Small kids with paint on hands

YMCA Centers for Child Development

Preschool and So Much More!

At the YMCA Centers for Child Development our goal as educators and child care providers is to support the role of the family in furthering each child’s individual growth. Our full and part time programs are designed to meet the needs of the children, providing them with a daily routine and exciting, fun activities, which foster each child’s individual development. Opportunities for family involvement and events are highlighted throughout the year. Family interaction and center visits are welcomed and encouraged. Regular meetings with teachers are scheduled to discuss your child’s growth and development.

The YMCA provides continuous quality education and care for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergartners. Our teacher-child ratios ensure that each child receives personal attention. Each center is licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care and follow National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Accreditation Standards.

YMCA Centers for Child Development

Early childhood education sets a strong foundation for lifelong learning and development. Through a nurturing environment and engaging activities, children are encouraged to explore, create, and grow. Learning center childcare supports families, offering a safe space where children can thrive socially and intellectually.

The YMCA of Central Massachusetts fosters a love for learning, guiding children in towns like Westborough, Worcester, Fitchburg, and Southbridge through age-appropriate programs tailored to their needs. Our programs help develop essential skills in communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. Investing in early childhood care and education leads to a bright future for our youngest learners while strengthening our community bonds.

Infant Care – 6 weeks to 17 months

Discover an enriching environment for your littlest learners! Our early childhood care and education courses for infants incorporate a daily plan that addresses the unique developmental needs of each child. With a focus on individual growth, we implement the Creative Curriculum, which is built on research and emphasizes practices that support healthy early experiences.

Caring staff members are dedicated to nurturing your infants while providing daily updates, ensuring you are always involved in your child's development. At the Y, we create a supportive community that fosters exploration, learning, and joy in the early stages of life.

Toddler Care – 18 Months to 35 Months

Our toddler care program offers a vibrant space for young children to explore as they grow. During this critical stage, toddlers develop rapidly, learning from their surroundings and engaging with peers. The Creative Curriculum we use prioritizes attentive care, structured routines, and enriching experiences tailored to each child's needs.

Our team supports the development of essential self-help skills, including toilet training and understanding that every child progresses at their own unique pace. By collaborating closely with parents, YMCA staff ensures children receive the guidance they need during this vital time in their growth.

Preschool – 36 Months to 5 Years

The Creative Curriculum for Preschool takes a well-rounded approach to child development, fostering creativity and confidence in every young learner. This research-based program emphasizes hands-on experiences that engage children across ten key content areas: social-emotional, language, physical, cognitive, literacy, mathematics, science and technology, social studies, the arts, and English language acquisition. By integrating these areas, children develop holistically and gain essential skills for future learning.

Our dedicated educators create inviting spaces where children can explore, ask questions, and collaborate with their peers. We believe nurturing a child's curiosity and enthusiasm for learning sets the foundation for academic success and personal growth. Through play and discovery, each child is guided to become a confident thinker prepared for the next steps in their education.

A child and mother playing with building blocks

Get Your Child Ready for Kindergarten – Register Today

Increase your child's readiness for kindergarten by enrolling in our comprehensive early education and care programs here at the YMCA of Central Massachusetts. We emphasize the importance of early childhood care and education to foster a love for learning. Our trained staff and research-based Creative Curriculum offer the ideal definition of early childhood care and education, preparing your child for future academic success. Our YMCA branches also offer financial assistance because everyone in our communities is welcome.

Join our nurturing environment where children can thrive. Contact your local YMCA Centers for Child Development and register today to give your child the best start in their education!

Boroughs Family Branch (Westborough, MA)

Boroughs Family Branch

4 Valente Drive Westborough, MA 01581

For enrollment, please contact:

Erin Demand, Boroughs Center for Child Development Director
(Email) [email protected]  
(Phone) 508-870-1320 (ext. 8243)
(Fax) 508- 870-1323


Program Information

The Boroughs Family Branch YMCA Centers for Child Development are committed to serving a wide variety of families without regard to race, creed, religion, cultural heritage, political beliefs, national origin, family lifestyle, sexual orientation, sex, disability, marital status or financial ability. Children are provided with an environment and personal relationships that foster each child’s optimum growth and development. Since we are aware that all children develop and grow at varying rates, we strive to make our program broad enough to meet the needs of the individual child. Since “total development” involves cognitive, social, emotional, physical and moral development, our program has been designed to foster each child’s development in these five areas. We are committed to nurturing individual differences and the growth of the whole child.

