Child Care

For Youth Development

Nurturing the potential of every child and teen

Youth Development Center (YDC)

Programs are based on our knowledge that children learn best through the firsthand sensory experiences of feeling, listening, smelling, tasting and observing. Children need to handle, manipulate, experiment and explore, but they also need and expect certain guidelines, rules and routine in order to feel safe and secure. It is our task as educators/caregivers to provide materials and experiences as well as the protective controls that each child needs for optimal learning.

YDC Activities

The activities at the YDC are carefully planned to:

  • Facilitate intellectual growth and the development of problem solving skills through manipulative games, puzzles and other learning tasks that help the child classify, label, and distinguish cause and effect.
  • Foster the child's imagination and appreciation through dramatic play, puppetry, art, music, and movement. The emphasis is always on creativity, not imitation.
  • Encourage physical coordination and the development of motor skills through a wide range of challenging play equipment.
  • Instill a love of literature and communication skills by providing a relaxed supportive atmosphere that encourages verbal expression through on-site story times, off-site library visits and summer school age reading programs.
  • Build an understanding of other cultures through sharing literature of other heritages, learning songs, and celebrating holidays of different cultures and ethnic groups.

Y-Rec Program

This is a FREE Y program ran by YMCA staff who will provide supervision and organized games (sports, ping pong, air hockey, wii) and activities (arts and crafts, Legos, etc.) based on the interests of the kids.

This program is for children ages 8-12 who have a Free Youth Recreation card or a regular YMCA membership. Children who are under the age of 10 must remain with the YMCA staff at all times. The YMCA age guideline states that kids 9 and under must be supervised by someone over the age of 13 when using their YMCA membership or Youth Recreation card. Kids ages 10 and up are allowed to go to YMCA classes, Youth fi tness classes and use the gyms or youth running track and must follow YMCA rules, regulations and schedules. Read more about the Y-Rec Program.

Child Watch

Take full advantage of your membership by using our low-cost Child Watch service! Attend a group fitness class, swim, or take a walk with a friend while our experienced caregivers take care of your children. Read more about Child Watch.