Childcare

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
Click on a program to read more about it.

Infant & Toddler
Preschool
Before/After School Program
School's Out
Snow Days

For generations, the YMCA has been known for its commitment to
family life. YMCA programs and services have grown and adapted
to the changing needs of families. Today, more and more parents
are looking for quality, yet affordable childcare they can depend on.
Whether your child is attending our infant/toddler program, preschool
or our school age child care program, our goal is to provide a safe,
fun environment. Like all Y programs, childcare is open to all.

Our program is designed to meet the developmental needs of young
children. We provide experiences that enhance and enrich each
child's cognitive, language, social, emotional, physical, and creative
development. Each class is designed to foster the growth of the
appropriate developmental skills of each child. Within our daily
schedule, each child has the opportunity to create, explore the
environment, to develop problem solving and personal interaction
skills, and to develop concepts through experiences. Children
develop a positive self-concept through a balance of self-directed
activities. Opportunities for solitary play, as well as group activities,
are provided.

We emphasize the four core values: caring, honesty, respect, and
responsibility. We teach this to the children through day to day
experiences, activities, and lessons. We give the children the
opportunity to use verbal communication to solve problems. Our
staff serves as positive role models and provides care that is
supportive, nurturing, warm and responsive to each child's needs.
Parents are welcome visitors in the classroom.

The Licking County Family YMCA childcare center is licensed by
the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

HOURS

Monday - Friday
6:30 am to 6:00 pm

The Center is Closed on the following Holidays

New Years Day
Memorial Day
4th of July
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day

The Center Closes Early on the following Holidays

Christmas Eve
New Year's Eve

Security

Our reputation for consistency, dedication and professionalism and
safety make parents feel confident entrusting us with the care of
their children. We continuously review our health and safety policies
to ensure the well-being of each child. Our low child-to-teacher ratios
enable the staff to foster solid relationships and provide sound
guidance, while maintaining the stability that contributes so
effectively to the comfort, security and development of the children
in our programs.

Physical Facility

The childcare center maintains high standards in health, hygiene,
cleanliness and comfort. In order to provide a stimulating learning
environment, the Children's Center is equipped with appropriately
sized furnishings, playground equipment and bathroom fixtures
designed to help your child develop self-help skills.

Infant & Toddler

More and more infants and toddlers are spending time each day
in some type of child care setting. All children -- especially infants
and toddlers -- need a child care setting where they can thrive with
caregivers who understand how to promote their healthy growth
and development.

Young children need appropriate stimulation. They need to be
talked to and played with. They need love and attention. And they
need the opportunity to form the kind of comfortable, secure
relationship with a caregiver that will advance their healthy
emotional development.

At the Licking County Family YMCA we value your children. We
know your expectations are high, and we make every effort to
provide a safe, clean and pleasant atmosphere.

Infant
(6 weeks to 12 months)

The YMCA’s infant care program is designed to meet the needs
of each baby based on his or her own schedule. Infants nap, feed,
play and cuddle when they’re ready, not on someone else’s
predetermined timeline. Music, singing, reading, finger play and
constant verbalization foster budding socialization, self-concept
and developmental skills. Facilities are equipped with cribs, swings,
walkers and age-appropriate toys and books.

Toddler
(12 to 20 months)

The YMCA offers a safe, caring environment in which toddlers can
begin the path of life-long learning. The full-day nursery school
programs emphasize developing a strong selfconcept as well as
social, intellectual and verbal skills.

(20 to 36 months)

In the older toddler room we focus on partnering with parents on
potty training. The toddlers are preparing to transition into the
preschool program.

Preschool

The YMCA is the largest provider of childcare in the United States.
The Licking County Family YMCA offers licensed preschool for
children ages 21/2 to 5. Children participate in structured daily
educational activities. Our degreed teachers prepare weekly lessons
from our curriculum. In addition, children take part in swim lessons
and a gymnastic class each week. Breakfast, lunch, and an
afternoon snack are provided.

Before/After School Program

The Licking County Family YMCA offers child care for students in
kindergarten through the sixth grade. Morning sessions begin at
7:00am for Newark City Schools and 6:30am for Licking Valley
Schools. Students may be dropped off at the school site where they
will be transported if necessary to their school. After school
programming is available at three sites in the Newark City School
district and one in Licking Valley district until 6:00pm. YMCA vans
will transport children to the appropriate child care site. Each after
school site offers students assistance with homework. Programming
also includes fun activities that enhance large motor skills, develop
positive self-esteem incorporating the YMCA’s core values of caring,
honesty, respect, and responsibility.

School's Out

When school is out, the YMCA is here to lend a hand. Students
ages 6-12 will participate in a variety of activities including arts
and crafts, games and swimming. Come join the fun! Don’t forget
to bring a swimsuit and towel! Available from 6:30am to 6:00pm.
Advanced registration required.

Snow Days

Children, who are currently enrolled in our before/after school
program, are eligible to be dropped off at the YMCA on days that
Newark City or Licking Valley Schools are cancelled.