Program Philosophy
YMCA childcare is designed to meet the developmental needs of young children ages 6 weeks to 6th grade. We provide experiences that enhance and enrich each child’s cognitive, language, social, emotional, physical and creative development. Within the center’s daily schedule, each child has opportunities to create, to explore the environment, to develop problem solving and personal interaction skills and to develop concepts through experiences. Children develop a positive self-concept through a balance of self-directed activities and teacher-assisted activities. Opportunities for solitary play, as well as group activities, are provided. Staff serve as positive role models and provides care that is supportive, nurturing, warm and responsive to each child’s needs. Parents are welcome visitors in the classroom and are welcome to be participants in our program as volunteers.

YMCA childcare programs operate under all standards set forth by childcare licensing by the State of Ohio as well as follows standards and guidelines developed by the YMCA of the USA. All sites are state licensed and exceed the state-mandated ratio of teacher to students.

The YMCA believes that it is extremely important that quality childcare remain affordable for parents and families. Financial assistance is available and no one is ever turned away from a YMCA childcare program due to the inability to pay.

YMCA programs follow lesson plans that are developed and implemented to ensure that they are developmentally appropriate. All lesson plans contain programs or activities that focus on YMCA character development.

The South YMCA Childcare offers part-time care for 3,4,and 5 year olds. You may enroll your child for up to three days per week at our South YMCA licensed childcare facility. For more information, contact Michelle Fitterer at 312-1810..

YMCA School Age Program
YMCA School Age Program serves children from kindergarten to sixth grade. The Y provides programs tailored to the developmental characteristics and needs of the children and youth we serve. Programs are mindful that children and youth change greatly during the school age years and activities are geared accordingly.

YMCA School Age Programs serve Dayton Public Schools, Springboro Schools, Kettering Schools, Carlisle Schools, West Carrollton Schools, Miamisburg Schools and select Charter schools. Full day care is available on days when school is not in session, intersession and holiday breaks. Day camp programs are available in the summer.