Children are like sponges - they watch and absorb knowledge, skills and values from everything and everyone around them. At the Y, we believe the values and skills learned early on are vital building blocks for quality of life and future success. That's why our child care, afterschool, learning centers and Child Watch programs are staffed with people who understand the cognitive, physical and social development of kids, the need children have to feel connected and supported in trying new things, and the caring and reinforcement parents and families need to help each other. At the Y, babies develop trust and security, preschoolers experience ealry literacy and learn about their world, and school-age kids make friends, learn new skills and do homework. Most importantly, children learn how to be their best selves. That makes for confident kids today, and contributing and engaged adults tomorrow.

Child Watch

With so many demands on today’s families and the increased focus on early brain development, families need all the support they can get to nurture the potential of youth. That’s why child care and early learning programs at the Y focus on holistically nurturing child development by providing a safe and healthy place to learn foundational skills, develop healthy, trusting relationships and build self-reliance through the Y values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Child Watch is free and a benefit for YMCA of Austin members. Ages for Child Watch and duration vary between locations. Contact your local Y for details.

Afterschool

The YMCA is dedicated to providing high-quality, affordable care for children. In the US, the YMCA is the nation's largest provider of child care programs, providing family-centered, values-based programs to nurture children's healthy development. Well-trained staff provide safe, affordable, high-quality care so you can have peace of mind while you work. Staff members are partners with parents and other caregivers, working together to help kids grow up healthy, happy and strong.With a focus on safety, health, social growth and academic enhancement, Y afterschool programs serve kindergartners through middle schoolers with a variety of progammatic and activity options to explore and develop their interests and talents. READ MORE.

Learning Centers

YMCA Learning Centers are unique partnerships between the YMCA of Austin and the developers of Austin area moderate housing apartment complexes. Programs and services are offered on-site for children and adults currently living in the apartment complexes.

Most services are offered free to the communities and may include afterschool care, summer care, ESL classes, and computer literacy classes. READ MORE.

Early Learning

The YMCA's Early Learning programs 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. Our Early Learning Readiness (ELR) program provides a stimulating environment to help children (2 - 5 years) develop the physical, verbal, and social skills which they'll need to be school-ready. Caregivers will learn how children develop and how to encourage skill building at home.

Here are a just a few of the many additonal early learning programs offered within the YMCA of Austin:

• Mi Mundo
• Pop, Wiggle & Sing
• Little Chefs
• Little Rollers
• Poquito Picasso
• Little Kiddie Fit
• Mommy & Me programs
• Rockin' Tots

Contact your local Y for more programming and times.