Early Childhood Learning Center
The YMCA's Early Childhood Learning Centers provide each child a warm and supportive environment in which to grow. We meet the needs of each child with experiences that foster development and a sense of self esteem. Y programs strive to develop the total child, with particular emphasis on educational, physical, emotional and social skills necessary for success in the coming school years. The YMCA of the Brandywine Valley is an Equal Opportunity Care Provider.
Please choose your branch for more information.
Brandywine YMCA
Early Childhood Learning Center Features
- Degreed lead teachers
- Nurturing and experienced staff
- Curriculum based on PA Early Learning Standards
- Our curriculum supports the kindergarten curriculum in the Downingtown and Coatesville School Districts
- Weekly swim lessons (ages 3 & up)
- Playground and gym activities
- Handwriting Without Tears Curriculum (ages 3 & up)
- Monthly parent newsletters; daily communications with staff
- Extended care available with Lunch Bunch & enrichment classes

Full-Day Option
Year-round program
- Ages 8 weeks through 5 years
- Monday through Friday: 6:30 am to 6:00 pm
- CCIS provider
Half-Day Option
September through May
- 2-Year Old Classes (age 2 by September 1)
2-day option
9:00 to 11:30 am
- 3-Year Old Classes (age 3 by September 1)
2-day and 3-day options
9:00 to 11:30 am or 12:30 to 3:00 pm
- Pre-Kindergarten (age 4 by September 1)
3-day and 5-day options
9:00 to 11:30 am or 12:30 to 3:00 pm
Lunch Bunch: 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
Use Lunch Bunch to extend your child's morning or afternoon session or as a bridge to our Preschool Enrichment Series. Your child enjoys eating lunch with their friends and gets to play in Brandy's Playground.
For more information or to register for the Early Childhood Learning Center, please contact
Jesse Chmielecki at 610-380-9622, ext. 2428, or jchmielecki@ymcabwv.org.
Jennersville YMCA
Early Childhood Learning Center Features
- Certified teachers
- Weekly swim lessons (ages 3 to 5)
- Outdoor playground
- Weekly themes
- Sign language
- Spanish language
- Gym time
- Progress reports
- Nutritious snacks

Full-Day Option
- Ages 6 weeks through 5 years
- Year-round program
- Monday through Friday: 7:00 am to 6:00 pm
- CCIS provider
Half-Day Option
- 3-Year Old Program (age 3 by September 1)
Tuesday/Thursday
8:30 to 11:00 am on Tuesday and 8:30 to 11:30 am on Thursday
- Pre-Kindergarten Program (age 4 by September 1)
Monday/Wednesday/Friday
8:30 to 11:00 am on Monday and 8:30 to 11:00 am on Wednesday/Friday
Infant & Toddler Care
The Infant and Toddler Care program offers a warm, safe and secure environment for your child to grow and learn. Our caring staff guide each child through experiences that focus on their mental and physical development.
Program Hours
Infant Care
Monday through Friday: 7:00 am to 6:00 pm
*Infant care is available on a parent-directed schedule.
Toddler Care
Monday through Friday: 7:00 am to 6:00 pm
Forms for 2013-2014 School Year:
Early Childhood Learning Center Registration Packet
Early Childhood Learning Center Parent Handbook
For more information or to register for the Early Childhood Learning Center, please contact
Kirstan Dolinger at 610-869-9622, ext. 2548 or kdolinger@ymcabwv.org.
Kennett Area YMCA
Kennett Area YMCA offers the Kennett Montessori Program. A unique program that focuses on awakening the spirit, mind and body in every child. Full and 1/2 day programs are available.
For fee and registration information, please contact Amy Mitchell 610-444-9622, ext. 2320 or amitchell@ymcabwv.org.
Octorara Y Program center 
Early Childhood Learning Center Features
- Nurturing and experienced staff
- Degreed lead teachers
- Curriculum based on PA Early Learning Standards
- Playground and gym activities
- State licensed programs
Infant and Toddler - NEW
Offered 5 days a week, 7:00 am to 6:00 pm
Infant Care Program (6 weeks to 12 months)
The Y's licensed 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. Our low child-to-staff ratio (4:1) provides your child with exceptional care and attention. Parents receive daily communication from our qualified teachers. A program of music, reading, sensory stimulation, verbalization and large motor skills activities, along with age-appropriate toys and books, create a safe, engaging environment for your infant.
