YMCA of Central Ohio
Child Care - Ensure a Brighter Future
With so many demands on today's families, parents need all the support they can get. That's why child care at the Y is about more than looking after kids. It's about nurturing their development, by providing a safe place to learn foundational skills, develop healthy, trusting relationships and building self-reliance through the Y core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.
Safe Kids…..Our Commitment
Parents place their trust in the YMCA to help their children and youth thrive. Our core values-caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility-are part of everything we do. Because of this, we place great value on ensuring a safe environment. PDF Child Protection Steps

State Licensed Early Child Care

YMCA Educare Centers

Full-Day Infant-Preschool
Educare Centers

The YMCA of Central Ohio proudly offers full-day infant-through-preschool child care at three Educare Centers in Columbus. Our Educare Centers are licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Children in our Educare programs are cared for in a warm, caring and safe environment. Staff are well trained in early childhood education and follow age-appropriate lesson plans that are designed to stimulate childrens' minds as well as provide a fun and creative day for your child.

Locations

Preschool

AGES 3-5
Preschool

The YMCA of Central Ohio offers State Licensed Preschool programs in 4 YMCA branches. Our preschool programs also follow an educational enriching curriculum that focuses on kindergarten readiness, character development, health and fitness, diversity and values education. Swim time is available at some locations. YMCA Preschool is a great way for your child to interact with other children and gain the social skills they will need as they grow and mature into school-agers.

Locations

State Licensed School-Age Child Care

Before & After Care

Before/After - School Care
AGES 5/6-12

The YMCA of Central Ohio offers state-licensed before and/or after-school care at over 50 locations throughout Central Ohio. While our programs allow for activity choice, they provide an educationally based curriculum which includes homework assistance and a fitness component.

 School Days Off

School Days Off
AGES 5/6-12

The YMCA is committed to Central Ohio communities. During the school year, there are many occasions for schools to close, such as parent/teacher conference days, single day holidays and longer holiday breaks. On these days, the YMCA offers full-day child care, "School Days Off," from 7 am-6 pm at select branches. Pre-registration for School Days Off may be necessary.

 Emergency Days Off

Emergency Weather Days

AGES 5/6-12

The YMCA of Central Ohio is committed to ensuring Central Ohio families with safe, accessible child care options when schools close due to weather emergencies when possible. Select YMCA branches offer full-day child care for school-agers during most weather emergency situations. Please call ahead on emergency weather days to check if the program is able to operate. Pre-registration for School Days Off may be necessary.

Food Program & Y-Kids Are Fit

Child and Adult Care Food Program

Ohio Department of Education
Food Program

The YMCA is proud to participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program. The goal of this program is to increase the YMCA's ability to meet the nutritional needs of children in our care by getting reimbursed for meals and snacks that meet CACFP requirements. In addition, we promote understanding of the role of nutrition in the physical, mental and social health of children and help develop positive food attitudes and eating behaviors.

Y-Kids Are Fit

Moving Kids Towards a Healthy Lifestyle
Y-Kids Are Fit

The YMCA of Central Ohio contracts with schools & organizations to provide the Y-Kids Are Fit curriculum or programs can opt to have their own staff implement the curriculum.

Y-Kids Are Fit gives children the opportunity to participate in regular physical activity and to learn about healthy choices is what Y-Kids are Fit is all about. The focus of the program is on fitness, health and nutrition.