Child Care

Knowledgeable, Loving Care You Can Trust

We are the largest and most trusted provider of high quality child care services, operating in 51 locations across the Niagara Region. The YMCA of Niagara and the Fort Erie Community YMCA are amalgamating to better serve the Niagara Region.

A Special Place for Your Children to Learn, Grow and be Happy

We stimulate each child's natural curiosity and encourage personal expression so that each child can develop into a confident, happy and caring individual. When you entrust your children to us, you will have peace of mind knowing they are well looked after by trained, professional staff, experienced in the field of Early Childhood Education.

Times and Locations to Suit Your Needs

The YMCA offers 54 Child Care Centres in the Niagara Region. Our six Preschool Centres serve children 18 months to five years of age, between the hours of 7:00am and 6:00pm, year round. School Age Child Care, located in schools, is available in 48 locations serving children 4 to 12 years of age, during the school year. Our services include two snacks daily, and in our Preschool Centres we provide a hot nutritious lunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the ratios for your groups?

Toddlers: 1 teacher to every 5 children
Preschool: 1 teacher to every 8 children
JK/SK: 1 teacher to every 10 children
School Age: 1 teacher to every 15 children

2. Do we have to pay for statutory holidays and sick days?

Yes, parents pay for statutory holidays and individual children's sick days.

3. Why do we have to pay when we are not using the service?

The YMCA still is required to pay for staff hours as well as things like rent and utilities. In order to keep our daily fees low, we recoup this by charging for those days.

4. What are the qualifications of the staff?

Our dedicated staff are carefully chosen and have the appropriate educational background. Most of them have their Early Childhood Educator's diploma. Any other staff have equivalent child-related training. As well, all staff working in our YMCA child care centres have had an indepth police check.

5. What is your vacation policy?

Over the year, families accrue up to three weeks vacation time at 25% of your regular fee. Vacation times must be taken in one, two or three week blocks and are not cumulative.

6. How do I register my child?

Parents are requested to arrange an appointment for an initial visit and interview at the centre. During this visit, parents will receive an admission package. All completed forms must be returned before your child's first day.

7. Do I have to register my child 5 days a week?

Part-time care is available on a very limited basis and is vulnerable as the centre reaches capacity. The YMCA depends on weekly fees for financial viability; therefore, our supervisors are required to register each component of care to the full licensed capacity. If you are granted part-time registration and your component of care becomes full, you will be given the choice of taking full-time care or forfeiting your spot.

It's Your Child Care Centre - Be Part of Something Good!

Parental involvement in YMCA Child Care Centres is an essential ingredient to providing responsive, quality care for your children. Special events, family outings, daily contact with YMCA staff and participation in our Parent Volunteer focus groups are all avenues in which you may be part of your child's YMCA Child Care Centre. The YMCA has been serving the needs of children in Niagara for almost 150 years. Today, the YMCA offers vital child care services to families, by providing learning experiences to more than 2500 children annually. YMCA Child Care provides experiences that will enhance your child's social, intellectual, physical and emotional development in a safe, stimulating environment.

Asset Building the YMCA Way

The YMCA is committed to building strong kids, strong families and strong communities. Research has identified 40 "developmental assets" which are the essential building blocks that all young people need to be healthy, caring, competent adults. The YMCA of Niagara is incorporating the "Asset Building" approach into all our children's programs to help children make wise decisions, choose positive paths and grow up competent, caring and responsible. To find out more about Asset Building the YMCA Way, go to What's New.

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