Child Care & Preschool

The YMCA is a teacher to toddlers curious about exploring the world around them at the beginning of a lifetime of learning.

Infant Care (6 months – 2 years)

YMCA infant centers are designed to meet your child's individual needs by ensuring positive attention and development. Because this is a critical time in your child's life, our infant care focuses on the development of the whole child and equips even infants with essential skills for lifelong learning. YMCA staff are trained especially for this delicate and inquisitive age group. Because a well-trained staff is a key factor in quality infant care, staff members are required to attend numerous training sessions throughout the year.

Infant Care is available at the West Side and Vanderbilt Branches.

Nursery School (3-4 years)

The YMCA believes that a quality program should provide enriching experiences which facilitate a child’s cognitive, social, physical and emotional growth. We strive to meet the developmental needs and temperament of each individual child by working in partnership with families.

YMCA Early Child Development programs, licensed by the New York City Department of Health, provide a nurturing environment where children’s natural curiosity is a springboard to learning skills that are necessary for success in school. Children learn how to share, take turns and work in groups. They also develop age-appropriate skills that form the foundation for reading, writing and mathematics. 


Nursery School is available at the Broadway, Cross Island, Flatbush, Flushing, Long Island City, Ridgewood, South Shore, Vanderbilt and West Side Branches and Bayside Center.

Note: All children enrolled in our program must be toilet trained.

Universal Pre-Kindergarten (4 years)

YMCA Early Childhood Centers offer a free Universal Pre-Kindergarten program for four-year-olds. UPK places its focus on the healthy development of the whole child by providing a safe, happy, nurturing environment where children are intellectually, socially and physically stimulated while participating in fun activities. The curriculum is based on learning centers and a theme-based approach to learning. Each classroom is equipped with Listening, Block, Math/Science Library, Computer, Dramatic Play, Art, and Sand & Water Centers. 


Universal Pre-Kindergarten is a partnership with the New York City Department of Education and is licensed by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

UPK runs Monday-Friday for 2.5 hours, in an AM or PM session, and is available at the Broadway, Cross Island, Flatbush, Flushing, Long Island City and South Shore Branches and Bayside Center.EARLY CHILDHOOD/Healthy Lifestyles