The YMCA is the largest provider of licensed childcare in Chester County. Led by qualified teachers, children flourish in warm, supportive environments, as they develop the essential skills needed for success in school and life.
Our teachers instruct children using the Frog Street Curriculum, a research-based program that spans from Infant - Pre K and offers children daily experiences in cognitive language, literacy, physical, and social-emotional developmental domains to develop the whole child.
Our programs participate in Keystones STARS QRIS (quality rating and improvement system) which promotes high-quality standards in early learning and school-age programs.
Early Learning Curriculum
What is Frog Street?
Frog Street curriculum programs are based on early brain research. It provides intentional age-appropriate instruction aligned to federal and state standards. This comprehensive, research-based program integrates instruction across developmental domains and early learning disciplines.
Curriculum Details
The Frog Street curriculum includes the social-emotional component of the celebrated Conscious Discipline® program. As social-emotional development is the most important skill for the early years, we will also continue using the Al's Pals curriculum highlighting additional SEI goals and teaches children how to build resilient skills and make healthy choices.
What Else?
In addition, we help prepare a child for kindergarten and beyond with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) content and resources.
Preschool and Early Learning Offerings
Preschools are located inside the YMCA locations around Chester County. This provides children with offerings such as swim lessons, gymnastics, music and more.* Moreover, classes available at the YMCA such as dance and karate can be added to your child’s day, with YMCA staff ensuring each child moves safely from one activity to the next.
*programs vary by location.
Infant & Toddlers
The infant and toddler program offers a warm, safe and secure environment for your child to grow and learn through experiences that focus on their mental and physical development. Music, singing, reading, movement and constant verbalization foster socialization and self-concept. We help kids reach important milestones through age-appropriate toys, games and enrichment activities.
Preschool
The YMCA's experienced staff follow the Creative Curriculum. The Curriculum offers developmentally appropriate activities and promotes a child's social, emotional, physical and cognitive development through interest areas such as dramatic play, art, music, blocks/building, science, manipulatives, sand and water play, library and computers. Weekly free swim included in program. Swim programming may vary by center.
Pre-K Counts
A quality pre-kindergarten experience can help give children a strong start in school and in life. PA Pre-K Counts, established by the Pennsylvania Department for Education, provides free half-day pre-K programs, with before and after care options available for children ages 3 – 5 years old. Learn More
Montessori
Montessori at the YMCA fosters the fullest development of each child and provides a foundation for a life of joyful and successful learning.
The Montessori method of education values the human spirit and the development of the whole child — physical, social, emotional and cognitive. In our mixed-age classrooms, children experience interactive learning in an environment carefully prepared by an educator who is sensitive to each child’s individual needs and abilities. Learn More
Select Your Location
Atglen, PA
Located at the Octorara YMCA and Program Center
Childcare is available Monday through Friday, 7 AM - 6 PM for children ages 6 weeks – 5 years.
- Infants & Toddlers Program – Ages 6 weeks to 2 years
- Pre-K Counts Program - Ages 3 to 5 years
- Preschool Program – Ages 3 to 5 years
Registration & Pricing
All registrations take place in the branch. For more information, contact us today!
Full-time care at the Octorara YMCA ranges from $266/week - $389/week depending on the child’s age and YMCA membership status. YMCA members receive discounted rates on childcare. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.
Berwyn, PA
Located at the Upper Main Line YMCA.
Childcare is available Monday through Friday, 7 AM - 6 PM for children ages 6 weeks – 5 years.
- Infants & Toddlers Program – Ages 6 weeks to 2 years
- Preschool Program – Ages 3 to 5 years
Registration & Pricing
All registrations take place in the branch. For more information, contact us today!
Full-time care at the Upper Main Line YMCA ranges from $375/week - $519/week depending on the child’s age and YMCA membership status. YMCA members receive discounted rates on childcare. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.
Coatesville, PA
Located at the Coatesville YMCA
Childcare is available Monday through Friday, 7 AM - 6 PM for children ages 6 weeks – 5 years.
- Infants & Toddlers Program - Ages 6 weeks to 2 years
- Preschool Program – Ages 3 to 5 years
Registration & Pricing
All registrations take place in the branch. For more information, contact us today!
Full time care at the Coatesville YMCA ranges from $319/week - $477/week depending on the child’s age and YMCA membership status. YMCA members receive discounted rates on childcare. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.
Exton, PA
Located at the Lionville Community YMCA
Childcare is available Monday through Friday, 7 AM - 6 PM for children ages 6 weeks – 5 years.
- Infants & Toddlers Program – Ages 6 weeks to 2 years
- Preschool Program – Ages 3 to 5 years
Registration & Pricing
All registrations take place in the branch. For more information, contact us today!
Full-time care at the Lionville Community YMCA ranges from $375/week - $518/week depending on the child’s age and YMCA membership status. YMCA members receive discounted rates on childcare. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.
Kennett Square, PA
Located at the Kennett Area YMCA
Childcare is available Monday through Friday, 7 AM - 6 PM for children ages 6 weeks – 6 years.
- Infants & Toddlers Program - 6 weeks to 2 year
- Preschool & PreK Montessori Program – Ages 3 to 6 years
West Chester Borough
Located at the Oscar Lasko YMCA and Childcare Center
Childcare is available Monday through Friday, 7 AM - 6 PM for children ages 6 weeks – 5 years.
- Infants & Toddlers Program – Ages 6 weeks to 2 years
- Preschool Program – Ages 3 to 5 years
Registration & Pricing
All registrations take place in the branch. For more information, contact us today!
Full-time care at the Oscar Lasko YMCA and Childcare Center ranges from $363/week - $496/week depending on the child’s age and YMCA membership status. YMCA members receive discounted rates on childcare. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.
West Chester, PA
Located at the West Chester Area YMCA
Childcare is available Monday through Friday, 7 AM - 6 PM for children ages 6 weeks – 6 years.
- Infants & Toddlers Program – Ages 6 weeks to 2 years
- Preschool Program – Ages 3 to 5 years
- Montessori Program – Ages 3 to 6 years
Registration & Pricing
All registrations take place in the branch. For more information, contact us today!
Full-time care at the West Chester Area YMCA ranges from $375/week - $519/week depending on the child’s age and YMCA membership status. YMCA members receive discounted rates on childcare. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.
West Grove, PA
Located at the Jennersville YMCA
Childcare is available Monday through Friday, 7 AM - 6 PM for children ages 6 weeks – 5 years.
- Infants & Toddlers Programs - Ages 6 weeks to 2 years
- Pre-K Counts Program - Ages 3 to 5 years
- Preschool Program – Ages 3 to 5 years
Registration & Pricing
All registrations take place in the branch. For more information, contact us today!
Full-time care at the Jennersville YMCA ranges from $338/week - $454/week depending on the child’s age and YMCA membership status. YMCA members receive discounted rates on childcare. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.
PRO TIP: Families with more than one student in our Early Learning programs can submit a Sibling Discount request to apply a discount to their registration. If you have any enrollment adjustments, please fill out our Youth Program Change Form.
Complete the form below to request more information:
Learn More About Preschool and Early Learning at the Y
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Need to Adjust Your Registration?
Families with more than one student in our Early Learning programs can submit a Sibling Discount request to apply a discount to their registration. If you have any enrollment adjustments, please fill out our Youth Program Change Form.