YMCA of Greater Toronto

Early Learning and Care

Learning our ABCs and 123s in a Play-Based Environment

At the Y, we believe that 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 GTA.

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YMCA Child Care

Here to help your little one discover the world through play and imagination, our YMCA Playing to Learn™ Curriculum offers kids 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 download the YMCA Early Learning Handbook, Ages 0-5

YMCA Licenced Child Care Programs

Early Learning & Care Programs

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Infant Program

(6 Weeks to 1.5 Years)

Toddler Program

(1.5 to 2.5 Years)

Preschool Program

(2.5 to 4 Years)

Nursery Program

(2.5 to 4 Years)

Program Details

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

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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

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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

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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

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YMCA Child Care

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.

Learn More About Our Charitable Impact