Child Care & Preschool
The YMCA offers child care for children of all ages through our Early Childhood Learning Centers, Preschool, School-Age Care and Vacation Camp.
Y For All - Tuition Assistance
The Y strives to make child care tuition more affordable for all families, so that children can receive the educational, physical, and social benefits of our programs, while reducing the stress on parents who juggle work and household responsibilities with the uncertainties of life. Through our Y for All Fund, qualifying families can receive a reduced rate on their child care tuition. Even if you don’t think you would qualify for assistance, we encourage you to apply.
Child Care
With the many demands families face today, parents deserve strong support—and that’s exactly what child care at the Y provides. More than a safe place for kids, our programs nurture growth by helping children build foundational skills, develop healthy, trusting relationships, and gain confidence through the Y’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
Our early learning programs are rated by Grow NJ Kids, ensuring quality care with ongoing training and improvement.
Choose from the following options below:
Why choose the Y:
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Experienced, nurturing staff
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Safe environment: Staff background checks, secure facilities with entry by key* and visitor screening
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Low teacher-to-child ratios
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Flexible scheduling options
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Convenient: Open late and when school is not*
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Curricula that promote youth development, healthy lifestyles, and social and emotional learning
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Enrichment classes in STEAM, literacy, swimming and more *
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Daily communications with parents
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Affordable, with financial assistance available through application
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Access to a variety of summer camp experiences
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Inclusive environments with respect for cultural diversity
* Offerings vary by child care sites
Infant & Toddler
The Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges offers full and part-time care for children as young as six weeks at four licensed child care sites. We use the Creative Curriculum to create a learning environment that helps each child develop their social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and language abilities.
The Creative Curriculum builds children’s confidence, creativity, and critical thinking skills through hands-on, project-based investigations. Trusted for decades by early childhood educators, our curriculum:
● Respects and nurtures individual skill progression for the whole child
● Harnesses the power of play through studies that engage learners as young as 2
● Seamlessly connects families to their children’s learning
● Provides intentional support for every teacher every day.
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South Mountain YMCA
Address: 10 West Parker Ave. Maplewood, NJ
Hours: 6:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Contact: 973-762-0860.
Center Features:
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Grow NJ Kids Accreditation (3 stars)
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Private deck area for outdoor play
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Art area for infants and toddlers
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Indoor play area (infant) and large gym (toddler) for practicing gross motor skills and staying active
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Water table to enhance senses and science/math skills
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Organized activities such as art projects, games, songs and stories provide stimulation
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Caregivers stay with their children (as a class) until they turn 3 and move on to preschool
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West Essex YMCA
Address: Peanut Shell Early Learning Academy, 706 Regent St. (Regent Street Office Park) Building #7, Livingston, NJ
Hours: 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Contact: 973-533-1511
Center Features:
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Grow NJ Kids Accreditation (3 stars)
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Enrichment Language Program
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Language arts, science, library, dramatic play, sensory play, and arts & crafts
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Soft Indoor Play Area for Gross Motor Skill development
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Outdoor play space
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Special events
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Parent Resources
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Checklist for finding child care
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Choking hazards for children
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Healthy digital media use habits
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Preschool
Our preschool programs focus on preparing children for kindergarten. Classrooms utilize either the Creative Curriculum to help children develop skills in literacy, mathematics, science, social and emotional development, and problem-solving.
The Creative Curriculum builds children’s confidence, creativity, and critical thinking skills through hands-on, project-based investigations. Trusted for decades by early childhood educators, our curriculum:
● Respects and nurtures individual skill progression for the whole child
● Harnesses the power of play through studies that engage learners as young as 2
● Seamlessly connects families to their children’s learning
● Provides intentional support for every teacher every day.
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East Orange YMCA
FREE Ages 3-4 years. Must be EO resident
Address: 100 North Arlington Ave., East Orange, NJ
Hours: 7am-3pm, with after-school care available.
Contact: Sharon Parker at 973-673-5588, x102.
Program features:
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Free child care for ages 3-4 from 7 a.m. - 3 p.m.
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Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, or NAEYC
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Tools of the Mind Curriculum
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Smart board technology
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Uniforms and more
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South Mountain YMCA
Address: 10 West Parker Ave. Maplewood, NJ
Hours: 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Contact: 973-762-0860.
Program Features:
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Accredited by Grow NJ Kids
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Weekly social/emotional learning classes for preschoolers
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Nut-safe facility
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Closed only 14 days throughout the year
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Programs tailored to each child’s unique needs and development
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Sensory room to support all aspects of development
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Low teacher-to-child ratios for personalized care
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13 classrooms, indoor play space, and large outdoor playgrounds
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Free Kindergarten Readiness Program each spring
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Preschool camp in the summer
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Financial assistance and third-party payment options available
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Full-day options (3, 4, or 5 days)
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Half-day programs (8am–12pm)
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Strong community involvement and events throughout the year
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Welcoming YMCA community that supports families and builds connections
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West Essex YMCA
Address: Peanut Shell Early Childhood Learning Center, 706 Regent St. (Regent Street Office Park) Building #7, Livingston, NJ
Hours: 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Contact: 973-533-1511
Program features:
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Grow NJ Kids Accreditation
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Enrichment Language Program
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Field Trips and Special Events
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Dramatic Play Area
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Learning areas for socialization and social studies, science and math, art, reading and writing
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Outdoor Play area
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Manipulative area (math/logic/literacy/fine motor)
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Water/sand table
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Gym time
The West Essex YMCA has partnered with the West Orange Public Schools to provide pre-kindergarten instruction at no cost to approximately 75 children at Peanut Shell Early Childhood Learning Center in 2024-25.