Our philosophy is a developmental one. In order to meet individual needs and to give equal emphasis to all aspects of development, our program is structured to provide access to materials, which help each child develop to his/her highest potential. Opportunities are presented which encourage the child to make decisions and to take responsibility.

In order to develop each child’s physical capabilities, we have set aside a time each day for gross motor activities. The use of outdoor time not only provides a good physical outlet, but also a good emotional outlet for children. Peer interaction, development of self-respect, self-control, and friendships based on mutual love and respect are some of our main goals for each child’s social development.

Ages Served: Infant (6 wks.-15 mos.), Toddlers (15 mos.-2.9 yrs.),
Preschool (2.9 yrs.- 5 yrs.)

Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (Late charge: $1 per minute)

Holidays: ** (Specific Holiday Closures will be distributed yearly) **
New Years
Presidents Day
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
4th of July/Independence Day
Juneteenth
Memorial Day
Labor Day
Patriots Day
Columbus Day
Thanksgiving & day after
Christmas Eve Day
Christmas Day
*Specific Holiday Closures will be distributed yearly*

Holiday/Sick Day/Vacation Policy: Parents are responsible for payment of holidays which the YMCA is closed as well as their child’s sick and personal days. For full-time children only, families are entitled to 2 weeks vacation at 50% fee after 6 mos. continuous enrollment.

General Information: YMCA provides 2 snacks per day for Toddlers through Preschool. Daily lunches are the responsibility of the parent. Diapers and wipes are also responsibility of parent.

To enroll, make an appointment to observe, or for more information, please contact Erin Demand at: (P) 508-870-1320 (ext. 8243) or (Email) [email protected]

Rates

Infants

$476 / Week

$104 / Day

Toddlers

$432 / Week

$90 / Day

Preschool

$333 / Week

$80 / Day

*Rates are subject to change yearly

*YMCA has a two day minimum per child.  The YMCA does not give a 2nd child discount.

*At the time of registration a $100 non-refundable deposit is due*

Financial Assistance is available through the Y Access Program. If you cannot afford the full cost of a program please contact the center director for confidential assistance. Learn More

Downloads

Boroughs Child Development Center Parent Handbook(opens in new tab)

Boroughs Child Development Center Rates(opens in new tab)
(opens in new tab)


Daily Schedules

Infant Schedule

Time
Activity
7-9:00 amArrivals
9:00Mornings:
Hand-washing and snack (older infants)
 Feedings on demand or as indicated by parents. *Gums are wiped down after every feeding.
 Diapering every 2 hours or as needed.
 Naps are as needed or as indicated by parents.
 *Supervised, developmentally appropriate play periods during awake times (inside and outside weather permitting).
  
12:00 pmHand-washing and lunches (older infants)
12:35 pmAfternoons:
Afternoon naps (older infants)
 Feedings on demand or as indicated by parents. *Gums are wiped down after every feeding.
 Diapering every 2 hours or as needed.
 Naps are as needed or as indicated by parents.
 *Supervised, developmentally appropriate play periods during awake times (inside and outside weather permitting).
  
5-6:00 pmDiaper checks, supervised quiet play, departures.

Toddlers

Time
Activity
7:00-9:00 amArrival & Free Play
9:00-9:15 amClean-up Time
9:15-9:30 amToileting & Hand Washing
9:30-9:45 amSnack
9:45-10:15 amCircle Time
10:15-10:45 amArt Activities
10:45 – 11:00 am
Clean-up & Outdoor Prep
11:00 – 12:00 pmOutside Play (Weather Permitting)
12:00-12:30 pmHand Washing/Diaper Check/Lunch/Tooth Brushing
12:30-1:00 pmToileting & Hand Washing
1:00–3:00 pmRest/Quiet Time
3:00-3:30 pmWake up / Hand washing / Snack
3:30-4:00 pmToileting & Hand Washing
4:00-5:15 pmOutside Play (Weather Permitting)
5:15-5:30 pmToileting & Hand Washing
5:30-6:00 PMFree Play & Departures

