YMCA Careers in Child Care

As the nation's largest provider of child care, YMCAs provide family - centered, values - based programs to nurture children's healthy development. Quality is the key word in YMCA Child Care. Well - trained and loving staff provides safe, affordable, high - quality care so parents enjoy peace of mind while at work.

More than 1,400 YMCAs provide child care at over 8,000 sites nationwide, often at schools so that kids don't need to be transported elsewhere after the school bell rings. Most YMCA Child Care programs serve school - aged youth, ages 6 - 11. In fact, more than 1 in 10 children in school - age care in the United States are in a YMCA Child Care program. Many YMCAs also offer preschool child care, and pilot sites are beginning to explore infant/toddler and extended - hour care.

YMCA Child Care staff includes child care directors who manage the various YMCA Child Care sites and ensure that licensing, staffing and operational matters are adhered to, and child care counselors who work directly with the children and parents. YMCA Child Care incorporates arts and crafts, homework helping, recreation and sports, field trips, literacy initiatives and character development.

YMCAs are dedicated to developing and maintaining quality child care staff and operations. YMCA Child Care sites are licensed according to state regulations and staff participate in on - going professional development training.