Five easy steps to finding child care at the YMCA

As we start thinking ahead to the next school year, many parents ask us about the types of child care the Y provides. You might be wondering, ‘What is child care all about, and is it really right for me and my kids?' We want to help answer some of your questions and make your search a little easier. Here are five steps to take as you embark on your journey in finding the right care for your child:

1. Location, location, location
   We have 280 licensed child care programs across the GTA, and that number is growing! Due to our many locations, you’ll need to be specific about which centre you want to know more about. Check our website for the location nearest you, and have two backup locations on your list just in case!


2. Choose a program
   We provide care for children zero to 12 years of age. Each centre accepts children of different ages and offers different programs. We have Full Day Child Care programs, Before and After school programs, Extended Day programs, and School Age programs.


3. Know what to expect
   At our child care centres, we believe that play is the natural way children learn, Our curriculum YMCA Playing to Learn focuses on small group, play-based inquiry programming provided by qualified educators who engage in play with your child.


4. Get on the list
   With great pride, we can say that our child care programs are highly sought after. As such it’s important to ask how long the waitlist is to get into a program, or if you are able to be placed on the waitlist.


5. Help is just an email away.
   If you’re stuck at any time, send your questions to childcare@ymcagta.org; we’ll redirect them to the most qualified and appropriate person to make sure you get all the information that you need.

Hopefully this has helped you a little bit, and if it does, share it with a friend who is also on the search for awesome child care!