed staff recaps, via our Weemarkable app, of each child’s day, including new developments made and milestones achieved
- The opportunity for families to meet with educators to review their child's progress and discuss any concerns they may have
Nursery Program
Designed for children ages 2.5 to 4
Program Features: Exploring the indoors and outdoors, introduction 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
- A licensed nursery program from September to June every year
- Options to enrol child 2, 3 or 5 times/week
- Program runs in the morning and afternoon for 2.5 hours each day
- Detailed staff recaps, via our Weemarkable app, of each child’s day, including new developments made and milestones achieved
A Unique Play-Based Curriculum Taught by our Trusted Experts
- 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
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Caring for a family in crisis
"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.