Quality care your family can count on. Our licensed child care centers offer early learning opportunities for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Lead by enthusiastic and experienced staff, our evidence-based Creative Curriculum stimulates your child’s cognitive, social, physical, and emotional growth.
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
Brighter futures start here.
We strive to meet the needs of working families and growing minds by providing quality child care for infants through preschoolers. But our early childhood education centers offer so much more than just licensed day care. At the Y, we believe the values and skills learned early on are vital building blocks for future success.
Caring for your child in a healthy, nurturing environment that fosters school readiness is our top priority. You'll have peace of mind knowing your child is in a safe place where they'll engage in age-appropriate experiences and early learning opportunities. Each member of our qualified staff is trained to deliver an evidence-based Creative Curriculum that:
- Supports social and emotional development by helping little ones establish positive relationships and self-regulation skills
- Introduces math concepts during daily routines and activities that stimulate children's cognitive development
- Inspires language and literacy development as youth learn to communicate using verbal, written, and comprehension skills
- Encourages children's curiosity, persistence, and creativity in order to gather information and solve problems
- Promotes physical development with activities that use fine and gross motor skills
CHILD CARE YOU CAN TRUST
Our YoungStar ratings and National Accreditation Commission (NAC) standards mean quality child care is never far from home.
WHERE WORK IS PLAY
Grow your passion for working with children and gain valuable experience as you embark on a rewarding career at the Y.
We offer full-time and part-time day care for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old. Please call a location near you to schedule a tour.
INFANTS & TODDLERS
Our infant and toddler caregivers take time to connect with your child as they grow, respond to their needs, and support each new milestone.
TWOS & THREES
As little ones become more capable and independent, our experienced staff promote play-based learning, hands-on activities, and self-help skills.
PRESCHOOL
Guided by experienced teachers, preschoolers develop physical, verbal, and social skills in an inclusive environment that's focused on kindergarten readiness.
Child care is available at our early childhood education centers:
- Northside YMCA Center 1350 W. North Avenue, Milwaukee
- Northwest YMCA Center 9050 N. Swan Road, Milwaukee
- Sonlight YMCA Center 11011 N. Oriole Lane, Mequon
See the map below or visit our locations page to learn more.
The daily schedule at our early childhood education centers varies based on the developmental stage and abilities of each child. We provide age-appropriate experiences for the children in our care, including:
Large Group Activities
The interactive environment of a large group encourages children to engage in team building, take turns, participate, and allow others to participate with them.
Small Group Activities
Children receive guidance as they develop particular skills, including tracing, balancing, eye-hand coordination, color and shape identification, and more.
Literacy Time
Child Care and Preschool Education participants are exposed to age-appropriate literature and are encouraged to use their imagination, build vocabulary, and develop listening skills.
Academic Achievement
Children are provided with activities that stimulate learning.
Meal/Snack Time
We prioritize healthy nutrition and encourage kids to try a variety of different foods. During snacks and meals, children have the opportunity to work on group cooperation, language development, personal discipline, and positive social interaction.
Social Skills Development
The Y’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility are reinforced in daily activities and built into all lesson plans. Children are also encouraged to practice personal hygiene and participate in the care of their environment.
To request a tour or to secure a spot for your child, please call the early childhood learning center you are interested in attending. Online registration is not available.
FORMS & PUBLICATIONS
Please notify us immediately of any changes in order to keep your information on the forms updated.
Required Forms
- Child Health Report
- Credit Card Authorization
- Emergency Contact Card
- Child Care Immunization Record (English)
- Child Care Immunization Record (Spanish)
- Health History & Emergency Care Plan
- Intake for Child Under 2 Years
- Payment Agreement
Additional Forms
- Alternative Arrival/Release Agreement
- Authorization to Administer Medication (English)
- Authorization to Administer Medication (Spanish)
Parent Information
- Health Policy & Child Guidance Policy
- Your Guide to Regulated Child Care
- Wisconsin Licensing Rules for Child Care
REGISTRATION FEE
A one-time fee of $40 per child is due at the time of registration.
WEEKLY PROGRAM FEES
Rates vary by program/location and are based on a weekly schedule, not attendance. Child may only attend the time(s) and day(s) selected on the registration form (i.e. those registered for Mondays can only attend on Mondays). Switching days can only be approved by the Director and will be granted when space is available.
There are no credits for holidays or sick days. Credits will be given for absence due to illness for five consecutive days, in-patient hospitalization of a child, death of an immediate family member, and vacation days (upon request). Please see the handbook for details.
LATE PICK-UP FEE
A fee of $1/minute will be charged after scheduled care ends until your child is picked up. Repeated late pick-up may result in the removal from the program.
MONTHLY PAYMENT
School age care is sold and invoiced on a monthly basis. All fees must be paid by the first of the month of service.
PROGRAM SCHEDULE CHANGE OR WITHDRAWL
Two weeks written notice is required if you wish to make a change to your child’s schedule and/or withdraw from the program. Depending on the request, you may need to complete additional paperwork. Verbal notices will not be honored and no refunds or credits will be issued for days your child does not attend.
For registration and billing questions, contact us at schoolage@ymcamke.org or 414-274-0759.
ADDITIONAL CHILD DISCOUNT
We offer a discount for households who register more than one child. After one child is enrolled at full price, you'll receive 10% off each additional child's rate. The discount will be applied to the lowest rate tuition(s). Multiple discounts cannot be applied to the same child.
Y MEMBER DISCOUNT
YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee members receive a discount on weekly child care tuition. In order to receive member pricing, the child must be part of a household membership. Please note: full day care for five days per week is not discounted, but your family is eligible to receive a free household membership.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive at the Y, regardless of their financial circumstances. Through contributions to our Annual Campaign, we're able to reduce barriers to joining and participating in Y programs and services.
Financial assistance is offered on a sliding scale based on your household’s income. Individuals with a special circumstance, such as a job loss or other financial challenge, are also encouraged to apply.
WISCONSIN SHARES CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE
Our school age care programs are licensed by the Department of Children and Families and accept Wisconsin Shares Child Care Assistance.
Contact your Wisconsin Shares office for approval as you must have authorization before we can register your child.
Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Waukesha Counties: 888-947-6583
Washington County: 262-335-4610
YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee Provider Number: 1000558721
Location Numbers
Northside YMCA Center: 069
Northwest YMCA Center: 058
Sonlight YMCA Center: 186
You do not need to be a Y member in order to enroll in child care at our early childhood education centers. Families who have a child registered for five full days per week qualify for a free household membership. Your Y membership will continue for the duration of your child’s full-time enrollment, as long as your account remains in good standing.
As a YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee member, you'll also save up to 50% off non-member rates for monthly programs, summer day camp, personal training, and more. Please call or visit your local branch to join today!