Nurturing Growth From the Start
The YMCA’s Birth to Five program offers licensed, year-round childcare for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old. Rooted in developmental best practices, our experienced teachers provide warm, responsive care that supports early brain development, social-emotional skills, and kindergarten readiness.
Children thrive through play-based learning designed to strengthen language, motor skills, problem-solving, and confidence. With nutritious meals provided daily and classrooms built around consistency and routine, families trust the Y to create a safe environment where every child can learn and grow.
What Families Can Expect
Our Birth to Five program combines nurturing relationships, structured routines, and hands-on learning experiences that meet children where they are. Each age group receives individualized attention to support growth across cognitive, emotional, physical, and social domains.
Infants & Toddlers
Infants receive loving, attentive care focused on secure attachment and early developmental milestones. Toddlers build language, strengthen motor skills, and form trusting relationships with teachers. Classrooms provide safe, sensory-rich environments that encourage exploration and independence at each stage.
Twos
Two-year-olds express growing independence and curiosity. Teachers guide children through engaging activities that support early communication, problem-solving, and self-help skills. Children practice routines, strengthen peer relationships, and explore materials that promote creativity and early learning.
Preschool (3–5 Years)
Three- and four-year-olds experience a play-based curriculum that prepares them for kindergarten. Activities balance child-initiated exploration with teacher-guided instruction to develop early literacy, numeracy, STEM concepts, and social-emotional skills. Students learn to collaborate in small and large groups while building confidence for the transition to elementary school.
Our Approach
These core elements guide our Birth to Five program and ensure every child receives consistent, supportive, and developmentally appropriate care.
Nurturing Care
Warm, responsive relationships help children feel safe and supported. Teachers create environments that build emotional security, confidence, and a strong sense of belonging.
Developmental Learning
Daily activities are designed to strengthen language, motor skills, problem-solving, and social-emotional growth. Children learn through exploration, play, and small-group experiences.
Kindergarten Readiness
Preschoolers build early literacy, numeracy, STEM understanding, and social skills through a curriculum aligned with school readiness expectations.
Year-Round Support
The Birth to Five Program operates Monday–Friday from 6:30am–6:30pm, offering flexible, full-day care for families. Breakfast, lunch, snacks, and milk are provided daily. The YMCA accepts MSDE Child Care Scholarship vouchers and offers financial assistance to qualifying families, ensuring care is accessible to all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old may enroll, with classrooms structured by developmental stage—from infants through preschoolers.
Yes. Breakfast, lunch, milk, and afternoon snacks are included daily and follow nutritional guidelines that support healthy growth.
Yes. The YMCA accepts state vouchers and offers additional financial assistance for families who qualify. Staff support families through the application process.
The Early Learning Center is located at the Downtown Y, with additional Early Head Start and Head Start classrooms across Frederick County.
