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Early Childhood Care For Little Ones

 Infants, Toddlers & Preschool 

Licensed, nurturing care for children as young as six weeks, built to help them grow socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively.

 
Infant & Toddler Interest Form
Preschool Interest Form
Child care teacher and child

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.

Do I qualify?

WHY FAMILIES CHOOSE US

A Strong Start for Every Child

Our early learning programs are rated by Grow NJ Kids, ensuring quality care with ongoing training and improvement.

 
Experienced, Nurturing StaffBackground-checked, with ongoing training.
 
Safe, Secure FacilitiesKey-entry access and visitor screening.
 
Low Teacher-to-Child RatiosMore attention for every child.
 
Quality-Rated CareRated by Grow NJ Kids.
 
Daily Parent CommunicationUpdates on your child's day, every day.
 
Enrichment*STEAM, literacy, swimming, and more.
 
Flexible SchedulingFull- and part-time options to fit your family.
 
Convenient Hours*Open late and when school is not.
 
Inclusive EnvironmentsRespect for every family's culture and background.
*Offerings vary by child care site

OUR PROGRAMS

Choose the Right Fit

Infant and toddler at the YMCA
6 weeks+ Infant & Toddler Full- and part-time care at licensed sites. See locations →
Preschooler at the YMCA
3-4yrs Preschool Kindergarten readiness in literacy, math, science, and social skills. See locations →
Children at YMCA Vacation Camp
School-age Vacation Camp Full-day care when schools are closed. See dates →
Children playing in YMCA Child Watch
6 mos+ Child Watch Supervised play while you work out. Learn more →

Bigger Reward.
Same Great Referral.

Current Family Referral Program

CURRENTLY ENROLLED ECLC REFERRING FAMILY RECEIVES

50% off

One Week of Care

Must enroll Aug 1-31 by Sept. 30. Must be enrolled for 4 months to receive credit. ECLC programs only.

ECLC Family Referral Promotions 26 (Instagram Post (45))

Share the Y.

Get Rewarded.

YMCA Member Referral Program

REFERRING YMCA MEMBER RECEIVES

$100

Program Credits

Must enroll Aug 1-31 by Sept. 30.  Must be enrolled for 4 months to receive credit. ECLC programs only.

ECLC Family Referral Promotions 26 (Instagram Post (45)) (1)

 

Community Partners.

Family Impact.

YMCA Corporate Member Referral Program

NEW REFERRED ECLC FAMILY RECEIVES

20% off

One Week of Care

Must enroll Aug 1-31 by Sept. 30.  Must be enrolled for 4 months to receive credit. ECLC programs only.

ECLC Family Referral Promotions 26 (Instagram Post (45)) (2)

 

Toddler learning at the YMCA

HOW WE TEACH

The Creative Curriculum

Builds children's confidence, creativity, and critical thinking through hands-on, project-based investigations. Trusted for decades by early childhood educators.

✓Respects and nurtures individual skill progression
✓Harnesses the power of play, for learners as young as 2
✓Connects families to their children's learning
✓Provides intentional support for every teacher, every day

WHERE WE ARE

Locations Near You

Select a branch to see programs, hours, and how to enroll.

East Orange YMCA▾
Address: 100 North Arlington Ave., East Orange, NJ
Contact: Sharon Parker, 973-673-5588 x102
Preschool · FREE, Ages 3–4▾
Ages: 3–4 years (must be an East Orange resident)
Hours: 7 a.m. – 3 p.m., with after-school care available
  • Free child care for ages 3–4, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  • Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
  • Tools of the Mind Curriculum
  • Smart board technology
  • Uniforms and more
South Mountain YMCA▾
Address: 10 West Parker Ave., Maplewood, NJ
Hours: 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Contact: 973-762-0860
Infant & Toddler▾
Options: 3 and 5 full days for infants and 3 and 5 full days or half days for toddlers.
  • Grow NJ Kids Accreditation (3 stars)
  • Private deck area for outdoor play
  • Art area for infants and toddlers
  • Indoor play area (infant) and large gym (toddler) for gross motor skills
  • Water table to enhance senses and science/math skills
  • Organized activities such as art projects, games, songs, and stories
  • Caregivers stay with their class until children turn 3 and move on to preschool
Preschool▾
Options: Full-day (3, 4, or 5 days) or half-day (8 a.m. – 12 p.m.)
  • Accredited by Grow NJ Kids
  • Weekly social/emotional learning classes
  • Nut-safe facility
  • Closed only 14 days throughout the year
  • Programs tailored to each child's unique needs and development
  • Sensory room to support all aspects of development
  • Low teacher-to-child ratios for personalized care
  • 13 classrooms, indoor play space, and large outdoor playgrounds
  • Free Kindergarten Readiness Program each spring
  • Preschool camp in the summer
  • Financial assistance and third-party payment options available
  • Strong community involvement and events throughout the year
West Essex YMCA – Peanut Shell ECLC▾
Address: Peanut Shell Early Childhood Learning Center, 706 Regent St. (Regent Street Office Park), Building #7, Livingston, NJ
Hours: 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Contact: 973-533-1511
Infant & Toddler▾
Options: Full day (1-5 days) and half-day (3 days or 5 days a week)
Part-time and full-time care for infants through toddlers, starting at 6 weeks. Same teacher, same peer group, same routine — whether your child is here two days a week or five. Grow NJ Rated.
Preschool▾
Options: Full day (1-5 days) and half-day (3 days or 5 days a week)
Preschool and Pre-K for children 3–5 years, with 1 to 5 day schedules. Learning through play, building friendships, and getting ready for kindergarten — at the pace your child sets. Grow NJ Rated. Financial assistance available.
Free Pre-K for West Orange Residents The West Essex YMCA partners with the West Orange Public Schools to provide pre-kindergarten instruction at no cost to approximately 75 children at Peanut Shell. Placement is determined by the West Orange school district; children must live in West Orange and be turning 3 or 4 by Oct. 1. The program uses the HighScope 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 WO schools are closed but Peanut Shell is open, families provide their own transportation. For more information, visit the West Orange Public Schools website or contact Mary Rebe, Peanut Shell Director, at 973-533-1511.
Parent Resources▾

