A Brand-New Facility!
The Early Learning Center, adjacent to the Downtown Branch at 300-A E. Lincoln St., is opening in November 2025! This $10 million, 20,500-square-foot, state-licensed facility replaced the Child Development Center. Full- and part-time childcare will offer year-round childcare and programming such as summer day camps.
Featuring colorful, innovative, and safe spaces for learning and growth, it includes three infant rooms, four toddler rooms, five pre-K rooms, one school-age room, a cafeteria/activities room, a gross motor skills room, a mentor/break/workspace room, a room for nursing mothers and meeting space, and a secure lobby. Children from age six weeks through fifth grade are served here, with a maximum capacity of 320.
The ELC is a strategic solution to the growing regional childcare problems related to accessibility. It accommodates more children than the former CDC and offers more subsidized care, ensuring that childcare is more accessible from affordability and enrollment standpoints. The Findlay Family YMCA is proud to be continuously providing the most nurturing environment possible for our youngest residents.
Our Caregiving & Teaching Philosophy:
Our programs are designed to enhance children's lives and to provide a positive environment for independent growth.
All children are provided with time for learning, planning, investigating, and problem solving. Valuable time spent with peers allows for the development of social skills. Constructive, developmentally appropriate, and forward-thinking pedagogical approaches are programmatic hallmarks. Adults model values and carefully guide children into making positive decisions.
Children’s positive character development is built by thought, choice, determination, and encouragement to do their best.
Preschool Preview
Are you wondering if preschool is the right choice for your child? Why not try it out with us! Our experienced staff is committed to supporting your child's early development and ensuring they feel safe, happy, and engaged. We look forward to welcoming you and your family to our YMCA community!
Paperwork for the ELC will need to be filled out and turned in a week before you plan to start.
Year-Round Childcare
The YMCA and the Early Learning Center welcome all caregivers and children. A variety of nurturing and engaging services are provided that help each child learn, develop, and explore. Our program consists of full-day, year-round care for children ages 6 weeks through 5 years. We also provide full-day, part-day summer care for those 5-11 years old, and an after-school program. We look forward to welcoming you and your family into our YMCA community! Send us a message to get the enrollment process started or give us a call at (419) 422-3174.
Special Recognitions
Step Up To Quality:
The Child Development Center earned the State of Ohio's Step Up To Quality Silver Award in 2024! Step Up To Quality is a quality rating and improvement system administered by the Ohio Department of Children and Youth. It recognizes and promotes learning and development programs that meet quality program standards exceeding preschool licensing and school-age childcare licensing health and safety regulations.
Best of Findlay:
In 2023, we were voted The Courier's Best of Findlay in the Childcare category. This recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional care and education to the children entrusted to us. We take great pride in creating a safe and nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive. Our dedicated and passionate team of caregivers and educators work tirelessly to ensure that each child receives the individual attention and support they need to reach their full potential. We are grateful to our community for their support and trust, and we will continue to strive for excellence in all that we do.