Christian Street Child Care

Our state-licensed Child Care Center provides certified, experienced teachers who will lead your child through a proven YMCA curriculum of active educational experiences as well as the following programs:basic reading, math skills, music, physical activities, gym and swim time activities along with arts and craft and playground.
Parents interested in the Christian Street YMCA Childcare Programs should drop in for an application packet during the school year. The admissions process involves a parent tour and an onsite playgroup visit for each child who wishes to enroll into our Child Development Centers.
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Before and After School Care
When children enter the Y After School program, a whole other world of imagination and growth opens up to them. In addition to supplementing what they have learned in school, they participate in interactive learning models that engage critical thinking skills get assistance with their homework from trained YMCA staff, have a chance to socialize with each other, and form long-lasting friendships that enhance their development, growth and self-confidence.
Our curriculum is based on a program model that focuses on learning enhancement, health and recreation, and building competence and confidence in children. The program runs every regular school day, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., in a supervised and structured environment, providing a safe after school alternative for children. The staff-to-student ratio is 1:10 and the site capacity can range from 24 to as many as 100 children.
Current Schools are:
Arthur Elementary School
E. M. Stanton Elementary School
Christopher Columbus Charter - North & South
Independence Charter
George Childs Elementary School
Smith Elementary School
Nebinger Elementary School
Universal Charter
Care is available:
- 7:00 am - 8:00 am
- 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
- Early Dismissal Days
- On Philadelphia School District Holidays from 7:00 am - 6:00 pm
After school transportation is available where there are 5 or more students enrolled in our program. Would you like your child's school to be added to our pick up list? Contact Anthony for more information. All participants must have a membership and updated Health Assessment before enrolling into our childcare program.
For more information please contact Anthony Guildford at 215-735-5800 ext 1611 or aguildford@philaymca.org
Early Childhood Development
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. The Christian Street YMCA Early Child Development Programs, licensed by the State of Pennsylvania, provide a curriculum focused on education, leadership and character development.
Preschool (Ages 2 1/2 - 3 years)
This program is committed to providing a safe, supportive living and learning environment for young children. Teachers create a warm and loving atmosphere while offering a developmentally-based, engaging curriculum, where children can play, discover and learn. Staff zvalues each child’s unique personality and temperament. The development of independence, trust and initiative is fostered through a balanced program of free play and structure, quiet and active play, and group and individual time.
Time: 7:00AM- 6:00PM
Fee: Pre-school $162.75 / week
Pre-school Prep $153.00 / week
Pre-K (Ages 4-5 years)
This program offers a rich, supportive learning and socialization environment for pre-schoolers. Social, emotional, physical and cognitive growth is fostered through a balanced, developmentally based program. During circle time, pre-schoolers will be more focused on learning concepts, i.e., numbers, colors, shapes, through songs, stories.
Time: 7:00AM- 6:00PM
Fee: Pre-school $162.75 / week
Pre-K $153.00 / week
Our daily program includes free-choice activities, outdoor play, group time, story time and music time. In addition to plenty of open-ended play, there are several special projects or activities daily including, cooking, science, art, swimming and field trips. As part of the Christian Street YMCA, the Early Childhood and Care department is committed to a multi-cultural program that encourages children to grow as individuals and become sensitive and responsive to others.
Our parents have the unique opportunity to participate in their child’s classroom as the “helping parent” on a regular basis. They see the curriculum develop, watch children interact, and gain a perspective into the work of our teachers. Most importantly, our parents’ presence demonstrates the value of the school and their commitment.
All participants must have a membership before enrolling into our childcare program.
For more information please contact Anthony Guildford at 215-735-5800 ext 1611 or aguildford@philaymca.org