The McGaw YMCA Children’s Center offers year-round, full-day early learning programs for infants through preschool and is one of the largest licensed childcare providers in Evanston. Our experienced and highly trained staff are committed to providing exciting learning opportunities that nurture your child's cognitive, social-emotional, physical, and creative development.
CHILD CARE
Infant Care (6 wks-15mos)
At the Y, our staff will take great care of your infant and support you with daily updates to ensure that you are part of their experience. Our year-long, full-day infant care program focuses on interacting, learning, and growing. Early learning activities are designed to meet the growth and developmental needs of each child through our research-based curriculum.
Our teachers are specifically trained in infant development and use research-based objectives to create nurturing daily routines and meaningful experiences for each child. We make sure that your child builds trust and develops their own personality and develops at their own pace through individualized schedules and developmental activities.
Financial assistance is available through the YMCA and other subsidies.
For ages 6 weeks-15 months by September 1.Â
Toddlers (15 - 24 mos)
Research shows that a whole-child approach to early education better prepares children for life well beyond their time in a classroom. Our year-long, full-day toddler program uses a curriculum that provides a comprehensive and research-based approach that features exploration and discovery as a way of learning.
Our teachers are trained in child development and focus on social-emotional development and relationship building while encouraging emergent language through reading, singing, and repetition. Self-help skills are highly individual and complex. Children are supported in their large-motor development by taking walks in the neighborhood and exploring in our indoor and outdoor large-motor spaces designed for younger groups.
Financial assistance is available through the YMCA and other subsidies.
For ages 15-24 months by September 1.
PRESCHOOL
Young Preschool (Twos)
Our young preschool program uses a whole-child approach that teaches children to be creative, confident thinkers through hands-on experiences. Our curriculum for preschool inspires curiosity and research-based learning, and Focus Areas of Development are introduced through enrichment activities.
Teachers provide daily consistency that supports social-emotional growth so that each child feels safe to explore, learn, play, and build healthy relationships with their peers. At this age, we introduce a formal music class into the classroom schedule and attend a field trip.
Financial assistance is available through the YMCA and other subsidies.
For ages 24-36 months by September 1.
Preschool (Threes)
The Y’s Preschool program inspires curiosity and learning through a comprehensive, research-based curriculum. Our teachers build on knowledge through Focus Areas of Development, enrichment activities, stories, and exploration in the community.
Social-emotional growth is supported so that each child has the confidence to explore, learn, play, and build healthy relationships with their peers while developing a sense of independence. Daily schedules include visits to our large-motor spaces, enrichment classes, and opportunities to learn through exploration. A swimming lesson is added to the schedule once a week.
Financial assistance is available through the YMCA and other subsidies.
For age 3 years old by September 1.
Pre-Kindergarten (Fours)
Our Pre-K program helps prepare children with the education and skills they need to get ready for kindergarten. Our teachers use a research-based curriculum to provide a whole-child approach to learning, and extend knowledge of literacy, science, math, social studies and the arts through Focus Areas of Development and enrichment activities.
Teachers continue to focus on each child’s social-emotional growth, cognitive, physical and language development so they can become curious, compassionate, and confident learners in school and in life. Small- and large-group activities are used to help children build healthy relationships with their peers and prepare for the kindergarten environment.
Daily schedules include visits to our large-motor spaces, enrichment classes, and opportunities to learn through exploration. A swimming lesson continues at this age group once a week.
Financial assistance is available through the YMCA and other subsidies.
For age 4 years old by September 1.