Y Child Development Centers
The YMCA Value
At the YMCA we provide high quality, affordable early child development at our Child Development Centers. Our nurturing atmosphere stimulates learning, celebrates individuality, promotes self-esteem and encourages social interactions based upon respect and kindness. Children engage in a framework called Creative Curriculum, an approach that focuses on how children develop and learn, based on their individual interests, the learning environment and the role of the teacher.
Additional Information
For information about Locations and Registration. For rates contact the individual child development centers at Locations. For more information read our YMCA Early Child Development Brochure.
A Child's Day at a YMCA Center
YMCA Sample Curriculum
YMCA Sample Daily Schedule
Philosophy and Mission
At the root of our 150 year-old organization is our mission statement: To put the Christian principles of love, respect, honesty, responsibility and service into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Those values are reflected in our programs, activities and staff.
Our Goals
- To support and strengthen the family unit
- To help children develop to their fullest potential through developmentally appropriate activities
- To deliver our programs in a positive YMCA environment of safety, support and care
- To appreciate the diversity of families and staff within the program and the community at large
- To grow children to become our future leaders and supporters
- To develop new skills through self directed choices
- To have fun
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Staff
Program quality starts with great staff. Just like at your place of business, matching the position with staff who possess the right aptitude, knowledge and abilities makes the experience for your child and yourself a positive one.
Research has shown that a critical asset every child needs to succeed is the support of non-parent adults. Like you, the parent, our site staff are perceived as role models by your child. As such, the YMCA spends countless resources in making sure that the relationship your child has with their caregiver is one that will pay out benefits over a lifetime.
All Site Staff
While we follow State staff/child ratio guidelines, class sizes are often smaller than required.
- Receive continuous education and training
- Complete CPR and first aid certifications
- Undergo a background and criminal history check
- Are held to high YMCA standard of conduct
- Meet State Child Care Licensing standards, i.e., (previous) experience within licensed child care setting, or child recreation (program)
Staff Profiles
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Volunteer Opportunities
As a membership organization, the YMCA views our efforts differently than many service organizations. Building strong kids, strong families and strong communities is not something that we do alone. To be effective we work with members (that's you). When opportunities arise, whether they be volunteering on a field trip, in the classroom, on a Parent Advisory Committee or on our Community Support Campaign, please consider how you might make a positive difference within the life of your child, your family and your community. Volunteer
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Focus on the Family
No matter how many hours children spend in child care, family is still the most important structure in their lives. YMCA Child Care programs are most effective at building strong kids when we work with the whole family, rather than addressing your child’s developmental needs alone. With this in mind we offer the following incentives to our child care programs in order to support the family.
- YMCA Health and Fitness Facility Fee Reduction of 75% – 25% for Y Child Care program members
- YMCA Camp Collins, with a 50% rate reduction on a one week stay
- YMCA Youth Sports
- Family nights sponsored by your child’s site
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Family outing opportunities with reduced fees, past activities included Portland Rockies, Portland Fire, PSU football games and Disney on Ice
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What Will My Child do all Day?
Children ages 6 weeks to 5 years within our centers are engaged with their teachers in program framework called "Creative Curriculum."
The Creative Curriculum is an early childhood development approach that is rooted in educational philosophy and theory as well as in practice. The framework for this curriculum takes advantage of a child's natural curiosity to explore the world around them and is composed of the following four aspects of a child's development:
- Social/Emotional Development – Building a level of responsibility for ones self and others, while learning to make friends and play with others. Youth also develop the ability to trust adults and adjust to new situations.
- Physical Development – Youth develop both gross and fine motor skills through outdoor active play and the use of cutting and writing instruments.
- Cognitive Development – Building brain power through comparing, measuring, make believe play, observing, counting, etc. helps young children make sense of the world around and how their actions shape that world.
- Language Development – Building skills to enhance listening and speaking, while preparing youth to read and write helps to create a lifelong appreciation for literacy.
Infants have the opportunity to explore their world with their hands, mouth, ears and sight. They will listen to soft music, grab and shake hand toys, look at bright picture books, respond to others, move arms, and legs and work towards crawling and walking. Of course they'll also let us know when it is time to eat and sleep.
The Wobblers and Toddlers (age 12 months to 2 1/2 years) are offered daily opportunities for large motor skill development by giving plenty of room for crawling, walking, jumping and group activities. They'll solve puzzles, build with blocks, scribble on paper, initiate make believe play and use verbal phrases. Emotional bonds are formed with the teachers, peers and other families that will last a lifetime.
Our Preschoolers (2 1/2 years to 5 years) are encouraged to make self directed choices from a number of interest centers where they will draw, cut and glue; run, hop, throw, catch, climb, build with blocks, tell stories, sing, dance, act, learn letters, count, play with others and much, much more.
