Opening March 2026
Proudly Serving Infants (6 weeks) through Pre-K (5 years).
At the YMCA of Delaware, we believe every child deserves the best possible start. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce the YMCA Early Learning Academy—a brand-new, 11,000 sq. ft., state-of-the-art early childhood education center and preschool opening in the heart of Wilmington’s Education District at the Community Education Building’s (CEB) new Youth Development Center.
LOCATION: The YMCA Early Learning Academy will be located inside the CEB Youth Development Center, currently under construction at 12th Street and Clifford Brown Walk in Wilmington, DE 19801.
Get Started
We accept Purchase of Care (POC), and offer financial assistance to ensure every child has access to high-quality early education—regardless of family income. Complete the POC Eligibility form to get started.
Interested in learning more or scheduling a tour?
Complete an interest form, and a member of our Early Learning team will connect with you to answer questions, share enrollment details, and help schedule a visit.
Complete an Interest Form
How to Register
-
Complete the Enrollment Application – Begin by submitting our enrollment application. A $50 non-refundable application fee is required at the time of submission.
-
Connect With Our Team – Once your application is received, a member of our Early Learning team will contact you to review next steps, complete enrollment, and answer any questions.
-
Schedule a Tour – If you have not already toured the facility, we’ll help you schedule a visit so you can see the space, meet our team, and learn more about our approach to early learning.
POC & Financial Assistance
-
Purchase of Care (POC): The YMCA Early Learning Academy accepts Purchase of Care (POC). Complete the POC Eligibility form to get started.
-
Financial Assistance: We also offer financial assistance to qualifying families to help ensure access to high-quality early education. Click here to learn more.
At the YMCA, we go beyond child care—we prepare children for school and life with trusted educators, a research-based curriculum, and a caring, whole-child approach.
Exceptional Educators You Can Trust
We know your child’s safety and development are your top priorities—and they’re ours too. Our teachers are:
- Certified by the State of Delaware
- Trained in Infant/Child CPR and First Aid
- Committed to ongoing professional development and best practices to support each child’s academic and social-emotional growth
- Trained in child protection and undergo extensive background checks
Ensuring School Readiness
Our curriculum sparks curiosity and builds essential academic and social-emotional skills. Using The Creative Curriculum, children learn through hands-on exploration and play across eight key areas:
- Arts
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies
- Technology
- Healthy Habits
- Character Development
Whole-Child Wellness: Healthy Bodies. Bright Futures.
- Nutrition: Breakfast, lunch, and snack provided, aligned with Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and MyPlate guidelines (peanut-free). To learn more visit: www.choosemyplate.gov
- Physical Activity: Daily indoor and outdoor play that builds strength, coordination, and confidence.
A Program Backed by 40+ Years of Experience
Our proven programs have served families across Delaware for decades. With our new expansion, we can now serve 100+ additional children while offering easier access to afterschool and summer programs at the nearby Walnut Street YMCA.
The YMCA Early Learning Academy is more than a childcare center and Preschool; it’s a transformative space where young minds are nurtured, and bright futures take shape. By creating a high-quality, inclusive early learning environment, we aim to:
✔ High-quality, research-based curriculum
✔ Warm, engaging classrooms led by expert educators
✔ Whole-family support through our partnership with CEB
✔Access for All – We accept Purchase of Care (POC)/ ECAP, and offer financial assistance to ensure every child has access to high-quality early education—regardless of family income.
✔ Proven outcomes: 92% of YMCA children meet kindergarten readiness milestones—and we’re aiming for 100%
We’re excited to share a sneak peek of the YMCA Early Learning Academy!
Below, you’ll find renderings of our brand-new, 11,000 sq. ft. early childhood education center—designed with young learners, families, and educators in mind. From bright, engaging classrooms to outdoor play spaces and welcoming common areas, every detail has been thoughtfully planned to support growth, creativity, and connection.