Children are like sponges—they watch and absorb knowledge, skills and values from everything and everyone around them. At the Y, we believe the values and skills learned early on are vital building blocks for quality of life and future success. That’s why our Child Care programs are staffed with people who understand the cognitive, physical and social development of kids, the need children have to feel connected and supported in trying new things and the caring and reinforcement parents and families need to help each other.

At the Y, babies develop trust and security, preschoolers experience early literacy and learn about their world and school-age kids make friends, learn new skills and do their homework. Most importantly, children learn how to be their best selves. That makes for confident kids today, and contributing and engaged adults tomorrow.

YMCA Child Care is a place for children to explore, learn, feel safe, cared for and celebrated. We encourage positive relationships between the children, child care staff and parents to ensure a high-quality experience for the children.

At the Y, our goal is to:

Help children develop to their fullest potential
Support and strengthen the family unit
Deliver child care in a safe and positive environment
Teach, model, celebrate, practice, praise, and reinforce the YMCA core values of: Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility
Foster health and well-being for children and families

For information on any of our childcare programs, please call 509 777 9622.

YMCA of the Inland Northwest Child-Safety Statement

Child Safety Procedures

Child Safety at the YMCA of the Inland Northwest

At the YMCA, the safety and well-being of children in our care always has been our top priority. Creating safe environments where children can learn, grow, and thrive is essential to the YMCA of the Inland Northwest’s ability to strengthen community.

What We Do:

All staff and volunteers are run through the national sex offender registry.
All staff and volunteers are run through the WA State Patrol background check in addition to a criminal background check for every county they have lived for the past 7 years.
All staff and volunteers are required to sign the Code of Conduct which speaks to child safety protocols and child abuse prevention.
All staff and volunteers are required to do Child Abuse Prevention training upon employment and every year thereafter.
Child Abuse Prevention is included in the New Employee Orientation
Background checks are rerun for staff and volunteers every two years or if they return after a 60-day absence.
Child care staff are required to attend 10 hours of mandatory trainings annually, undergo background clearance (renewed every 3 years), and fingerprinting through Dept. of Children, Youth & Families.
All members and guests over 18 years old at YMCA facilities are screened through the National Sex Offender registry.

All staff are mandatory reporters of any alleged or perceived child abuse (to CPS and law enforcement). Any violations of our Child Abuse Prevention policies are investigated promptly and thoroughly to ensure we provide a safe environment for the children we serve.

Financial Assistance

Click Here to learn about Financial Assistance at the YMCA

Assistance may be available through DSHS, State Third-Party

You will need the following prior to registration:

Contact your caseworker to set up services
Provide DSHS with the Provider Number for your care
DSHS Authorizations need to be sent to the YMCA
Co-pay paid in advance of the first month of attendance
YMCA Registration Form (select Provider Number above for the correct school) mail or deliver to: YMCA, 1126 N Monroe St, Spokane, WA 99201.

Central YMCA Children’s Early Learning Center (Infant – 5yrs)

Invest In Your Child’s Future

The Central YMCA Children’s Center places your infant, toddler, and preschooler in a caring and supportive environment where they will engage in individual development and learning. Our children enjoy their ‘work’ each day as they learn through hands-on learning environments and activities. Following a developmentally age-appropriate curriculum and activities, your child gets exactly what they need.

For tour and registration information specifically for the Early Learning Center at the Central YMCA, please contact Tammy Landsiedel, 509 777 9622x 4520. For any other childcare program inquiries, please call 509 777 9622.

The Central YMCA Children’s Center offers Full-Time Childcare, Mon – Fri: 7am – 6pm for children 4 weeks – 5 years.

*Program closures due to weather will be in alignment with Spokane Public Schools all-district closures, or when the Central Y facility has been closed by the YMCA.

