Infant and Toddler Care
NOW ENROLLING
WORK FOR THE YMCA AND GET FREE CHILD CARE*
*some restrictions apply.
The Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges offers full and part-time care for children as young as six weeks at four licensed child care sites. We use the Creative Curriculum to create a learning environment that helps each child develop their social/emotional, physical, cognitive and language abilities.
Tuition Assistance
The Y strives to make child care tuition more affordable for all families, so that kids can receive the educational, physical, and social benefits of our programs, while reducing the stress on parents juggling work and household responsibilities with the uncertainties of life. Through our Y for All Fund, qualifying families can receive a reduced rate on their child care tuition. Even if you don’t think you would qualify for assistance, we encourage you to apply.
South Mountain YMCA
- Address: 10 West Parker Ave. Maplewood, NJ
- Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
- Contact info.: Jennifer MacAfee, director of Early Childhood Learning Center, 973-762-0860.
Center Features:
- Private deck area for outdoor play
- Art area for infants and toddlers
- Indoor play area (infant) and large gym (toddler) for practicing gross motor skills and staying active
- Water table to enhance senses and science/math skills
- Organized activities such as art projects, games, songs and stories provide stimulation
- Caregivers stay with their children (as a class) until they turn 3 and move on to preschool
West Essex YMCA
- Address: Peanut Shell Early Learning Academy, 706 Regent St. (Regent Street Office Park) Building #7, Livingston, NJ
- Hours: 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- Contact:
Jaime Behringer, Director at 973-533-1511
Mar Puig, Assistant Director
Mary Rebe, Assistant Director
Center Features:
- Grow NJ Kids Accreditation (3 stars)
- Enrichment Language Program
- Language arts, science, library, dramatic play, sensory play, and arts & crafts
- Soft Indoor Play Area for Gross Motor Skill development
- Outdoor play space
- Special events
Parent Resources
- Checklist for finding child care
- Choking hazards for children
- Healthy digital media use habits
Testimonials
"The South Mountain YMCA program has been an amazing experience for my family. I know that my child is safe and supported everyday. The community is unmatched and it I love coming to pick-up my child and seeing her happy and connected to those around her."
“I’m so glad I sent my son to the YMCA. I made the right decision. He had a great experience, made friends, felt safe and really learned a lot. He’s a lot more confident now than a year ago. Thank you teachers!”
“Community is built into everything this program does. Each class has its own community, the center has a cohesive and consistent set of values. That results in confident kids. When kids go to school and know they are loved by everyone around them, they have the strength to do anything.”
