Where Every Child’s Potential Shines
At YMCA Child Care, children shine brightest when they play, explore, and grow together. Our caring educators use the YMCA Playing to Learn™ curriculum to create safe, inclusive spaces where each child’s unique potential is celebrated. Through hands-on discovery, movement, storytelling, and meaningful relationships, children build the skills they need to succeed in school and beyond.
Learn more by reviewing our Child Care Parent Handbook below.
YMCA Child Care Program Benefits:
Toddler Program for children ages 18 months to 2.5 years.Small group ratio of 1:5, with a maximum of 15 children per group. In some cases, children 12–18 months may be enrolled if they meet criteria outlined in our Parent Handbook.
Preschool Program for children ages 2.5 to 5 years. Small group ratio of 1:8, with a maximum of 24 children per group.
Programming follows the YMCA Playing to Learn™ Curriculum.
Children engage in small-group activities led by Registered Early Childhood Educators, including play, games, outdoor time, and nutritious meals and snacks.
Daily logs of your child’s day posted on our Weemarkable™ app, including what they learned, what they ate, length of their sleep, etc.
5 YMCA Child Care Centres located across Grey Bruce (Ripley, Kincardine, Port Elgin, Owen Sound, Hanover) See Map
Register for YMCA Child Care
- Grey County (Hanover or Owen Sound)
- Fill out the YMCA Child Care Waitlist Application Form
- Submit the completed form to your Child Care location Supervisor.
- Our team will contact you to confirm your application was received and provide you with next steps.
- Bruce County (Kincardine, Port Elgin or Ripley)
- Create a OneList account using the link below.
- Once your account has been activated, complete the application by following the prompts.
- Review and edit your application via your OneList account.
OneList is administered by Bruce County, if you require assistance with your application email support@OneHSN.com
YMCA Child Care Fees:
Effective December 31, 2022
The YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce has opted-in to the Canada-wide Early Learning Child Care (CWELCC) System and as such our base fees have been reduced for eligible children*.
- Fees are priced per child
- Current fees reflect reduction as per our Canada Wide Early Learning Child Care agreement (CWELCC)
- Payment can be made with credit card or direct deposit (VOID cheque)
- Payment is due by the 20th of the current month
- There will be no reduction/credit for days missed due to illness or any unexpected centre closures.
- 12+ month children must be able to walk, feed themselves, drink from a cup, and sleep on a cot
- Available spaces vary per location
- Child care subsidy is available
*Eligible children means any child, until the last day of the month in which the child turns 6 years old (irrespective of the type of licensed child care program in which they are enrolled); and up until June 30 in a calendar year, any child who, turns six years old between January 1 and June 30 in that calendar year; and is enrolled in a licensed infant, toddler, preschool or kindergarten group, a licensed family age group, or home child care, as defined in the CCEYA.
Program Times (may vary by location):
7:00 AM – 5:30 PM
YMCA Playing to Learn™ Curriculum
Here to help your little one discover the world through play and imagination, our YMCA Playing to Learn™ Curriculum offers kids an opportunity to develop their confidence, self-direction and self-regulation. Using play as the primary learning medium, children are introduced to literacy, numeracy, arts, science, and more, while in our care to ensure a smooth transition into Kindergarten.
Today’s families are busier than ever. We’re making it easier for our YMCA Child Care families to connect to the small moments and big milestones of their child’s day, through our YMCA app, Weemarkable™. It keeps your mind at ease and helps you share in the fun your child has throughout the day, with messages and photos, access to important child care notices, educator observations, milestones, menu information and direct to educator messaging.
All at just a tap. And most importantly, even when you can’t be with them, it’s Weemarkable™ how connected you’ll be.
Locations
Licensed YMCA Child Care Locations: