The Y offers full-day early learning opportunities and child care for infants through preschoolers.
Parents and family members can work knowing their children are in safe, stimulating environments. Infants develop trust and security, while preschoolers experience early literacy and learn about the world.
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State Licensed and Accredited Missouri Centers
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Promotes Independence and Kindergarten Readiness
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Tuition Savings for Family Members
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Extensive Gateway Region Y and Y-USA Staff Training
Bayer YMCA ECEC
Edward Jones ECEC
Minier ECEC
Tri-City YMCA ECEC
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.
A physical activity program that improves our children physically, mentally, and socially through movement.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Our son has been attending daycare at the YMCA for a year now, and the experience has been wonderful! We receive frequent updates throughout the day, which is so comforting to see. Our son has grown into such a fun, friendly, and inquisitive little guy from all he is learning at school. He loves his teachers, and we love them! We are so grateful for this center!
— Edward Jones ECEC Parent
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
My two children have attended this daycare for years now. From learning spelling, numbers, colors, etc. In addition to this, they never miss celebrating each holiday allowing children to be creative and fun! I would recommend this facility to every parent!
— Tri-City 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.