Full-Day Childcare

Our YMCA childcare program is based on a developmental philosophy: children learn best through hands-on experiences. At the Y, children are accepted in all stages of development, and encouraged to learn and grow at their own pace. Subsidies available for low-income households!

Program Goals:

  • Support families with childcare that is safe, affordable, and fun.
  • Provide quality childcare through experiences, companionship, and guidance for the children in a safe and nurturing environment.
  • Provide children with opportunities to make choices, friends, and become a member of a team while developing self-confidence and independence.
  • Present a variety of activities that meet the needs and interests of each individual child.
  • Through participation in the YMCA ECE program, children will gain positive peer and adult interaction, self-help skills, and improved self-esteem.
  • Provide a planned curriculum of developmentally appropriate activities.
  • Employ qualified, experienced, and caring staff members.
  • Offer ongoing program monitoring and evaluation.
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Resources

Curriculum / Assessment

Early Childhood Education at the YMCA of Auburn-Lewiston offers a stimulating environment that allows children to develop imagination and share positive social experiences.

Our thoughtfully designed activities and play centers encourage children to explore and discover the world around them. We use a unique curriculum and plan play based activities to ensure all children have meaningful opportunities for learning. 

Childcare Locations

Infants and Toddlers Playdough play
Childcare at Turner Street

62 Turner St
Auburn, ME 04210

Monday – Friday
7:00am – 5:30pm​

Serving Infants to 5 Years Old

Shalom Pic
Y Garden Preschool (Temple Shalom)

74 Bradman St
Auburn, ME 04210

Monday – Friday
7:00am – 5:30pm

Serving Infants to 5 Years Old

Infants and Toddlers Playdough play
YMCA Childcare
Shalom Pic
Garden Preschool at Temple Shalom
SandCastle
YMCA at Sandcastle

FAQs

Our childcare program currently serves infants to age 5. For children older than 5 years of age, please refer to our After-School or Youth Programs section for more information. 

To ensure the safety of the children in our program we use a scanner security system at each site. Every family receives two entrance tags free of charge. Families have the option to purchase additional tags. Any additional authorized pick-ups that need a tag will need to see the site director to have one issued. The system is audited regularly to ensure only currently enrolled families have access. If you have any questions, or are having issues with your scan tag, please email Mindy mstewart@alymca.org.

  • Must have a high school diploma or equivalent, or is attending high school or enrolled in a GED preparation program.
  • CRP/First Aid relating to infants, children, and adults.
  • Trained in how to be a Mandated Reporter.
  • Trained in Child Abuse Prevention.
  • Complete 30 hours of annual childcare related training.
  • Labor Day
  • Columbus Day
  • Week of Independence Day 
  • Thanksgiving
  • The day after Thanksgiving
  • Week of Christmas (Dec 23-27, 2024)
  • January 1st
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Day
  • Memorial Day

Our ECE program accepts families who receive Aspire, Transitional Care and Subsidy programs. If you participate in one of these programs, a copy of your award letter MUST be provided before your child’s first day in care.

Our staff to child ratio for the YMCA ECE is as follows per state and licensing requirements:

Infant – 1 year maintains a 1:4 ratio.

1 year – 2.5 years maintains a 1:5 ratio.

2.5 years – 3 years maintains a 1:7 ratio.

3 years – 5 years maintains a 1:10 ratio.

Children must be brought into the center by an adult, brought to their classroom where the adult must sign the child in for the day and notify the caregiver of their arrival. Please relay any important messages to staff.

Children will be released only to an adult that is a parent or guardian or listed on the emergency contact sheet. A photo ID must be shown. All authorized pickup persons must be 18 years old unless the person is a parent or sibling (siblings must be at least 16 years old). The YMCA must follow all court orders/custody agreements. Legal documents must be kept updated and on file. It is the responsibility of the parent to provide pertinent and up to date information.

Parents must supervise their children when the child is not under the direct care of staff. Children may not be left unattended on childcare property, including vehicles parked in the parking lot.

If an adult arrives to pick up their child and appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the program may request the local police evaluate them to determine fitness to drive.

Childcare Contacts

To register your child, or for more information please contact:

For Turner Street
Contact Chanel Hartley

chartley@alymca.org
207-795-4095 ext. 227

For Garden Preschool at Temple Shalom
Contact Jennifer Merrill
jmerrill@alymca.org
207-713-3468