Placement in the program is determined by the West Orange school district. To be eligible, a child must live in West Orange and be turning ages 3 or 4 by Oct. 1
The program utilizes the High Scope curriculum. Before and after-school wrap-around care is available through the Y for an added fee.
Transportation is provided by the West Orange School District on days when WO schools are in session. On days when WO schools are closed but Peanut Shell remains in session, families will be responsible for their own transportation. The Y will also be offering Vacation Camp during public school closures.
For additional information, visit the West Orange Public Schools website or contact Mary Rebe, Peanut Shell Director, 973-533-1511.
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Parent Resources
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Tips for Reading with Your Preschooler
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School-Age Care
School-Age Child Care provides options to meet families' needs for before and after-school care for children in grades PreK-8.
Our School Age Child Care program continues to be a familiar place where children can be safe, active, learning, and engaged after the school day ends. Through a balanced approach to youth development, the Y’s program offers academic support, activities, mentorship, and socialization through play, helping kids to thrive throughout the school year.
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East Orange YMCA
Address: 100 North Arlington Ave. East Orange NJ
Our program will provide:
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Quiet space to engage in homework with staff support.
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STEAM, Arts & Enrichment, Character Development, and social-emotional learning.
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Outdoor recreational, sports and physical fitness activities to encourage movement and fun.
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Grades Pre-K -8th – varies by location
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After Care onsite at schools (school dismissal – 6:30pm)
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Dedicated, Enthusiastic, and Engaged Staff
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Healthy snack & dinner provided
Locations:
Programs will be held at our Y facilities or school sites.Important information:
- Tuition is calculated as an annual fee that is billed weekly from enrollment until the end of the school year, with NO breaks for school closings, vacations, holidays, snow days, or illness. Please note - scheduled early dismissal days are included in tuition.
- All families will be required to complete waivers and health history information before starting the programs as required for our State of NJ Child Care licensing.
- 30-day written notice is required for withdrawals
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New Milford YMCA Program Center
At this time, all information is subject to change at any time as each school district/teachers unions plans change.
Our program will provide:
- Quiet space to engage in homework with staff support. STEAM, Arts & Enrichment, Character Development, and social-emotional learning.
- Outdoor recreational, sports and physical fitness activities to encourage movement and fun.
- Dedicated, Enthusiastic, and Engaged Staff
- Healthy snack provided
- On site before care & aftercare programs for Grades K - 4 at Fairmount, Jackson, Hillers & Parker
- On site aftercare program for Grades 5 - 7 at Hackensack Middle School
- Before Care from 7:15-8:25am /Aftercare from 3-6pm
LOCATIONS:
Programs will be held at Hackensack Elementary and Middle Schools.Important Information
- Tuition is calculated as an annual fee that is billed weekly from enrollment until the end of the school year, with NO breaks for school closings, vacations, holidays, snow days, or illness. Please note - scheduled early dismissal days are included in tuition.
- All families will be required to complete waivers and health history information in our online portal PlayerSpace prior to starting the programs as required for our State of NJ Child Care licensing.
- 30 day written notice is required for withdrawals.
- Some restrictions apply.
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South Mountain YMCA
Location: Programs will be held at our Y facilities or school sites.
Hours: 7:15am – school opening (varies)
Program Features:
- Before Care onsite at schools: 7:15am – school opening (varies)
- After Care onsite at schools: school dismissal – 6:30pm
- Grades Pre-K–5 (varies by location)
- Healthy snack provided
- Dedicated, enthusiastic staff
- Activities in STEAM, Arts & Enrichment, Character Development, and Social Emotional Learning
- Outdoor Play, Recreation, and Structured Games
- Quiet space for homework with staff support - 5:00pm
South Mountain YMCA School-Age Care
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Sussex County YMCA
At this time, all information is subject to change at any time as each school district/teachers unions plans change.
- On-site program at your school.
- Hours*: Before School starts at 7:00am, After School from school dismissal until 6:00pm
- Grades Pre-K-6th*
- Homework Time
- Dedicated, Enthusiastic and Engaged Staff
- Educational and Recreational Activities
- Healthy Snacks
- Daily activities including cooking, dance, basketball, soccer, dramatics and arts & crafts, swimming
- Opportunities for volunteerism and community service projects
- Flexible Schedules - choose the days you need
- NORWESCAP - Childcare Subsidy Accepted
*Varies by school location.
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West Essex YMCA
Our program will provide:
- Quiet space to engage in homework with staff support.
