Early Years

There's no job more important in the world than being a parent. But when it's not your only job, our YMCA Child Care programs are here for your family.

We know childhood is a particular time when the seeds of future success are planted. Our YMCA Child Care programs are based on a curriculum that encourages the physical, mental and social development of your child.  

As Canada’s largest child care provider, the health and well-being of your child is at the core of everything we do. At the Y, you'll find a group of caring and dedicated staff who make every day a special day for your child.

Early Learning and Care

YMCA Child Care services feature our Playing to Learn curriculum. We provide high-quality care for your children so they can learn, grow and thrive. ​

Infant/Toddler Programs

Ages 12 - 36 months

YMCA Infant/Toddler Child Care programs offer environments that are safe and stimulating, with caring, supportive caregivers who understand what makes your child special.

Choosing a child care provider is a big decision: you want your baby or toddler to be nurtured and cared for as well as you would do yourself. Our YMCA Playing to Learn curriculum provides your little one with a chance to learn and grow through creative play, helping them get ready for a lifetime of learning. This national play-based curriculum combines our decades of experience in child care delivery with the latest body of knowledge on how the brain develops and how children learn.

Kids need a whole community to grow up strong — and when infants and toddlers grow up healthy, our whole community gets stronger. Our programs provide young children with the care and support they need to reach their full potential.

Preschool Programs

Ages 3 - 5 years

YMCA Preschool programs provide vital learning opportunities for preschool children aged 3-5 years.

We believe strengthening community starts with helping kids reach their potential. With decades of experience in child care, we provide a safe, nurturing environment for children to learn to build healthy relationships and develop school readiness skills.

Following the national “Playing to Learn” curriculum, our preschool programs help build a capacity for lifelong learning by creating quality learning experiences through play. 

For more information, please contact sandra.warkentin@medicinehatymca.ca, and find your location here.

Before and After School Care Program

Ages 5+ years

YMCA Out of School Care uses a curriculum called YMCA A Place to Connect. The philosophy underpinning this curriculum involves ensuring programs are active, healthy and fun with an emphasis on letting children make their own choices. Educators create a special relationship with each child, helping them develop new physical, cognitive, emotional and social skills in a caring, nurturing environment.