Child Care
Experiences during the early years of life influence how children view their world, how they relate to others, and their ability to succeed as learners. YMCA Child Care uses creative curriculum as a teaching guide to support all aspects of a child's development, which includes:
- Building a trusting relationship with each child
- Providing responsive, individualized care
- Creating environments that support and encourage exploration
- Ensuring children's safety and health
- Developing partnerships with families
- Recognizing the importance of social/emotional development
- Taking advantage of every opportunity to build a foundation for lifelong learning
- Observing and documenting each child's development to allow for differentiated instruction and individual guidance
With so many demands on today's families, parents need all the support they can get. That's why child care at the Y is about more than looking after kids. It's about nurturing their development by providing a safe place to learn foundational skills, develop healthy, trusting, relationships and build self-reliance.
Hours of operation: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Qualified teachers and assistant teachers trained in education, CPR & First Aid
- Swimming lessons, and other YMCA programs available daily (additional fees apply)
- Field trips and special events
- Nutritious meals and snacks
- Biannual parent/teacher conferences
- Facilities include State-of-the-art outdoor playground, YMCA aquatic center and gymnasium access
- Creative curriculum is used as a teaching guide to support child development
Infant/Toddler Curriculum
Infant/toddler care is much more than basic care. Teachers strive to attain balance and harmony with children's home schedules. The classrooms experience independent, whole group, and small group activities. We provide formula and food, and ask that families provide wipes, diapers or pull-ups and a change of clothing. Children in these classrooms have a 1:4 teacher/child ratio (infants) and 1:7 teacher/child ratio (toddlers).
The Creative Curriculum for Infants, Toddlers & Twos, is a comprehensive curriculum that focuses on building relationships and providing responsive care. The curriculum focuses on creating a responsive environment for the children where they will be physically and emotionally stimulated with materials, sounds, and experiences, and also have space to relax and learn from those around them. Our lead teachers carefully plan daily routines and experiences, focusing on personal growth and development, making sure they are individualized to each child.
Lesson plans are developed around exploration topics, based on children's interests. Children participate in creative art, large and fine motor activities, language and talking, and music and movement. Developmentally appropriate social, emotional and cognitive social activities are also planned throughout the day. Care is individualized to fit each child's needs. Creative Curriculum focuses on guiding children's behavior in a positive way. Building relationships with the families is a very important part of a successful infant and toddler program; families are welcome to join the children any time during the day. Parents have several opportunities throughout the day to visit with trained staff, and Parent/Teacher Conferences are offered at least two times a year.
Preschool/Kindergarten Readiness Curriculum
Classrooms have a daily schedule that allows for independent activity, and whole and small group activities. Children play outside daily and experience field trips and guest speakers. Children in these classrooms have a 1:10 teacher/child ratio.
Creative Curriculum for Preschool Children is a comprehensive curriculum that focuses on building relationships, the learning environment, how children learn and how teachers and families can work together to strengthen growth and development, ensuring school readiness.
Lead teachers plan lessons around exploration topics, based on children's interests. Creative Curriculum balances both teacher-directed and child-initiated learning, with an emphasis on responding to children's learning styles, and building on strengths and interests. Creative Curriculum is one of the country's leading research-based preschool curricula that applies the latest theory and research on best practices in teaching and learning. Content standards developed by states and professional organizations. Creative Curriculum for Preschool clearly defines the teacher's vital role in connecting content, teaching, and learning for preschool children. Children participate in creative art, large and fine motor activities, language and talking, and music and movement. Children will balance their time between teacher-directed activities and child-initiated activities. The outdoor environment is an extension of the classroom, and children have the opportunity to continue learning outdoors at least twice daily.
Contact Jenny Johnson, Early Childhood Operations Coordinator at 320-834-9622 or jjohnson@alexandriaymca.com, to schedule a tour, or to enroll. Upon enrollment, necessary paperwork will be recorded, along with current immunization records, and health history.