- STEAM, Arts & Enrichment, Character Development, and social-emotional learning.
- Outdoor recreational, sports and physical fitness activities to encourage movement and fun.
- Grades Pre-K-6th – varies by location.
- After Care onsite at schools (school dismissal – 6:00pm)
- Before Care onsite at schools (7:00am- school opens) – varies by location
- Dedicated, Enthusiastic, and Engaged Staff
- Healthy snack provided
LOCATIONS
Livingston:
Burnet Hill
Collins
Harrison
Hillside School
Mount Pleasant elementary
Mount Pleasant Middle School
Riker Hill
West Orange:
Redwood
St. Cloud
Roseland:
Lester C. Noecker
Important Information
Tuition is calculated as an annual fee that is billed weekly from enrollment until the end of the school year, with NO breaks for school closings, vacations, holidays, snow days, or illness. Please note - scheduled early dismissal days are included in tuition.
All families will be required to complete waivers and health history information prior to starting the programs as required for our State of NJ Child Care licensing. 30 days written notice is required for withdrawals. Some restrictions apply.
School Days Off - Vacation Camp
When schools are out, the YMCA’s Vacation Camp is here to save the day!
During the school year, when schools close for parent-teacher conference days, single-day holidays, and longer holiday breaks, the YMCA offers full-day childcare at select branches, providing kids with a place to play and learn.
Notes: Pre-registration may be necessary. Dates may vary by school district; therefore, parents should check their school district's calendars.
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East Orange YMCA (Ages 6-13)
School-age
Available on days when East Orange Public Schools are closed, and Summer Camp is not in session, our School's Out Vacation Camp will solve your child care needs. Children have fun in an enjoyable environment, supervised by YMCA school-aged child care staff. Children should come prepared with sneakers.
Location: East Orange YMCA
Time: 7:45 AM - 6:30 PM
Ages: 6 -13 yearsPreschool
Location: East Orange YMCA
Time: 7:45 AM - 6:30 PM
Ages: 3-6 years -
New Milford YMCA Program Center (Grades K-6)
The New Milford YMCA Program Center will be hosting Vacation Camps during the school year at the New Milford Center (1092 Carnation Drive, New Milford NJ).
Vacation Camp runs from 7:45 am to 6:15 pm. Vacation is $55 per day/per participant.
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South Mountain YMCA (Grades K-5)
School Age Child Care
Ages: K-5th Grade
Location: St. Joseph’s Church, Maplewood, NJ
Time: 7:15am - 6pmPreschool Child Care
Location: YMCA Program Center, 13 Jefferson Ave
Time: 8am-4pm -
Sussex County YMCA (Ages 3-12)
Kids ages 3-12 will enjoy action-packed fun in a safe, welcoming environment, all under the care of our awesome YMCA staff. Register for as many days as you need.
Splash-ready? Come dressed with your swimsuit underneath!
Hungry for adventure? Pack a full nut-free lunch and snacks!
Ready to play? Sneakers are a must!
Oops moments? Bring a towel and a change of clothes.
Oh, and don’t forget—children must be potty trained.
A day off from school has never been this exciting! See you at Vacation Camp!
Location: Sussex County YMCA
Time: 8a.m.-6p.m.
Ages: 3-12 years (must be potty trained)-
Activities include swimming, gym games, STEAM activities (subject to availability)
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Pre-registration required and camp(s) run based on enrollment
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West Essex YMCA (Grades K-5)
Children should bring swimwear, a towel for swim, snack and water bottle.
Location: West Essex YMCATime: 7:30am - 6:00pmGrades: K-5
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Sussex County YMCA (Ages 6 mos-11)
Hours
M-F: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 5-8 p.m.
Sat & Sun: 8:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.Available upon request at 4:30 p.m. for those interested in 4:30 p.m. classes.
You don't need to make any reservations. There is a 2-hour time limit.
Child Watch Rules & Procedures:
No Food or Drink Permitted (due to allergies, pest control, etc.). Water bottles are permitted.
No electronics: We are committed to reducing screen time and building social skills in our Y programs.
Scan in at the Welcome Center desk.
Sign in your child at Child Watch. Please include their first name, age, parent/guardian first name, destination, and time of drop off.
When you pick up your child, please make sure you sign them out!
2 hour time limit per day, per child. Parent/guardians must stay on the property while child is attending Child Watch.
Please inform staff if your child has any limitations or requires specialized care.
Please refrain from using Child Watch services if your child is ill.
Label all of your child's belongings with their name.
Staff will ask the parent/guardian to return to Child Watch if their child requires a diaper change and/or pull-up change.
For your child's well-being, staff will attempt to console an upset child for up to 10 minutes. Staff will ask the parent/guardian to return to Child Watch if staff are unsuccessful in calming the child.
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West Essex YMCA (Ages 6 mos-10)
We suggest bringing a stroller or mobile bassinet for children 6 months to 1-½ years of age.
Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Monday-Thursday: 4:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m..
Saturday: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
METRO YMCA OF THE ORANGES ACCREDITATIONS

