The Bayer YMCA Early Childhood Education Center offers quality full-day learning opportunities and child care for infants (6 weeks) through preschoolers (up to age 6), enabling parents and family members to work knowing their children are in safe, stimulating environments. The Y implements age-appropriate learning focused on promoting independence, building self-esteem, working with friends, and improving kindergarten readiness.
📍 Located at the Bayer YMCA
🕐 Monday - Friday: 7am - 6pm
👤 Contact: Theresa Corcoran at theresa.corcoran@gwrymca.org
Stay in the Know About Your Child
Families receive updates sent via email or smartphone using the Lillio (formerly HiMama) app. Lillio is used by our educators to record activities and updates throughout the day. Everything from naps to snacks, it will provide you with a complete history of your child's experience in our program with photos stored safely and securely in a journal format.
Our Curriculum
Understanding how children develop and learn is vital to a quality early childhood program. Our program is designed to consider the general patterns of growth as well as to recognize and accept individual difference among children.
Inspires hands-on, minds-on learning to attain deep understandings in the core content areas, while working collaboratively with adults and peers in vibrant learning communities.
Active Kids is a physical activity program for kids of all ages and abilities that includes lesson plans, training, and support needed to get kids moving for up to 45 minutes a day. It also includes shorter movement breaks, games, and activities tailored to your needs as an educator or parent.
A digital learning platform for ages 4-5 offering play-based, research-backed curricular experiences that engage, instruct, and assess children in 7 domains of development.
Kids thrive when their physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development is nurtured. By creating more healthy choices, the Y's HEPA standards lay the foundation for a positive youth development journey.
Our Philosophy
We provide a high quality, safe, convenient, recreational, and educational environment for children regardless of ability. Our philosophy includes:
- Providing quality care for children, regardless of socio/economic background
- Supporting and strengthening the family unit
- Helping children develop their fullest potential
- Deliver the program in a positive YMCA environment of safety, support, and care
We achieve these goals with the understanding that each child is a unique, special individual who will receive attention appropriate to his or her developmental needs.
Making Every Child Feel Welcome
The YMCA welcomes all children, regardless of ability or background. We offer inclusive support, financial assistance, and accept state childcare reimbursements to ensure every family can access quality before and after school care. With personalized support for children with Individual Education Plans (IEP) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP), we create a positive space for all kids to succeed.
Financial Assistance Learn how to apply for scholarships or social services reimbursement.
Inclusion Support Learn about our inclusion support services and staff training.
"I cannot say enough positive things about the Y, the teachers, and the staff. We are so happy with our decision to send our child to the Y and it's been the greatest experience for both us and our child."
— ECEC Parent
Find Your Passion
Imagine going to work each day knowing that what you do makes your community a better place for everyone. At the Y, you’ll find more than a job. You’ll find your purpose. Join a team that’s invested in helping you develop your leadership and professional skills so we can make a positive impact together. Our Early Childhood Education Centers have opportunities for teachers and assistant teachers.