Learn More

ECEAP Centers (Early Childhood Education & Assistance Program 3 - 4yrs)

FREE Preschool

Two Locations:

EWU Children’s Center (923 Washington St., Cheney)
- School Day Programming: Mon – Thu 8am -3pm | Fri 8am – Noon
- Part Day Programming: Mon – Thu 8 – 11am or Noon – 3pm

ECEAP Children’s Center South (3220 S. Grand Blvd., Spokane. Program is held at the Manito United Methodist Church)
- School Day Programming: Mon – Thu 8:30am – 3:30p | Fri 8:30am – 12:30pm
- Part Day Programming: Mon – Thu 8:30 – 11:30am

In ECEAP your child will:

Get ready for Kindergarten
Gain confidence
Make Friends
Learn new skills

In ECEAP you can get help with:

Increase your support network
Taking steps towards a healthier lifestyle
Managing parent stress
Learning about more community resources

You may be eligible for ECEAP if your child is 3-4 years old on or before August 31 of this year and:

Your child has a diagnosed delay or disability
Your child is or has been in foster or kindship care
Your family has been involved with CPS
You have lost your job or been homeless in the past 12 months
Your family falls at or below 50% of the State Median Income. View Income Chart

To start the application process, fill out our ECEAP Interest Form and one of our Family Service Coordinators will be in contact with you.

You can also email us at eceap@ymcainw.org or call us!

South ECEAP 509 389 7838
EWU ECEAP 509 359 2025

EWU Children’s Center (Infant – 10yrs and ECEAP)

Early Childhood Program and ECEAP

Located on Eastern Washington University’s campus:

Care for children 6 weeks to 10 years old.
Child-centered programming to EWU Students, faculty, staff, and the Cheney Community.
Early Achievers Participant with a level 4 rating.
Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) available.

Our program works closely with many departments at EWU to help sponsor books, read to children and provide a wide range of activities. The volunteers in our classrooms are often students from EWU who come to learn more about our program and working with children.

Hours, Options, Contact

Monday-Friday 7:30am – 6pm
Full and Part Time, AM or PM options
923 Washington St., Cheney, WA 99004
509 359 2025

Learn More

School Age Programs (Kindergarten – 12yrs)

At the Y we believe every child can achieve their full potential in a safe, nurturing environment. We believe parents deserve peace of mind. At the Y, we strengthen community through youth development because we believe that a community is stronger when all children have the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. At the Y we believe children become their best selves with a focus on skill development, positive relationships, and inspiring opportunities to explore and discover.

Your child’s safety is our top priority and we have implemented practices and protocols in accordance with guidance from state and local health authorities.

School Year: 2023-2024

Information is subject to change depending on school district updates.

Registration Open!

School Age Programs are for children entering Kindergarten – 6th Grade in the fall of 2023. Maximum age is 12 yrs.

Mead School District 2023-2024 Registration Form

Brentwood Elementary:

On-site
Program FULL – For waitlist information please email Ashlynn Thielen

Colbert Elementary:

Parents drop off at Meadow Ridge. Students transported to Colbert by Mead School District.
Program FULL – For waitlist information please email Ashlynn Thielen

Creekside Elementary:

Parents drop off and pick up at Evergreen. Students will be transported to Creekside by Mead School District.
Program FULL – For waitlist information please email Ashlynn Thielen

Evergreen Elementary

On-site
Program FULL – For waitlist information please email Ashlynn Thielen

Farwell Elementary

On-site
Limited Availability – For information please email Ashlynn Thielen

Meadow Ridge Elementary

On-site
Program FULL – For waitlist information please email Ashlynn Thielen

Midway Elementary

On-site
Program FULL – For waitlist information please email Ashlynn Thielen

Prairie View Elementary:

Parents drop off and pick up at Skyline. Students will be transported to Prairie View by Mead School District.
Program FULL – For waitlist information please email Ashlynn Thielen

Shiloh Hills:

Parents drop off and pick up at Evergreen. Students will be transported to Shiloh Hills by Mead School District.
Program FULL – For waitlist information please email Ashlynn Thielen

