Our YMCA childcare program is based on a developmental philosophy that children learn best through hands on experiences. At the Y, children are accepted in all stages of development, and encouraged to develop at their own pace through guided mentorship from our experienced ECE staff.
1.) Support families with childcare that is safe, affordable, and fun.
2.) Provide quality childcare through experiences, companionship, and guidance for the children in a safe and nurturing environment.
3.) Offer learning opportunities to support physical, emotional, social, and intellectual development.
4.) Provide children with opportunities to make choices, friends become a member of a team and develop self-confidence and independence.
5.) Present a variety of activities that meet the needs and interests of each individual child.
6.) Through participation in the YMCA ECE Program children will gain positive peer and adult interaction, self-help skills, and improved self-esteem.
7.) Provide a planned curriculum of developmentally appropriate activities.
8.) Employ qualified, experienced, caring teaching staff
9.) Continually provide ongoing staff training and development.
10.) Offer ongoing program monitoring and evaluation.
The auburn Lewiston YMCA offers a stimulating environment that allows children to develop imagination and share positive social experiences with peers and adults. Our thoughtfully designed activities and play centers encourage children to explore and discover the world around them. Through this process children develop a skill set in all areas of development. We use a unique curriculum as a framework for authentic assessment. We plan play based activities and develop individual goals for children to ensure that all children have meaningful opportunities for learning.
To ensure the safety of the children in our ECE program we use a door 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 current childcare families have access. If you have any questions, or are having issues with your scan tag, please email Mindy at mstewart@alymca.org.
1. All must be at least 18 years of age
2. All staff must have high school diploma or equivalent or is attending high school or enrolled in a GED preparation program.
3. CRP/First Aide in infant, child, and adult.
4. Trained on How to be a Mandated Reporter
5. Trained in Child Abuse Prevention
6. Complete 30 hours of annual childcare related training
Holidays and Closings
1. Labor Day
2. Columbus Day – Teacher workshop day
3. Thanksgiving
4. The day after Thanksgiving
5. December 24th
6. December 25th
7. January 1st
8. Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Teacher workshop day
9. 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.
6 weeks to age 1 1:4
1 year to 2.5 years 1:5
2.5 years to 3.5 years 1:7
3 years to 5 years 1:10
Children must be brought into the childcare 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, help your child unpack and say a warm goodbye and depart.
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 pick-up person must be 18 years old unless the person is a parent or sibling, sibling, must be 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 the childcare property, to include 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.
For more information about our Early Childhood Education program, please contact Jennifer Merrill Association Director at jmerrill@alymca.org or 795-4095 ex. 213 for the 62 Turner Street location, or Garden Preschool at Temple Shalom 207-713-3468
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