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.
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.
Early Learning Academy POC site ID: 1720026500
Address: 12th Street and Clifford Brown Walk in Wilmington, DE 19801
Phone: (302) 779-9622
Register by May 31, and we will waive your application fee!
Register Here
Schedule a Tour
If you have questions or need assistance with registration, please email [email protected]
Schedule A Tour
2026 Monthly Rates
- Infants (0-1 year): $1,795
- Toddlers (1-2 years): $1,715
- Preschool (2-5 years): $1,585
How to Register
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Complete the Enrollment Application – Begin by submitting our enrollment application. A $50 non-refundable application fee is required at the time of submission. This fee will be applied as a credit to the next month’s payment. Register by May 31, 2026, and this fee will be waived.
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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.
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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.
- Early Learning Academy POC site ID: 1720026500
- 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%
- Families must sign their child in at the front desk upon arrival.
- An ELA staff member will escort children to their classroom.
- Parents/guardians do not enter classrooms during drop‑off unless invited by ELA staff.
- Parents/guardians must sign their child out at the front desk.
- An ELA staff member will retrieve and escort the child to the designated pick‑up area.
- Classroom entry during pick‑up is not permitted unless invited.
How Enrollment Works
Submit the enrollment application with a $50 non‑refundable application fee, which is credited toward your child’s next month’s tuition.
Your application is reviewed by our Registrar, Rachel McGuire, who confirms completeness and classroom availability. Families using Purchase of Care must have an active authorization before enrollment is finalized.
Once approved, the Registrar will collect payment information, request health documents, and complete registration. You’ll receive a confirmation email when enrollment is complete.
Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–6:00 PM
- Children should arrive between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM.
- Children arriving after 9:00 AM may not be admitted unless arriving from a documented appointment.
- A one‑hour session with ELA staff
- Covers expectations, routines, communication, and child development.
- Daily updates and messages
- Announcements and newsletters
- Quick communication with staff
- Guardians have a login and are able to message there child teachers and staff.
- Tuition and POC copays are due on the 1st of each month
- Payments must be made no later than the 15th
- All families are required to maintain a credit card on file
- Payments may be made in person at the front desk