Start your child’s journey at the Alexandria Area YMCA, where we offer two convenient preschool locations right here in Alexandria, MN.
Our play-based curriculum fosters the social skills and independence your child needs to transition confidently into local schools. We provide a nurturing environment where imaginations soar, and a lifelong love for learning begins.
Beyond standard childcare, the Alexandria Area YMCA provides an all-in-one experience designed to support your child’s development while simplifying your family's busy schedule.
We save you extra trips across town by offering youth sports, enrichment programs, and swim lessons while your child is in our care.
You can count on us to be there. Unlike many in-home daycares, we don't close for provider sick days or personal vacations.
Our program features separate classrooms for infants, toddlers, preschool, and K-readiness, allowing your child to hit milestones alongside their peers.
We go beyond academics to instill the core YMCA values of honesty, caring, respect and responsibility in every student.
We are committed to providing high-quality, accessible childcare for families throughout the Alexandria area. Whether you need full-time support or a flexible part-week schedule, our two local sites offer consistent, professional care you can trust.
Schedule |
Weekly Rate |
| 5 Days per Week | $250 |
| 3 Days per Week | $165 |
We believe every child deserves a great start, regardless of financial circumstances. Assistance is available for qualifying families through the Minnesota Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP).
To learn more about eligibility and how to apply, please visit the Douglas County Child Care Assistance page or contact their office directly.
At the Alexandria Area YMCA, we know that peace of mind starts with the people caring for your child. Our teachers aren't just staff; they are qualified mentors dedicated to creating a safe, nurturing, and high-energy environment for every student.
Every team member—from Lead Teachers to Aides—undergoes a rigorous background study and comprehensive training program before ever stepping into the classroom. This ensures your child is always in the most capable hands.
To better serve our community, the YMCA offers 4-Star Parent Aware rated preschool programming—the highest rating available—at two convenient locations within Alexandria.
Each site provides the same high standards of care, curriculum, and safety you expect, ensuring your child has a nurturing environment to learn and grow, regardless of which location you choose.
Hours of Operation: 6:30 a.m. – 5:45 p.m.
Our program is designed to turn curiosity into confidence through hands-on activities that make every day an adventure in learning.
No, you do not need to be a YMCA member to enroll in YMCA Child Care.
At the Alexandria Area YMCA, we know that child care is a big investment for families—especially if you have more than one child enrolled.
Families with three or more children actively enrolled in the YMCA Child Care program receive a 25% discount on tuition. This discount is applied to the weekly tuition of the oldest child, helping to make quality child care a little more affordable for larger families.
At the Alexandria Area YMCA Child Care Center, healthy meals and snacks are included each day for your child.
Breakfast – served at 8:00 a.m.
Lunch – served at 11:00 a.m.
Afternoon Snack – served at 2:30 p.m.
Early Evening Snack – offered around 5:00 p.m. for children still in our care
We participate in a certified food program, which means every meal follows strict nutrition guidelines. Your child receives proper portions of:
Meals are prepared on site by our certified kitchen manager, ensuring fresh, balanced options every day.
At our Nelson Care Center, we partner with the certified cooks in the Nelson Care Center kitchen. These meals are made fresh in their kitchen and brought to classrooms, where staff serve them to the children.
We know that routine helps children feel secure and confident. A predictable schedule lets them know what to expect, freeing them up to do the important work of childhood: playing, exploring, and learning.
Here’s a glimpse into our daily rhythm.
Every YMCA Child Care classroom has an iPad with the Brightwheel app. This easy-to-use tool allows our teachers to:
Brightwheel also stores your contact information, including email and phone number, so we can quickly reach you if needed.
Choosing the right preschool is a big decision for your family, and we want to ensure you have all the information you need.
For more information or to discuss your child’s specific needs, please contact Jenny Johnson at jjohnson@alexandriaymca.com or (320) 834-9622.