Infant/Toddler Child Care
We pay attention to the little things. We offer convenient hours and affordable pricing!
Infant & Toddler Ages: 6 weeks – 2 1/2 years (ages vary by location) | A Y Membership is NOT required
We believe learning takes place as children touch, manipulate, and experiment with things and interact with people daily. Children’s play is an essential component of our curriculum, through their play and experiences, themes are developed that guide our daily activities and interactions.
The YMCA utilizes the HighScope curriculum in all Early Learning classrooms for children 0-5.
The HighScope Curriculum is research-based and encourages active learning. Teachers intentionally design play-based lessons that allow children to explore a variety of concepts and materials, using all their senses.
Key areas of HighScope curriculum are:
- The classroom day
- Plan-do-review
- Active learning
- Problem solving
- Teacher and child relationships
- Connecting home and school
Each classroom will have a specific daily schedule to guarantee children’s developmental needs are being met.
To assure that the changing developmental and individual needs of each infant and toddler are met, the program will permit children zero through thirty months of age to eat on demand. Children zero through eighteen months of age will be allowed to sleep on demand. Teachers will plan developmentally appropriate activities based on the age and individual needs of each child. The lesson plan for infants will include daily tummy time with teachers interacting with children at their level.
Our Benefits
- Licensed
- Full/Part-time Child Care
- Low Child-Teacher Ratios
- Healthy Meals and Snacks
- HighScope Curriculum
- Gym Activities
- Family Engagement Activities
- Outdoor Experiences
- FREE Y youth membership for all children enrolled full-time
- Financial Assistance available to those who qualify
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.
Licensed
– Full/Part-time child care available
– Low child-teacher ratios
Various Activities
– Gym activities
– Outdoor activities
Assistance
– Financial Assistance available to those who qualify
– Support for families on MI Bridges
Healthy Living
Healthy meals and snacks
Family Matters
Family engagement activities
Early Head Start
Head Start believes in a holistic approach to education. Not only do we teach the children, but we partner with parents to help ensure their children’s basic needs are met. This gives children the freedom to learn, interact with peers and grow intellectually.
YMCA Jacquline Baber-Bey Early Childhood Center
415 M.L.K. Jr St SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49507
Early Head Start
Ages:
6 weeks – 2 1/2 years old
Hours:
Monday – Friday
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Contact Us:
We would love to care for your child, please join our waitlist!
If you are new to the Y, you must create an account to join our waitlist. You will then be notified when an opening becomes available.
If you have any questions, please contact Rhianna Beecroft at rbeecroft@grymca.org.
Child Development Center Locations
Caledonia YMCA Child Development Center
9571 Duncan Lake Ave.
Caledonia MI, 49316
Infant & Toddler Care
Ages:
6 weeks – 2 1/2 years old
Hours:
Monday – Friday
6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Contact Us:
David D. Hunting YMCA Child Development Center
475 Lake Michigan Drive NW
Grand Rapids MI, 49504
Infant & Toddler Care
Ages:
6 weeks – 2 1/2 years old
Hours:
Monday – Friday
7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Contact Us:
Generations Child Development Center
3600 Fulton St.
Grand Rapids MI, 49546
Infant & Toddler Care
Ages:
6 weeks – 2 1/2 years old
Hours:
Monday – Friday
7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Contact Us:
Ages:
6 weeks – 2 1/2 years old
Hours:
Monday – Friday
6:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Contact Us:
JOIN OUR TEAM
At the Y, strengthening the community is our cause. Every day, we work side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. We are more than a place. We’re a purpose.
Working at the Y gives you the opportunity to:
- Strengthen communities and change lives
- Empower youth, improve health and well-being
- Inspire action in your community
- Work with diverse leaders
- Find your purpose