Toddler Program (12 to 24 months)
The Y's licensed toddler program focuses on exploration and discovery. Your child will explore the world through fun, engaging activities that build both cognitive and motor skills, including story time, music and songs, finger plays, sensory stations, creative arts, fine- and gross-motor skill development. Our low child-to-staff ratio (5:1) offers individualized attention as your child develops. Parents receive daily communication from our qualified teachers.
For fee and registration information, please call 610-593-9622.
Financial Assistance is available.
Full-Day Program
This program is for children ages 2 to 5 and includes our enrichment class from 9:00 to 11:30 am, with the additional bonus of before care from 7:00 to 9:00 am and after care from 11:30 am to 6:00 pm. Students receive our structured program that prepares them for kindergarten, as well as games, crafts, centers, outside and inside play and more. Our goal is to encourage life-long learning.
Program Hours
Monday through Friday 7:00 am to 6:00 pm
Half Day Option
This enrichment program is for children ages 2 to 5. Our certified teachers and nurturing staff set our preschool program standards high and give our preschool enrichment programs a structured academic base. These programs prepare students for kindergarten.
Program Hours
For more information or to register for the Early Childhood Learning Center, please contact
Janet Kabakjian at 610-593-9622, ext. 2701 or jkabakjian@ymcabwv.org.
West Chester Area YMCA
West Chester Area YMCA offers the
West Chester Montessori Preschool. A unique preschool experience for ages 3 through kindergarten that focuses on awakening the spirit, mind and body in every child. Full and half-day programs are available.
Infant & Toddler Care
Ages 6 weeks through 2 years
The Infant and Toddler Care program offers a warm, safe and secure environment for your child to grow and learn. Our caring staff guide each child through experiences that focus on their mental and physical development. Full-day program.
Program Hours:
Monday through Friday: 7:00 am to 6:00 pm
*Infant care is available on a parent-directed schedule.
For fee and registration information, please contact Catherine Casti at 610-431-9622, ext. 2222 or ccasti@ymcabwv.org.
OSCAR LASKO Youth Program Center
Infant & Toddler Care
The Infant and Toddler Care program is a warm, safe and secure environment for your child to grow and learn. Our caring staff guide each children ages 6 weeks to 2 through experiences that focus on their mental and physical development. Music, singing, reading, movement and constant verbalization foster socialization and self-concept. Important milestones are encouraged through tummy time, age-appropriate toys, games and enrichment activities. This program runs Monday to Friday, 6:30 am to 6:30 pm and is based on a parent-directed schedule.
Program Highlights
- Year-round program
- Nutritional snacks
- Rest & relaxation time
Preschool Program - 3 year olds
Our experienced staff provide 3-year-olds an opportunity to learn in a hands-on environment where children can choose from a variety of developmentally appropriate activities. Our curriculum fosters social, emotional, physical and cognitive development. This full-day program runs Monday to Friday, 6:30 am to 6:30 pm.
Pre-Kindergarten Program - 4 year olds
This enriching Pre-K program for 4-year-olds, provides a hands-on learning environment, encouraging social, emotional, cognitive and physical development. Our staff plan developmentally-appropriate daily activities geared toward kindergarten readiness. This full-day program runs Monday to Friday, 6:30 am to 6:30 pm.
Program Highlights
- Developmentally appropriate activities
- Exercise & play on the indoor turf field and gymnastics center
- Outdoor play
- Computers
- Swim lessons
- Enrichment programs
- Monthly family events
- Recreational & physical education
- Rest & relaxation time
Forms for 2013-2014 School Year:
Early Childhood Learning Center Registration Packet
Early Childhood Learning Center Parent Handbook
For more information, please contact Alison Finnigan at 610-696-9622, ext. 2810 or afinnigan@ymcabwv.org.