Opening spring 2026!

The YMCA of Delaware is proud to present the YMCA Early Learning Center, a cornerstone of the Community Education Building’s (CEB) visionary “Education District” located on the Eastside of Wilmington. This 11,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility is designed to provide high-quality early learning opportunities for 100 children, from infancy through pre-K, with a focus on fostering academic achievement, social skills, and emotional growth.

 

Unleashing Brighter Futures for All

The YMCA Early Learning Academy is more than a childcare center; 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:

• Provide access for all: The YMCA Early Learning Center will provide greater access to affordable, high-quality early education for families in our community. Fifty percent of the seats will be reserved for private-pay families, while the other fifty percent will support young learners receiving public assistance, ensuring equal opportunities for all children.
• Tackle Delaware’s Childcare Shortage: Reaching 70% capacity in year one and 92% by year two will ensure both financial and programmatic stability. This growth will also help address Delaware’s childcare shortage by providing high-quality early education to more families in need.
• Put youth on a pathway to success: The YMCA’s new Early Learning Center is designed to equip children with the skills and confidence they need to excel in kindergarten and beyond. As a leader in childcare for over 130 years, the Y is dedicated to providing innovative educational strategies, enriching experiences, comprehensive family support, and a passionate, expertly trained team of educators devoted to nurturing each child’s potential.

 

Why it Matters

Delaware faces significant early education challenges—but together, we can unleash brighter futures.

• Delaware ranks 45th in education nationally
• A lack of access to early care and education costs the state $415 million annually in lost productivity and tax revenue
• 90% of brain development happens before age five, making early education a critical window for learning
• Investments in early childhood education deliver a 7–10x return in long-term economic and social benefits
• 1 in 3 children in Delaware are not prepared for kindergarten
• A statewide shortage of childcare slots leaves thousands of families without access to care

By investing in an Early Learning Center, we’re not just opening doors—we’re unlocking potential, strengthening families, and helping build a brighter future for Delaware.