Why Choose Y Early Learning?
There's so many reasons to choose one of the Y's early learning programs for your child! We have highly-trained and certified staff who care about the well-being and development of our child.
They understand the stages of development for children our care and structure the experience to help them meet the necessary milestones.
Check out our early learning video to learn about our specific programs.
Our Programs
Toddler Program
Ages: 13 months - 36 months
Our toddler program nurtures and encourages your child’s natural curiosity in a fun and active learning environment. Highly trained teachers plan daily activities that encourage an enthusiastic exploration of the world. Within the consistent structure toddlers crave, children enjoy a daily balance of quiet activities, spirited music, movement, and plenty of outdoor climbing, running, and jumping.
Preschool Program
Ages: 37 months - 5 years
Children transition through the early stages of development toward more advanced skills they need to succeed in elementary school and beyond! Caring staff leads children in activities that introduce Kindergarten-readiness skills while supporting children’s natural curiosity about the world around them through dramatic play. Teachers encourage pro-social behavior and provide opportunities to increase self-care skills.
Before and After School
Grades: K - 6th
The Y’s Before & After School Enrichment (BASE) Program helps fill a gap for working families by keeping kids safe when not in school. Through a combination of recreational and teacher-led activities, we are able to complement what kids are already learning in the classroom. School-age kids balance learning and fun while developing social skills and engaging with positive adult role models.
Pre-K Counts
Ages: 37 months - 5 years
Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts provides quality full-day preschool to eligible 3 and 4 year olds at no cost. This program is for families earning up to 300 percent of the federal income poverty level (such as a family of four earning $93,000) who may also be English language learners or have special needs.
PHLpreK
Ages: 37 months - 5 years
The PHLpreK program offers free, high-quality preschool to children who are 3 or 4 years old who reside in Philadelphia County. There are no income or employment requirements. Interested families can apply for placement in this program.
Full Day School Age Care
Ages: 5 - 12
Wondering what to do with your kids when school is closed but you still have to work? The Y provides care when your child’s school is closed, including most in-service days and holidays. Your child will engage in social and educational activities along with plenty of physical activity while at the Y.
*Completed forms must be obtained prior to attending. Registration for the 2024-2025 school year opens August 15.
Frequently Asked Questions
All Y Early Learning Centers feature the following measure to ensure the safety and well-being of our participants:
- Protected entryway with key fob system
- CCTV cameras in all classrooms and hallways
- Full-time director on site with additional layers of leadership oversight and operational support
- Regulated and licensed by the state and participate in state Quality Rating Systems
In a typical day, children are provided with hands-on, playful, developmentally appropriate experiences both indoors and out. Instruction builds upon prior learning and developed skills as children age up through the program, ensuring readiness for learning and entry into Kindergarten.
Children go outside every day, when the temperature is between 25 – 90 degrees, and there is no active precipitation or advisory to stay indoors.
Daily communication is provided through Tadpoles, a home and school app that supports two-way communication and sharing of resources, information, and photos.
All staff meet or exceed state requirements and have access to continuous education and training.
Please provide any necessary personal care items for your child, including: diapers, wipes, a change of clothing and naptime bedding. For infants, please supply a crib sheet. Please contact your local center for additional details, including snacks and meals.
Our tuition rates vary based on which offering you select. Please contact us at gpychildcare@philaymca.org or (215) 220-9199 to learn more about our offerings and pricing.
We believe that everyone in our community should have the opportunity to benefit from Y programs. Our financial assistance program is central to our mission. Learn more about financial assistance.
Contact Us
Have additional questions about child care or registration? Reach out to our team!
Phone: 215-220-9199
Email: GPYChildCare@philaymca.org