Preschool

Time
Activity
7:00-7:45 amDrop-off transition to room
7:45- 9:00 amFree play (sensory table, table activities, and easel)
9:00-9:10 amClean up
9:10-9:20 am Toileting/hand washing
9:20-9:45 am Morning snack
9:45-10:00 amMorning meeting
10:00-10:40 am Art/sensory table/science/math
10:40-10:50 am Clean up
10:50-11:00 am Toileting/prepare for gross motor
11:00-11:45 am Outdoor play (weather permitting)/gym
11:45-12:00 pm Hand washing/toileting/prepare for lunch
12:00-12:30 pm  Lunch
12:30-12:40 pm  Lunch clean –up
12:40-12:50 pm  Tooth brushing
12:50-1:00 pm  Toileting
1:00-3:00 pm Rest/quiet time
3:00-3:15 pm Clean up cots
3:15-3:30 pm  Afternoon snack
3:30-3:50 pm  Table activities
3:50-4:00 pm  Toileting prepare for outdoor gross motor(weather permitting)
4:00-5:15 pm  Gross motor/outdoors
5:15-6:00 pm  Departure
Central Community Branch (Main St., Worcester, MA)

Central Community Branch Preschool Program

766 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01610

Contact Emely Ojeda for details: 
(P) 508.755. 6101 (ext. 1263)
(Email) [email protected]


Rates

$240 Per Week

(subject to updates)


Program Info

Ages 2.9 years – 5 years
(Mon-Fri )  8:00 am to 6:00 pm

Our preschool program is designed to enhance and extend your child’s total development: social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and moral. Based on the Creative Curriculum, your child’s early education focuses on developing their mind, body, and spirit through age appropriate learning opportunities.

Families First

Y Early Learning programs strengthen families and boost youth development by offering young children and their families early learning readiness experiences and comprehensive child development programs. Programs at our Y address the holistic development of young children by supporting brain development, early literacy, healthy habits development, and strong parenting skills. Join us and watch our Early Learning programming lay a foundation for future and ongoing achievement and success for your child!


Daily Schedule:


Time

Activity

8:30Center Opens
Drop off Time and Free Play
8:45Clean –up
9:00Circle Time: Calendar, Weather, Songs and Stories
9:20Snack Time and Activity Time
10:45Clean-up
11:00Circle Time: Land of the Letter People song and book
11:10Bathroom and get ready for Outdoor Play
11:30Outdoor Play
12:15Wash up and prepare for Lunch
12:30Lunch
1:00Bathroom, set up cots, quiet book time
1:30Lights out and Rest Time
2:30Children that do not rest or wake up will have coloring or quiet activities on their cots
3:00Lights on, clean up cots, snack time
3:30Bathroom
3:45Outdoor Play
4:45Inside, quiet activities, pick up time
6:00Center Closes

Enrollment

Enroll online here

Greendale Family Branch (Shore Drive, Worcester, MA)

Greendale Family Branch

For more information, to schedule a tour, or to register your child, please contact:

Courtney Ordway
Preschool Coordinator, Wee Wuns Preschool
Greendale Family Branch YMCA
75 Shore Drive 
Worcester, MA 01605 

[email protected]
508-852-6694 ext. 2236
Direct Line: 774-778-5959

Once a Wee Wuns, Always a Wee Wuns. 


Wee Wuns 

For nearly 60 years, Wee Wuns Preschool has proudly served children and families in the Worcester community by providing a safe, nurturing, and engaging early childhood experience. At Wee Wuns, we believe children learn best through play, exploration, and meaningful relationships. Our goal is to create a strong foundation for lifelong learning while fostering confidence, independence, and a love for school. 

Wee Wuns Preschool is an EEC-licensed, play-based preschool program serving children ages 2 years, 9 months through 5 years old. Our curriculum is aligned with the Massachusetts Preschool Learning Standards and focuses on the development of the whole child through hands-on, developmentally appropriate experiences. 

Our Program Focuses On: 

  • Social and emotional development
  • Kindergarten readiness skills
  • Early literacy and language development
  • Early math and science concepts
  • Fine and gross motor development
  • Problem-solving and critical thinking skills
  • Creativity through art, music, and dramatic play
  • Building friendships, confidence, and independence 
Each day, children are encouraged to explore, ask questions, work together, and develop a sense of curiosity and wonder about the world around them. Our classroom environment is designed to help children become confident learners while supporting each child's individual needs and developmental milestones.
 
What Makes Wee Wuns Special? 
  • Nearly 60 years of serving the Worcester community
  • Play-based, child-centered curriculum
  • Caring and experienced educators
  • Small classroom environment that promotes strong relationships
  • Daily opportunities for hands-on learning and exploration
  • Family partnerships and open communication
  • A focus on social-emotional growth and kindergarten readiness
  • A welcoming YMCA community that supports the whole family

At Wee Wuns, we understand that preschool is often a child's first school experience. Our teachers work closely with families to ensure each child feels safe, supported, and excited to learn. We celebrate every milestone, from making a new friend and writing a name for the first time to gaining independence and building confidence. 

