YMCA Early Learning Academy – Now Enrolling!

2026 Monthly Rates

• Infants (0-1 year): $1,795
• Toddlers (1-2 years): $1,715
• Preschool (2-5 years): $1,585

How to Register

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.

Enrollment Readiness & Individualized Support Planning

To ensure a safe, supportive, and successful start for all children, the YMCA Early Learning Academy requires up to 72 hours prior to a child’s first day of attendance when developmental, behavioral, or specialized support needs are identified.

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%

Where is drop‑off and pick‑up each day?

• 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

Step 1: Submit an Enrollment Application
Complete the enrollment application. A $50 non‑refundable application fee is due at submission. 👉 Special Offer: Applications submitted by May 31, 2026 will have the fee waived.

Step 2: Application Review, & Availability
After submission, your application is reviewed by our Registrar, Rachel McGuire, to: confirm application completeness and verify classroom availability (Note: New students do not start on Thursdays or Fridays)

Step 3: Schedule a Tour
All families must tour the facility prior to enrollment. Tours can be scheduled by clicking here, or by calling the Early Learning Academy at (302) 779‑9622.

Step 4: Purchase of Care (POC) – If Applicable
Families using Purchase of Care (POC) must have an active authorization linked to our site before registration is finalized. YMCA Early Learning Academy POC Site ID: 1720026500

Step 5: Finalize Registration
Once approved, families will receive a welcome email confirming enrollment and the official start date*, along with:

• Payment setup instructions
• Health document requirements (due within 25 days of start)
• The ELA Parent Handbook

*Please note: To help your child have a smooth, successful start, enrollment may take up to 72 hours before their first day. This short window allows us to complete required paperwork, confirm classroom placement, and make sure any needed support is in place so your child is set up for success from day one.

Step 6: First Day of Care
On the first day, families will:

• Provide a payment method if not already on file
• Review and sign the ELA Parent Handbook
• Acknowledge understanding of ELA policies