YMCA Licensed Child Care child care girl

YMCA Licensed Child Care Curriculum and Character Development

As with any YMCA program, the YMCA Program Curriculum is centered in the YMCA mission and program goals. Second only to relationships, a well-planned curriculum will help to define a child's experience in a YMCA program. YMCA curriculum is developed from the following:
  • Specific needs and interests of the children
  • Talents and abilities of staff
  • Creative and safe opportunities to learn through play
  • Resources within the YMCA and the surrounding community
We utilize The Creative Curriculum® for Infants, Toddlers & Twos which translates research and theory from the field of early childhood education into a practical, easy-to-understand approach to working with children and their families. It is a comprehensive curriculum with a clear organizational structure and a particular focus on routines and experiences.

The structure of The Creative Curriculum for Preschool includes the following sections:
  • Theory and Research
  • Knowing Infants, Toddlers & Twos
  • Creating a Responsive Environment
  • What Children Are Learning
  • Caring and Teaching
  • Partnering With Families
  • Routines and Experiences

YMCA Licensed Child Care Goals

  • Provide well-rounded experiences that nurture and enhance your child's development, by offering "learning through play."
  • Develop purposeful, educational activities that stimulate critical thinking skills, develop creativity, and enhance learning.
  • Stimulate your child physically, emotionally, developmentally, and socially preparing him/her for school success.
  • Encourage your child to develop language skills using words to problem-solve and communicate.
  • Offer responsible, caring, well-trained adult staff that provide the best care and enrichment for your child.
  • Offer excellent child-to-adult ratios for individualized attention and quality care.
  • Provide nutritious meals and snacks to provide each child with energy for a successful day.
  • Provide a safe, warm atmosphere that meets individual needs.


YMCA Licensed Child Care Mission

Provide, quality, affordable care through unique programs that motivate children intellectually, socially, emotionally and physically. AT the YMCA we build strong kids, strong families, and strong communities, providing a great place to grow - now through adulthood.
 
The YMCA is driven by community need, guided by community volunteers and open to all. Subject to available resources, no person is denied participation in a YMCA program solely due to financial inability to pay the fee. The YMCA is a United Way affiliated agency.


YMCA Licensed Child Care Philosophy

The YMCA offers programs that are designed with developmentally appropriate activities that stimulate a child's intellectual, social, emotional and physical growth. We provide a warm, caring and fun environment that stimulates their natural curiosity and encourages personal expression. Children develop communication, reasoning and problem-solving skills through play, interaction with other children, and exploration of their environment. A variety of enrichment activities are offered to preschool children extending their learning opportunities through activities like Splash! water program, music and movement, language development program, fitness programs and more. All of our programs and activities incorporate the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.
 
 
© 2009 YMCA Greater Saint Paul / Metropolitan Minneapolis. The YMCA is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit social services organization dedicated to building strong kids, strong families and strong communities.