Child Care, Early Learning & Preschool
Find Play and Learn (Child Care), Early Learning & Preschool Programs
Healthy Preschool development starts early for children, and that’s why, at the YMCA, we care for the health and well being of your child. In our nurturing environment, your child is encouraged to play, learn, and grow.
By integrating both age-appropriate activities and play time into our Play and Learn and Preschool curriculum, our trained teachers focus on achieving the best possible supportive learning environment.
Our hands-on learning curriculum emphasizes motor skills and creativity. We strive to provide an environment where children will learn and build confidence while making new friends.
Play and Learn Centers
YMCA Play and Learn Centers (Child Watch)
At the Y, we believe that play is the work of young children, and is the foundation for learning. Our free Play and Learn Centers offer children (ages 6mo-5 yrs) the opportunity to experience curriculum-based learning activities in a fun and nurturing environment.
Use of our Play and Learn Centers is included with a YMCA household membership. Play and Learn Centers are available at 11 of our 12 locations (the the YMCA at the City Market is the only exception). Members may use our Play and Learn Centers for up to two hours per day while you are onsite at our facility. For Play and Learn hours of operation, please visit the Center Info page for your YMCA location of choice.
Preschool/Early Learning Centers
YMCA Part-Day Preschool / Full-Day Early Learning Centers
Child Development experts agree: Attending a high-quality preschool program prepares children for kindergarten and beyond. At the YMCA, children will be exposed to high quality early learning curriculum where they also learn valuable social skills, all in a safe and welcoming environment. The YMCA offers the following preschool options for your child:
Avondale Meadows YMCA Early Learning Center
- Licensed; Level 3 Paths to Quality
- Full Day Early Learning Center (M-F, 6:30am – 6pm)
3908 Meadows Dr.
(317) 554-1049
* Accepts CCDF; On My Way PreK
YMCA Early Learning Center at Red Maple Grove
(through the Avondale Meadows YMCA)
- Licensed; Level 3 Paths to Quality
- Full Day Early Learning Center (M-F, 7am – 6pm)
2901 Tabor Street
(317) 653-1588
* Accepts CCDF; On My Way PreK
Baxter YMCA Preschool
- 1/2 Day Preschool
7900 S Shelby Street
(317) 881-9347
Benjamin Harrison YMCA Preschool
- Unlicensed Registered Ministry; Level 1 Paths to Quality
- 1/2 Day & Full Day Preschool (M-F, Half Day 8:30am – 12:30pm; Full Day 7am – 5:30pm)
5736 Lee Rd.
(317) 547-9622
Fishers YMCA Preschool
- 1/2 Day Preschool
9012 E 126 Street, Fishers
(317) 595-9622
Hendricks Regional Health YMCA Preschool
- 1/2 Day Preschool (M-F, 9am – 1pm)
- 3’s and PreK classes
301 Satori Parkway, Avon
(317) 273-9622
Jordan YMCA Preschool
- 1/2 Day Preschool (M-F, 9am – 1pm)
8400 Westfield Blvd.
(317) 253-3206
Ransburg YMCA Preschool
- Full Day Early Learning Center (M-F, 6:30am – 6pm)
- Licensed; Level 3 Paths to Quality
501 N. Shortridge Rd.
(317) 357-8441
* Accepts CCDF; On My Way PreK
Witham Family YMCA Preschool
- 1/2 Day & Full Day Preschool
- Unlicensed Registered Ministry; Level 1 Paths to Quality
2791 N Lebanon Street, Lebanon
(765) 483-9622
YMCA at the Athenaeum Preschool
- 1/2 Day Preschool (M-F, 9am – 1pm)
401 E. Michigan St.
(317) 685-9705
On the Move – Children Moving
On The Move physical education teaches children ages 3-6 years by themes and blending concepts and skills
Each week is designed to introduce a concept as well as a basic skill from the movement framework. This program is considered gross motor and structured activity for early learners and home-schooled students ages 3-6 year olds. Participants will attend PE class at the Y two-days/week for one hour.
Preschool Enrichment
Children socialize with friends as well as engage in instructional learning on weekly themes which may include Lessons in Literacy, Creative Cooking, Moving with Music and Active Artists. Parents may drop-off and pick-up or are more than welcome to stay! Options are available for full-day and half-day programs, may vary by YMCA location.
Aquatics & Swim Lessons
Swimming is a life skill. The YMCA has been teaching people of Central Indiana how to swim for over 150 years, especially children, helping them to be safe around water and prevent accidents.
Before & After School Programs
Exploration and knowledge building are at the core of the Y’s Before & After School programming. We believe in creating a solid foundation for children who need support in order to succeed in school.
Early Learning
Work out worry-free knowing the YMCA—the largest provider of child care in the country—is providing a safe, fun environment for your children.
Sports Programs
With the vast number of sports offered, we want to create an environment that focuses on a healthy lifestyle, confidence building, developing new skills, and teamwork.
Specialty Programs
Healthy development starts early for children, and that’s why at the YMCA, we care for the health and well being of your child.