Y Child Care
We’re about youth development: ensuring that the children and teens in our programs reach their full potential by helping them grow—physically, mentally and socially—from young children into engaged, active members of their communities.
Infant/Toddler Care
6 weeks - 2 ½ years (vary by location)
- A Y membership is NOT required
- Licensed
- Full/part-time care
- Low child-teacher ratios
- Financial Assistance available
- Free Y Youth Membership for YMCA program participants while they are enrolled full-time in tuition-based programs
Preschool Care
2 ½ - 5 years (vary by location)
- A Y membership is NOT required
- GSRP options
- Licensed
- Full/part-time care
- Low child-teacher ratios
- Financial Assistance available
- Free Y Youth Membership for YMCA program participants while they are enrolled full-time in tuition-based programs
School Age Care
Young 5's - 8th grade (vary by location)
- A Y membership is NOT required
- Before/after school care
- No school/snow day care
- Financial assistance available to those who qualify
- Middle school programming
School Break Day Camp
5 - 12 years
Spring Break and Winter Break options
Day campers will enjoy activities such as sports, crafts, and outdoor play. Each day is filled with new experiences where each child explores new talents and interests while developing and strengthening friendships along the way.
Summer Day Camp
Young 5's - 8th grade (vary by location)
Make summer your adventure! YMCA Summer Day Camps offer an experience that is sure to keep your child having fun all summer long. From fostering creativity, to building a sense of accomplishment and belonging, we help kids flourish by surrounding each child with support, guidance, and fantastic opportunities to discover, learn and try until they succeed.
- Offered at 8 locations and YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin
- 3 day options available at our school based locations
- Children must have completed young fives or kindergarten to register
- Theme weeks to add some fun and excitement to the mix
Child and Family Advocate Program
The YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids is proud to share we are the recipients of Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage funding to offer the Child and Family Advocate Program to families of children in early childhood education programs in partnership with Grand Rapids Community College, Baxter Community Center, United Methodist Community House, Hispanic Center of Western Michigan and Steepletown Neighborhood Services. Child and Family Advocates will partner to strengthen families and their early learning experience through one-on-one support. To be eligible, families must have a 0-5 year-old child enrolled at the YMCA or a participating partner location in Kent County.
Please e-mail Tara at tgwamna@grymca.org for registration information.
Our Child Care Leadership Team
Heather Walczewski
Association Child Care Executive
Director
Contact Me
Heather Dibell
Association Youth Development Assistant Director
Contact Me
Tara Gwamna
Senior Director, Family Engagement
Contact Me
Jason Hannah
Senior Program Director of Youth Enrichment
Contact Me
Jamilyn Ruwersma
Outreach and Enrollment Specialist
Contact Me
Stacy Shotko
Regional Child Care Director
Contact Me
Danielle Vincent
Regional Child Care Director
Contact Me
Brandy Wasick
Regional Child Care Director
Contact Me
Tiffany Young
Association School Age Director
Contact Me
Jordan Zylstra
Association Youth Development Administration and Procurement Specialist
Contact Me
Our Child Care Director Team
Hunter Binkley
Caledonia Youth Director
Contact Me
Danelle Fox
West Ottawa Child Care Director
Contact Me
Tyson Hoffman
Lowell Child Care Director
Contact Me
Khadejah Jackson
Sylvan Child Care Director
Contact Me
Nicole Kouch
Cal Community Center Child
Care Director
Contact Me
Bethany Love
Monroe Community Church Child Care Director
Contact Me
Allison Neuenfeldt
David D. Hunting YMCA School
Age Director
Contact Me
Tammy Parks
Wyoming Child Care
Director
Contact Me
Aria Porraz
GSRP Child Care Director
Contact Me
Nikki Rop
Generations Child Care Director
Contact Me
Ryan Rose
Wolverine Worldwide Family YMCA Child Care Director
Contact Me
Robyn Wilson
Caledonia School Age Director
Contact Me