 

Wee Wuns Parent Handbook

 

Wee Wuns Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

 


Program Options & Tuition 

Full Day Preschool
Monday–Friday | 7:30 AM–5:30 PM

YMCA Member Rate: $300 per week
Non-Member Rate: $335 per week

Half Day Preschool
Monday–Friday | 8:30 AM–1:00 PM

YMCA Member Rate: $175 per week
Non-Member Rate: $200 per week

Please note: Preschool registration requires a non-refundable deposit to secure your child's placement.

Financial Assistance may be available through the Y Access Program for qualifying families. Learn More 

 

Montachusett Community Branch (Fitchburg, MA)

Montachusett Community Branch

55 Wallace Ave., Fitchburg, MA 01420

Pamela Christian-Ridings, Director of Child Care Services
(Email) [email protected] 
(Phone) 978.343.4847 (ext. 4232) 


Program Info

Child Care Programs are licensed by the Department of Early Education and Care. Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Our programs meet the needs of the children enrolled by offering a high quality program that promotes the physical, social, emotional and cognitive development of each child in all areas of learning.


Daily Schedule

TimeActivity
7:30Arrivals: Free Choice-easel/blocks/table games/art/home living
music area/dance/reading/writing/trains/surprises
8:45Clean –up/Bathroom
9:00Morning Meeting:  greetings/songs/calendar/weather/emotions/music time/days in school/newspaper/flag/YMCA chant
9:45Clean-up/bathroom/snack/outdoor recess- free choice
10:30Pre-Reading/Reading/Letter of the Week/ Writing time
11:10Math in Action – Everyday Math- Science – Social Studies
11:45Storytime or Activity Time – Spanish  W/F
12:00Clean-up/bathrooms/lunch/toothbrushing/indiv. reading
12:40Outdoor Play – free choice: sandbox, outdoor kitchen, tool area, climbers, riding vehicles, critter corner, Theater fun, water play and more
1:00Clean-up/bathroom/rest set-up
1:20Storytime- Rest-time/listening to stories/quiet games & individual reading
2:20Clean-up/bathroom
2:30Kids Gym – free choice: juggling, basketball, climbing, tumbling, obstacle course, flyers, games
3:20Clean-up/bathroom/snack
3:30Outdoor play and/or indoor play –  free choice-all areas
5:30School closing – Last Departures

Financial Assistance is available through the Y Access Program. If you cannot afford the full cost of a program please contact the center director for confidential assistance. Learn More 

Tri-Community Family Branch (Southbridge, MA)

The Sarah and Richard Hardy YMCA Child Development Center

115 Marcy Street, Southbridge, MA 01550

Jenna Beaton, Early learning Executive Director 
(Phone) 508-765-0222 (ext. 203)
(email) [email protected] 

Hours: 

Monday- Friday (7:00 am - 5:30 pm)

Staff: 

Jennifer Ortega-Cruz
Family Access Administrator
[email protected]
(P) 508.765.0222

Jennifer Matthews
Social Services Coordinator
[email protected]
(P) 508.765.0222

Crystal Roderigues
Family Child Care Coordinator
[email protected]
(P) 508.765.0222

Kimberly Beals
Billing and Administrative Coordinator
[email protected]
(P) 508.765.0222

Katie Sherman
Director of Youth and Family Services
[email protected]
(P) 508.765.5466 (ext. 7104) 

Rates:

Infant (0-15 Months): $77.00 Per Day/ $385.00 Per Week 

Toddler (15 Months to 2 Years, 9 Months): $69.00 Per Day/ $345.00 Per Week

Preschool or Pre-K (2.9 Years to 5 Years): $55.00 Per Day/ $275 Per Week 

Out of School Time (OST) - Before Only: $11.00 Per Day/ $55.00 Per Week 

Out of School Time (OST) - After Only: $24.00 Per Day / $120.00 Per Week 

Out of School Time (OST) - Before and After: $35.00 Per Day/ $175.00 Per Week 

Out of School Time (OST) - Full Day: $47 Per Day/ $235.00 Per Week (School Vacations & Summer) 


We use a research-based curriculum 

One of the best ways to help children succeed is to teach them to be creative, confident thinkers. That’s why we use The Creative Curriculum® by Teaching Strategies® LLC, which is widely regarded as a forward-thinking, comprehensive, rigorously researched curriculum that honors creativity. It is designed to help educators plan and implement a developmentally appropriate program for children with diverse backgrounds and skill levels. Please contact us for more information and details.