Skyline Elementary

On-site
Program FULL – For waitlist information please email Ashlynn Thielen

Spokane International Academy 2023-2024 Registration Form

Only After-school options. On-site.
Program FULL – For waitlist information please email Ashlynn Thielen

East Valley School District 2023-2024 Registration Form

East Farms Elementary:

Students transported to and from the Valley YMCA by East Valley School District.
Program FULL. For waitlist information please email Aundrea Adams

Otis Orchards Elementary:

Students transported to and from the Valley YMCA by East Valley School District.
Program FULL. For waitlist information please email Aundrea Adams

Trent Elementary

On-site
Program FULL. For waitlist information please email Aundrea Adams

Trentwood Elementary:

Students transported to and from the Valley YMCA by East Valley School District.
Program FULL. For waitlist information please email Aundrea Adams

Continuous Curriculum School (CCS):

Students transported to and from the Valley YMCA by East Valley School District.
Program FULL. For waitlist information please email Aundrea Adams

West Valley School District 2023-2024 Registration Form

Millwood Kindergarten Center

Students transported to and from the Valley YMCA by West Valley School District
Program FULL. For waitlist information please email Aundrea Adams

Pasadena Elementary

Students transported to and from the Valley YMCA by West Valley School District.
Program FULL. For waitlist information please email Aundrea Adams

Seth Woodard Elementary:

Students transported to and from the Valley YMCA by West Valley School District.
Program FULL. For waitlist information please email Aundrea Adams

Child Information Forms

Child Information Form: Needed prior to the first day your child attends
Medication Release Form: Needed if your child will need medication during the day
Allergy & Medical Emergency Plan Form: Needed if your child has allergic reactions
Change-Cancel Form: Any changes need to be in writing by the 27th of the month prior
Parent Handbook

For additional information on YMCA School Age Programs, please call 509 777 9622

Per Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families rules we must have all forms completed or we cannot accept your child. The information must include date of last health & dental visit, health care provider names, addresses and phone numbers. The provided Immunization Form (CIC form) must also be filled out completely and signed. Please drop off at your child’s site prior to the first day of attendance.

PLEASE NOTE: Extreme or Dangerous Weather Closure Policy
We will close our programs due to weather or emergency anytime schools are closed. We will also close if it is determined by our Program Directors to be unsafe for our children and staff.
• Please watch for program closure warnings on your child’s school website, and/or YMCA’s website or Facebook page.
• In the event of an emergency closure, during the YMCA Program, parents/guardians will be notified by YMCA staff via phone, email, or text and will need to pick up their children as soon as possible.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

State Third-Party Assistance: DSHS

You will need the following prior to registration:

Contact your caseworker to set up services
Provide DSHS with the Provider Number for your care
DSHS Authorizations need to be sent to the YMCA
Co-pay paid in advance of the first month of attendance

YMCA Programs & Childcare Financial Assistance

Please complete the Childcare & Programs Financial Assistance Application. The application is also available at any YMCA branch at the Member Services desk. Applications and supporting documents can be delivered to the YMCA corporate office at 1126 N. Monroe St. Spokane, WA 99201 or to any YMCA branch. Or it may be emailed, y-businessoffice@ymcainw.org

Financial Assistance Applications can take up to 10 days to process once received, longer if the application is incomplete. Assistance cannot be applied until the application has been approved. 2023 assistance is valid through April 30, 2024.

Food Program

The YMCA of the Inland Northwest is committed to eliminating food insecurity and hunger in Spokane County by feeding children nutritious meals and snacks. Working with USDA, school districts and other agencies, the Y provides thousands of meals and snacks, at no cost, for children regardless of their participation in our programs.

Childcare Centers:

Early Learning programs at the Central Y and Eastern Washington University serve meals made from scratch using whole foods. Young children in our preschool programs explore a variety of fruits and vegetables, enhancing their taste buds for healthy foods.

