A Strong Start Begins Here
Early childhood is a critical time for growth, exploration, and development—and the YMCA is here to support children and families from birth through age 5.
Our Early Childhood programs are thoughtfully designed to nurture the whole child, supporting social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development at every stage. With a strong focus on school readiness, curiosity, and confidence, we help children build a trusted foundation for a lifetime of learning.
Explore Our Locations:
- Brandywine YMCA
- Central YMCA
- Opening March 2026! Early Learning Academy in Downtown Wilmington
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.
NEW: YMCA Early Learning Academy – Opening March 1, 2026
We’re thrilled to announce the upcoming opening of the YMCA Early Learning Academy in Downtown Wilmington!
This brand-new center will provide high-quality early learning opportunities for up to 100 children, from infancy through Pre-K. With a focus on academic achievement, social-emotional growth, and family support, the Academy will make quality early education more accessible to families in our community.
👉 Learn more about the Early Learning Academy »
Why Families Choose the YMCA
At the YMCA, we do more than watch over your child—we guide, nurture, and inspire them. With experienced educators, a proven curriculum, and a focus on the whole child, our early childhood programs lay the groundwork for success in school and beyond.
Caring, Credentialed Teachers
Your child’s well-being and growth are at the heart of everything we do. That’s why our educators are:
- State-certified and highly qualified
- CPR and First Aid certified for infants and children
- Committed to continuing education and training to stay current with the latest early learning strategies
- Trained in child abuse prevention and carefully vetted through comprehensive background checks
Our team works closely with families to build trust and ensure every child feels safe, supported, and ready to learn.
Learning Through Play, Every Day
Through hands-on experiences, children build confidence, independence, and a love of learning. We follow The Creative Curriculum, a nationally recognized, play-based approach that fosters curiosity and skill-building across eight core areas:
- Language & Literacy
- Math & Science
- Art & Music
- Social Studies & Technology
- Character Values & Social Skills
- Healthy Living & Habits
Healthy Kids, Inside and Out
We believe a healthy body supports a bright mind. Our programs promote overall wellness through:
- Balanced Meals & Snacks
- Nutritious, peanut-free options served daily, following MyPlate and CACFP guidelines. Learn more: choosemyplate.gov
- Active Play
- Daily indoor and outdoor movement helps children grow strong, coordinated, and confident.