Early Education
Discover Your Y. Discover Your Why.
YMCA Childcare: Now Enrolling!
At the YMCA, we foster holistic development—nurturing your child’s spirit, mind, and body! Our carefully crafted learning environment ensures that your child not only achieves academic and social-emotional milestones but also relishes every moment, making friends and having fun along the way!
Central to our program philosophy is the belief that children learn best through play. We guide young minds to make choices based on their interests, empowering them to learn naturally. Our early education teachers serve as mentors, educators, and facilitators of enjoyable learning experiences.
Your child’s well-being is our priority. Within our care, they stay healthy, active, and engaged in a secure environment. Moreover, our Young Explorer preschool includes swim lessons at our newly renovated YMCA swimming pool—a unique offering that adds an extra dimension to their educational journey.
By attending the Y’s Young Explorer Preschool, your child will be fully prepared for kindergarten, equipped with essential skills and confidence.
Early Academics (STEM)
Healthy Living (including gardening and nutrition)
Physical Fitness (featuring swim lessons and play)
Cultivating New Friendships
Artistic and Musical Expression
Understanding Culture and Community
Enroll your child in the YMCA’s Preschool Program today and watch them thrive in a nurturing, diverse, and enriching educational setting!
If you receive DES child care assistance or other child care assistance from 3rd party entities (Tohono O’odham or Pascua Yaqui) or want to request financial assistance, please email youthassist@tucsonymca.org to receive more information!
Did you get turned away from DES? Then turn to the Y! We understand that every family has unique needs, which is why we provide financial assistance and work closely with you to find the best solution for your family!
Ages
1-5 Year Olds
Times
6:30am – 6pm
DATES & LOCATIONS
Program Dates:
Year Round!
Program Locations:
Holsclaw Family YMCA Child Care
222 N Church Ave
Tucson, AZ 85701
PRICING
YMCA Facility Members:
Full-time (3-5 days per week)
Toddler (1-2 yrs): $200/week
Preschool (3-5 yrs): $180/week
YMCA Program Members:
Full-time (3-5 days per week)
Toddler (1-2 yrs): $210/week
Preschool (3-5 yrs): $190/week
We offer Financial Assistance!
We accept DES!
Please email us at youthassist@tucsonymca.org to find out more information and learn how to register!
MONTHLY PAYMENTS
Payments will be due and automatically scheduled to process once a month on the 25th for the following month. (Example: For programming offered during the month of September, payment will be due August 25th.) Monthly payments will be based on the number of days that the program is offered while children are in school and will reflect the weekly rates listed in the pricing dropdown
Schedule a Tour:
Please reach out to our Youth Development Office at youthassist@tucsonymca.org to schedule a tour.
FAQ's
Q: What are the hours of operation for the Early Childhood Center at the Holsclaw Family YMCA?
A: The hours are 6:30am to 6:00pm, with drop off time no later than 9am.
Q: How old does my child need to be attend?
A: Children ages 1-5 years are eligible to attend the program.
Q: What type of learning experiences and curriculum are being implemented?
A: We offer carefully planned out stem activities with a variety that allows children to scaffold what they are learning. We incorporate Math, Science, Language, and Social Emotional Learning in our daily schedule. Our play-based curriculum includes the children’s natural environment and incorporates it into the classroom.
Q: What is the process for enrolling my child in the Early Childhood program?
A: Email youthassist@tucsonymca.org for registration. *Please include in your email if your child has a DES childcare subsidy.
Q: Are meals provided during the program?
A: Yes. Healthy meals are provided free of charge to all enrolled families. We incorporate many
homemade meals with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. The center provides breakfast, lunch
and snacks to all enrolled children through the CACFP program. All our meals are low in fats and
sugars.
Q: What is the staff-to-child ratio in the program?
A: The staff-to-child ratio is 1:6 for our one and two year old classroom. 1:13 for our three years old and 1:15 for our four and five years old,
which adheres to state licensing requirements.
Q: Are scholarships available?
A: Yes. You can apply online from our website at tucsonymca.org . We require that you apply for a
DES childcare subsidy prior to applying for a childcare scholarship with the YMCA. You will need a DES denial letter that is less than 3 months old in order to apply with the YMCA. *If you have been placed on a DES waitlist, please let us know when you apply for financial assistance.
Q. What forms of payment are accepted?
A. We accept DES, Tribal, and Private Pay. Please email youthassist@tusconymca.org for further
information.
Our Other Child Care Services
BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CARE
LEARN & PLAY
CAMPS
Need financial assistance?
Through fundraising efforts, we are able to offer tiered pricing and scholarships for membership and programs, click here to learn more!