Summer Meals:

Breakfast and lunch are free and available for all children 18 yrs and younger. Regardless of their participation in our programs, any child is welcome to eat with us.

2024 Dates & Locations for Free Meal Service:

2024 Locations and Dates coming soon.

“Students who receive free or reduced lunch during the school year experience significant food insecurity during the summer months. The YMCA is committed to making sure the youth in our community receive the nutrition they need year-round thanks to the Summer Food Service Program,” says Heather Buhl, YMCA of the Inland Northwest Child Care Services Executive.

The Summer Food Service Program is a federally-funded, state-administered program. Watch to learn more. For more information, contact Angela Hanni at 509 777 9622 x 4160. Summer Meals Toolkit.

After School Meals:

All 19 of the Y’s after school sites provide healthy, nutritious snacks as part of the program. At the Central Y, after school dinners are served to all teens in the Teen Center, including newcomer children and teens from World Relief during the school year.

Summer Day Camps

Get Ready for the Best Summer Ever!
At the YMCA we are dedicated to providing enriching experiences at all of our camps. Programs are created to help children grow in their sense of belonging as they meet new people and develop lifelong friendships in a fun and adventurous atmosphere.

Why choose YMCA Day Camps?

Quality Staff
Safe Environment
YMCA’s Values: Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility
Affordable Options

2024 Summer Day Camps

Registration is now open!

Summer Day Camps are for children entering 1st – 7th grade in the fall of 2024. Maximum age is 12 yrs. All fees must be paid in full by the Monday prior to the week of attendance, in order to keep your child’s reserved spot.

Reservation and Waitlist Instructions

To reserve your child(s) Summer Day Camp week(s) or add them to the waitlist, click here to sign into your YMCA account profile, using your email address.If this is your first time logging in to your online account, or you forgot your password, click on ‘forgot your password’ to reset your password.

Please note: If this is the first YMCA program your child has attended, you will need to create a profile in our system. Click here to create a profile & click “sign up” in the upper right hand corner of the page. Be sure to click the location of the YMCA location you want to reserve Day Camp weeks for and select “Community Member.” Doing this does not mean you are signing up for a YMCA membership.

Once logged in, you can browse our programs and find Summer Day Camp.

Choose your location and select your week(s).

You will need to pay the non-refundable $20 deposit per child per week for your selected week(s) to complete your reservation.

Child information packets will be emailed to you after you reserve your selected week(s).

*Families utilizing DCYF will need to fill out a 2024 Summer Day Camp DCYF Registration Form and email it to our Business Office. Child Information packets will be emailed to you after you submit your registration form.

Central Y Camp –
930 N Monroe

North Y Camp –
10727 N Newport Hwy

South Y Camp –
Manito United Methodist Church – 3220 S Grand Blvd (No DCYF at this location)

Valley Y Camp –
2421 N Discovery Place

Hours: 6:30am – 6pm

First day of camp: June 19, 2024

Last day of camp:

Valley & South: August 23, 2024
North & Central: August 28, 2024

Major Field Trip Schedule – emailed to participants weekly

Summer Day Camp Pricing

Community Members
3-day: $172 per week
5-day: $280 per week

Y Members
3-day: $162 per week
5-day: $270 per week

Parent Forms:

Financial Assistance

State Third-Party Assistance: Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF)

You will need the following prior to registration:

Contact your caseworker to set up services
Provide DCYF with the Provider Number for your care
DCYF Authorizations need to be sent to the YMCA
Co-pay paid in advance of the first month of attendance
2024 Summer Day Camp DCYF Registration Form (select Provider Number above for the correct location) mail or deliver to: YMCA, 1126 N Monroe St, Spokane, WA 99201.

YMCA Programs & Childcare Financial Assistance

Tax Information

Parents/guardians can download tax information by logging in to My Account. Once there click Tax Statement Year-end Child Care Statement. Or email our Business Office and a statement can be emailed or mailed to you.

The YMCA’s EIN/Tax ID# is 91-0827958