Looking for high-quality childcare or preschool in Erie, PA? The YMCA of Greater Erie offers trusted early learning programs for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years at more than 20 locations throughout Erie County, with a focus on developmental milestones, character building, and school readiness.
Whether you’re searching for nurturing infant care, engaging preschool options, or before-and-after school programs, YMCA childcare centers throughout Erie County provide a safe, supportive, and enriching environment for every stage of your child’s journey.
Scroll down to learn more about YMCA programs for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, Pre-K Counts, and school-age kids, and find a convenient location near you.
Ages 6 weeks-2 years
The YMCA Childcare Centers partner with parents to grow happy children, ages six weeks to two years, emphasizing developmental education and character development. While we cannot replace a parent, our trusted staff takes pride in your child’s discoveries.
Daily plans are designed to boost development, while schedules provide consistency and foster great achievements. Tuition includes your choice of two types of formula.
Ages 3-5 years
Y Preschool builds on a child’s natural desire to learn things and become more self-reliant. Getting along with other children, sharing, taking turns and working in a group are all natural parts of learning. Y Preschool is also a safe, fun and comfortable place where children build positive relationships with caring adults.
Pre-K Counts
The Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts program makes quality pre-kindergarten programs available to Pennsylvania residents at no cost to qualifying families. It is funded through a grant from the State of Pennsylvania. Full day program instructional time is 5 hours and half day program is 3 hours. All meals and snacks are included. The Y offers a number of Pre-K Counts classrooms throughout the service area. A Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts application must be filled out completely and submitted for consideration. ➡️ Pre-K Counts enrollment information
School-Age Care
Combining play with academics, the Y’s School-Age Enrichment Program fills gaps in school by offering enrichment through arts, music, physical education, sports, and nutrition.
YMCA character values — caring, honesty, respect and responsibility — help kids discover who they are and what they can achieve. Structured activities include science, group projects, environmental awareness, arts and crafts, games, sports components, field trips, and other engaging pursuits. Children also have time to tackle homework with the help of well-trained Y staff who know how to challenge and listen to them.
A healthy breakfast and snack is included in your daily rate as well as transportation to and from school.
Enrollment is open at all locations. There are 13 convenient locations throughout Erie County, including the Y's newest location at Fairview United Methodist Church, where before- and after-school care is available.
How does YMCA Early Learning measure up?
Y programs are licensed by the Office of Child Development, PA Department of Public Welfare and meet YMCA of the USA Quality Check Standards. Like a hotel rating system, Y programs are accredited by the Pennsylvania Keystone STARS program. That’s important to you as a parent because you can be sure your kids are thriving in the highest quality learning environment with qualified, certified teachers who annually seek continuing education and certifications in CPR/First Aid, Water Safety, Fire Safety & Child Development.
All Y programs are either Keystone 3 or 4 accredited. Each stars designation has its own research-based performance standards. These standards measure areas of childcare and education.
What you can expect from the quality rating:
- Professional development and training for our teachers; half to two-thirds of the staff have completed or are enrolled in credentials or degrees
- Literacy activities including reading, story-telling and encouraging written and verbal communication
- Parent and community resources are used effectively in the quality delivery of the program
- Business, organizational and staff compensation practices are maximized
- A review of the program center by a nationally recognized environment rating scale that indicates a high quality score
Find out more and secure your spot now!
