WHAT WE DO
At the YMCA we believe that every infant is born with an eagerness to learn about their world. Infants use their newly developing senses to gain a sense of security and identity, and to explore objects and people in their world. As caregivers, both parents and teachers, it’s our job to set the stage for the child’s next learning encounters.
One of the most important elements for healthy brain development is the quality of their adult interactions and their learning environment. By allowing children to play and explore their world in a healthy, safe, and responsive environment, infants will thrive in their growth, meeting developmental goals over a variety of learning domains. Our goal is to provide this healthy and safe environment with responsive, knowledgeable caregivers so that every infant thrives during their first year of life and beyond.
WHO WE ARE
We are proud to be an early childhood program representing the YMCA. The Whatcom Family YMCA is a powerful association of men, women, and children committed to strengthening communities through youth development, social responsibility, and healthy living. We serve our local community with programs for the spirit, mind, and body.
The Y provides enrichment opportunities for all ages, from babies to senior citizens and everyone in between. Every day we work side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure everyone – regardless of age, income or background – can grow and thrive.
HOW TO REGISTER
Most of our families are placed on waiting lists as soon as they find out they are pregnant. Barkley and Downtown have separate waiting lists, so please make sure to get on both if you are interested! Enrollment is generally taken from those lists, based on the date they were put on the list, weekly schedule, and birthdate. We do accept DSHS/Working Connections for payment in our programs, as well!
Upon a guarantee of a spot, you will be given paperwork and asked to pay a deposit. The deposit is one half of a month’s tuition plus the registration fee, which is held until the time your family starts. If you choose not to enroll, the deposit will not be refunded. All enrollment questions and procedures will be conducted with the program’s Director or Program Supervisor. Once your family is enrolled in our early childhood program, their spot will continue to progress through all our classrooms until they leave for kindergarten.