We offer the following programs:

INFANTS: 4 weeks to 15 months

Our space is built for babies on the move: look for mirrors, warm rugs, sensory tables, books, and shelves filled with soft, natural materials. There are musical instruments, toys for pretend play, safe equipment, and outdoor places to explore. Families have peace of mind knowing that our stringent safety, security, and cleanliness standards meet or exceed all state guidelines.

Infants are encouraged to learn about their world through our individualized curriculum that invites exploration, celebrates each important milestone, and supports the transition from the sensory motor world of infancy to the increasingly social and self-directed world of toddlers.

TODDLERS: 15 months to 2 years / 9 months

Our space is built for active and inquisitive toddlers with environments made up of well-planned learning centers that allow for physical activity, free choice and self-directed play, and supportive teaching. There are quiet reading nooks, sensory tables, great books, areas for pretend play, baskets filled with dress-up and exploratory materials, musical instruments, and outdoor places to explore. Learning experiences are planned to promote growing independence, to enhance social skills, and to build the confidence needed to reach their individual potential and prepare for preschool.

PRESCHOOL: 2 years / 9 months to 4 years

Our preschool classrooms focus on children’s newly emerging skills and use of language, math, and scientific thought. Multi-disciplinary learning centers encourage individual skills and emerging interests in academics, creative expression, and outdoor learning.

Our curriculum stimulates each child’s curiosity and exploratory nature to prepare children for lifelong learning. Children move to pre-K socially prepared, excited to learn, and well versed in the language, math, and science skills they’ll need to succeed.

PRE-KINDERGARTEN: 4 years

Our Pre-K curriculum expands upon the skills learned in preschool while embracing children’s natural curiosity. Pre-K children are physically and cognitively able to take on more challenges while still engaging in important foundational learning like friendship building and developing a strong self-concept. Our Kindergarten readiness program helps your child reach his or her greatest potential in all areas including beginning reading and writing skills, math and science concepts, creative art, technology, large and small muscle skills, and social and emotional development while building a foundation of success.

Our Educators stimulate each child’s innate curiosity and exploratory nature to prepare children for lifelong learning and the skills needed to succeed in school and life.

KINDERGARTEN - FIFTH GRADE ( OST- OUT of SCHOOL TIME)

Our OST programs include after-school care, back-up care for school holidays and school closing days, and summer day camp. We provide school-age children with the opportunity to live, learn and socialize in a relaxed setting outside of school. Our goal for our after school programs is to foster independence, promote self-sufficiency and encourage mutual respect among peers.

We offer a wealth of enrichment activities that engage the interests of school-age children. You may find school-age children creating a magazine, playing a board or card games, shooting hoops, tutoring each other or forming a club. Educators are there alongside, facilitating, guiding and understanding that learning comes in all shapes and sizes and should be filled with fun.

FAMILY CHILD CARE

Family Child Care provides a supportive atmosphere for young children where their developing abilities and self-confidence are nurtured. Family Child Care Educators offer a wide range of carefully prepared learning materials, which encourage children to explore and experiment, as these methods are the seeds of learning. This is offered in a small home based settings. Each Family Child Care home has something unique and special to offer your child.

Here For You

Our YMCA is more than a fitness center with a pool! The Y is a center that strengthens the foundations of community through nurturing the potential of our youth and children, a commitment to your health and well-being as well as opportunities to give back to our community. At the Y you can look forward to connecting with members, volunteers, donors and staff who are engaged in a movement that goes beyond them and creates an environment in which we can all learn, grow and thrive.

Learn More

Safety Around Water

For more than 160 years, the YMCA has nurtured potential and united communities across America to create lasting, meaningful change. One of the most effective ways to accomplish this is to teach youth, teens, and adults to swim, so they can stay safe around water and learn the skills they need to make swimming a lifelong pursuit for staying healthy. Y swim instructors are nationally certified. Their training includes CPR, AED, First Aid and Oxygen Administration. Swim lessons provide important life skills that could save a life and will benefit students for a lifetime.

Learn More

Best Summer Ever!

Our campers become part of a neighborhood of friends where potential is nurtured, achievements are celebrated, and exploration is encouraged.  Campers will develop skills through a diverse curriculum of traditional camp activities that encourage youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. We strive to ensure that campers develop leadership skills and self-esteem, and grow personally through character-building opportunities in a structured, positive environment.

Learn More
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