Early Learning Child Care

Banner & Copy

Young child and YMCA staff member playing with blocks in a YMCA Child Care centre.

At the YMCA we celebrate play as the primary vehicle for learning and development in the early years.

Our Early Childhood Educators are trained in YMCA Playing to Learn Curriculum as well as Flight: Alberta's Early Learning and Care Framework to harness the power of play in these critical years of your child's development. At the YMCA of Northern Alberta, your child will be celebrated as a mighty learner and citizen while developing the pro-social and academic skills essential to their early years.

Early Learning Child Care Programs
Infant Care

Designed for children 0–18 months, infant care explores the world around us indoors and outdoors, through song and stories, discovering creative and sensory materials and imitation play!

Toddler Care

Designed for children 19–35 months, toddler care explores the world around us indoors and outdoors, through music and movement, discovering creative and sensory material, puzzles, stories, blocks, dramatic play and learning to play with others!

Preschool Care

Designed for children 3–6 years, preschool care explores the world around us indoors and outdoors, enhanced introduction to the arts (visual, dramatic and music), discovering science, engaging in mathematics and literacy activities, developing social skills, gross and fine motor skills, and problem-solving!

Weemarkable™ — a YMCA Child Care app!

Our Early Childhood Educators use our YMCA Child Care app, Weemarkable™ to give you a first-hand look into your child's day, wherever you are! At just a tap, you can

  • view photos and play highlights of your child engaged in learning
  • read daily educator observations about their play, nap and meals
  • receive direct messages and important notifications from your educators
  • add additional followers, such as grandparents, to your child’s profile and customize the content they can view

Learn more about this app at weemarkable.ca today!

Learn more

Community Preschool Education Program

We've partnered with Community Options to provide more opportunities for children to thrive! Community Options proudly offer services in community-based programs (such as our Y!) for children with special learning needs. Their diverse team includes certified teachers, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists and other professionals. 

Community Options is offering their Community Preschool Education Program at most Early Learning Child Care centres in Edmonton! This program is funded by Alberta Education Program Unit Funding (PUF) for preschool-aged children who have been diagnosed with developmental delays, disorders, and medical diagnoses that impact their ability to successfully participate in classroom settings. Learn more about their assessments below!

Assessments

YMCA of Northern Alberta logo with Community Options logo

Subsidy

The YMCA accepts the Government of Alberta Child Care Subsidy to offset the cost of child care for eligible families. To learn more about the Government of Alberta's subsidy program and apply, please visit alberta.ca/child-care-subsidy.

Learn more

Please note, subsidy is not included in the child care rates as it varies by family. Subsidy will be applied to monthly fees, where applicable. 

Affordability grant

The government's Affordability Grant can reduce your child care fees by up to 50% for Early Learning Child Care up to Kindercare!

The Government of Alberta’s Affordability Grant benefits families with children registered for six or more days per month at all Early Learning and Kindercare locations as monthly fees will be reduced by the following: 

Child care category Infant
(0–18 months) 		 Toddler
(19 months–35 months)		 Preschool (3–6 years)
and Kindercare
Full-time
Registered 11 or more days per month 		 $635 $510 $450
Part-time
Registered 6–10 days per month 		 $317.50 $255 $225

YMCA Child Care Locations & Fees

Edmonton >

Grande Prairie >

Wood Buffalo >

Spruce Grove >

St. Albert >

Registration & Waitlists

We currently have spaces available at most Early Learning Child Care, Kindercare, and Before and After School Care programs throughout northern and central Alberta! Using the location tool, find a YMCA Child Care Centre near you and call our team to learn more about how you can register your child today.

If you are looking for YMCA Child Care in the future or would like to join an existing waitlist, please visit northernalberta.ymca.ca/ChildCareWaitlists.

Related pages

  • Young child with a red sweater sitting on a carpet in a YMCA Child Care centre.


    Kindercare

    YMCA Kindercare provides care for children who attend a part-time Kindergarten program. 

    Learn more

  • Father and son standing together in a YMCA Child Care centre.


    Before & After School Care

    YMCA Before and After School Care programs strive to create a community where all children have a sense of belonging and can foster positive connections. 

    Learn more