FOR WHEN SCHOOL IS OUT

School Days Off – Vacation Camp

When schools close for conference days, single-day holidays, and longer breaks, the Y offers full-day care at select branches, giving kids a place to play and learn.

Pre-registration may be necessary. Dates vary by school district, so please check your district's calendar.

Vacation Camp Cancellation Policy:  A 5–business–day notice is required to receive a refund. Less than 5 business days will result in no credit or refund.

East Orange YMCA (Ages 3–13)▾
School-Age (Ages 6–13)▾
Available on days when East Orange Public Schools are closed and Summer Camp is not in session. Children have fun in an enjoyable environment, supervised by YMCA school-age child care staff. Children should come prepared with sneakers.
Location: East Orange YMCA
Time: 7:45 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Ages: 6–13 years
Register Now
Preschool (Ages 3–6)▾
Location: East Orange YMCA
Time: 7:45 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Ages: 3–6 years
Register Now
New Milford YMCA Program Center (Grades K–6)▾
Vacation Camps run during the school year at the New Milford Center.
Location: 1092 Carnation Drive, New Milford, NJ
Time: 7:45 a.m. – 6:15 p.m.
Grades: K–6
Cost: $55 per day, per participant
Register Now
South Mountain YMCA (PreK–Grade 5)▾
School-Age (PreK–Grade 5)▾
Location: St. Joe's, 240 Franklin Ave.
Time: 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Dates: September 21 · October 12 · November 3, 5 & 6 · December Break (TBD) · January 18 · February 15 · March 10 & 26 · April Break (12–16)
Register Now
Preschool▾
Location: YMCA Program Center, 13 Jefferson Ave.
Time: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Register Now
Sussex County YMCA (Ages 3–12)▾
Action-packed fun in a safe, welcoming environment, all under the care of our YMCA staff. Register for as many days as you need.
Location: Sussex County YMCA
Time: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Ages: 3–12 years (must be potty trained)
What to bring:
  • Come dressed with a swimsuit underneath
  • A full nut-free lunch and snacks
  • Sneakers (a must!)
  • A towel and a change of clothes
Activities include swimming, gym games, and STEAM activities (subject to availability). Pre-registration is required, and camps run based on enrollment. Register Now
West Essex YMCA (Grades K–5)▾
Location: West Essex YMCA
Time: 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Grades: K–5
What to bring: Swimwear, a towel for swim, a snack, and a water bottle. Register Now

WHILE YOU WORK OUT

Child Watch Services

Work out in the fitness center, take an exercise class, or swim in the pool while your child has fun in a supervised play area. Schedules vary by location.

Sussex County YMCA (Ages 6 mos–11)▾
Mon–Fri: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 5 – 8 p.m.
Sat & Sun: 8:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Available on request at 4:30 p.m. for those attending 4:30 p.m. classes. No reservations needed; 2-hour time limit.
Child Watch Rules & Procedures▾
  • No food or drink (due to allergies, pest control, etc.). Water bottles are permitted.
  • No electronics. We're committed to reducing screen time and building social skills.
  • Scan in at the Welcome Center desk.
  • Sign your child in at Child Watch with their first name, age, your first name, your destination, and drop-off time.
  • Please sign your child out at pick-up.
  • 2-hour limit per day, per child. Parents/guardians must stay on the property.
  • Let staff know if your child has any limitations or requires specialized care.
  • Please don't use Child Watch if your child is ill.
  • Label all of your child's belongings with their name.
  • Staff will ask you to return if your child needs a diaper or pull-up change.
  • Staff will try to console an upset child for up to 10 minutes, then ask you to return if they can't calm them.
West Essex YMCA (Ages 6 mos–10)▾
Mon–Thu: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
We suggest bringing a stroller or mobile bassinet for children 6 months to 1½ years old.
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METRO YMCA OF THE ORANGES ACCREDITATIONS

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