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Welcome to Child Care at the Y!
Supporting youth and families through enriching child care is a defining characteristic of the YMCA’s mission, history, and impact. As the largest child care provider in the nation and one of the oldest youth development organizations in the world, the Y will always be committed to meeting the evolving needs of your family. Learn more about our programs:
At the Y, we strengthen community through youth development because we believe that our community is stronger when all children have the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. Our School-Age Care program impacts youth by guiding them through skill development, positive relationships, and inspiring opportunities to explore and discover.
We are committed to helping your family learn, grow, and thrive. Our Early Childhood Education program places your infant, toddler, or preschooler in a supportive environment where they will grow through hands-on learning, individual development, and activities. Following a developmentally age-appropriate curriculum called Creative Curriculum, we aim to help children grow and thrive. Click below to learn more about the Y’s Early Childhood Education Program.
Preschool at the Y is affordable, safe, and engaging! The program emphasizes hands-on, play-based learning which fosters a child’s natural curiosity and love for learning. We focus on nurturing social and emotional development, helping children build essential skills and self-confidence. Our preschool program is designed to prepare children for school readiness, laying a strong foundation for their academic journey ahead.
Half-day program, 2 or 3 days per week, days vary by location.
Kids Zone is a drop-in child care service included in a Family Membership at the Y where parents or guardians are able to use the facility freely while getting up to two hours of free child care per day.
Locations & Contact Information
| YMCA Branch | Program Director | Program Registrar | School Age Care Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
Everett | Michelle Pitzer | Dakota Pitzer | Madison, Whittier & Lowell Elementary |
Marysville | Jessica Lyle | Grace Hovind | Allen Creek, Kellogg Marsh, Marshall |
Mill Creek | Jenn Farlow | Loan Trinh | Cedar Wood, Forest View, Little Cedars, Penny Creek, |
Monroe/Sky Valley | Julie Holmes | Michael Slocum | Maltby, Freylands & Chain Lake Elementary |
Mukilteo | Lori Nelson | Angela Kernan | Columbia, Serene Lake, Mukilteo |
Stanwood-Camano | Hadar Lipker Dagan | Juliana Zavala | Cedarhome, Twin City & Utsalady Elementary |
Program Components
Our program uses developmentally appropriate curriculums to foster physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth for every child.
Healthy Eating and Physical Activity (HEPA) teaches children how to make healthy food choices and to enjoy physical activity, contributing to their social and physical development. HEPA standards include fresh or frozen fruit and vegetables, and whole grain, low sugar foods served for every snack. Foods containing trans-fats, hydrogenated oils and high fructose corn syrup are not served.
Children are provided with opportunities for moderate and vigorous physical activity for at least 60 minutes per day. This includes a mixture of moderate and vigorous activity (activity that increases the heart rate and breathing rate), as well as bone and muscle strengthening activities. Active play takes place outdoors whenever possible.
Social-emotional learning teaches skills that benefit a student’s academic performance, while also focusing on their emotional, mental, and behavioral health. Learning skills to resolve conflicts, work with others, form healthy relationships, and make good decisions prepares students to overcome challenges.
Through age-appropriate games and activities, students will learn strategies to help manage emotions, navigate peer relationships, and achieve academic success.
Science Technology Engineering and Math (S.T.E.M.) activities encourage students to solve problems, find and use evidence, collaborate on projects, and think critically. Incorporating hands-on learning experiences throughout the day offers students the opportunity to gain and apply relevant, “real-world” knowledge outside their regular curriculum.
As a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening community, the Y is committed to nurturing the potential of all youth. Part of that commitment includes introducing youth from all backgrounds to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) experiences. Through our work, we also have an opportunity to increase diversity in STEM fields. The reality is that women continue to be underrepresented in STEM careers. The Y is helping to change that reality by incorporating gender-equitable practices into our programming.
Time will be provided each day for your child to work on homework. Staff will be available to assist your child if they need help. If your child does not have homework, other quiet activities will be available. The allotted time for homework is at least 30 minutes each day. Electronic devices are allowed for educational purposes only during homework help.
View our SCALED Learning™ Curriculum here.
Child Care Subsidy Information
Before and After School-Age Care programs are licensed by Washington State DCYF (Dept, of Youth, Children and Families). The YMCA welcomes participants paid through Working Connections Child Care, DCYF, DSHS, or other 3rd party pay options. Find out more here.
You may qualify for Child Care subsidies. Find out if you qualify here: English Version | Spanish Version | Somali Version
How to apply for Child Care subsidy:
Need to change your Child Care Subsidy program location? Fill out this form.
Child Care program SSPS can be accessed here.
Visit our Support Center Page to view more Child Care resources and forms.
We are committed to helping your family learn, grow, and thrive. Our Early Childhood Education program places your infant, toddler, and preschooler in a caring and supportive environment where they will grow through hands-on learning, individual development, and activities. Following a developmentally age-appropriate curriculum called Creative Curriculum, we aim to help children grow and thrive.
Program Components
Registration Checklist
Steps To Enrollment
Pricing
Child Care plans are paid in equal payments over 12 months. If your child enters Pre-K at age 3, the Preschool rate applies until their 4th birthday. More information about the Heatherwood 2024-2025 Rates can be found here.
| Age/Category | 5 Days of Care | 3 Days of Care |
|---|---|---|
INFANT (6 weeks-1 year old) | $2,605 | $2,200 |
WODDLER/TODDLER (1-3 years old) | $2,151 | $1,800 |
PRESCHOOL (3-4 years old) | $1,964 | $1,668 |
PRE-K (4-5 years old) | $1,868 | Not Available |
Additional Resources
Heatherwood Early Learning Center
13528 N Creek Dr, Mill Creek, WA, 98012
ECE Director: Jenny Krupicka | [email protected] | 425 379 9400 | Schedule a tour here
ECE Coordinator: Taylor Toth | [email protected] | 425 379 9400
Marysville Family YMCA Early Learning Center
The YMCA of Snohomish County is excited to announce the upcoming construction of a new Early Learning Center at the Marysville Family YMCA, opening Fall 2025. This state-of-the-art facility will provide affordable, high-quality child care for 90 local children, helping to meet the growing need for early childhood education in the area. Through the collaboration of community partners, state and federal funding, and the generous support of members and donors, this center will offer accessible care to families regardless of financial circumstances.
Funded by a $2.2 million Washington State Early Learning Facilities (ELF) grant and nearly $1 million in federal support, the new center will transform the Marysville YMCA Youth Development Center into a four-classroom space designed to foster growth and development. This project is a vital step toward the YMCA’s mission of expanding access to essential services and supporting youth and families in Snohomish County. Families can look forward to a nurturing environment that empowers children to learn, grow, and thrive from the moment the center opens its doors.
The YMCA of Snohomish County is a 501(C)(3) Non-Profit Organization. Donations are tax-exempt FIN: 91-0565561
The YMCA of Snohomish County is a 501(C)(3) Non-Profit Organization. Donations are tax-exempt FIN: 91-0565561
