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.
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 9622 x 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.
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
Before and After School Enrichment (BASE)
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: 2025-2026
Information is subject to change depending on school district updates.
Registration opening Monday, June 2, at 7am.
Registration information and forms coming soon!
Questions?
- Contact Jared Scott for our North Spokane programs
- Contact Aundrea Adams for our Spokane Valley programs
School Age Programs are for children entering Kindergarten – 6th Grade in the fall of 2025. Maximum age is 12 yrs.
Mead School District 2024-2025 Registration Form
Brentwood Elementary:
- On-site
Colbert Elementary:
- Parents drop off at Meadow Ridge. Students transported to Colbert by Mead School District.
Creekside Elementary:
- Parents drop off and pick up at Evergreen. Students will be transported to Creekside by Mead School District.
Evergreen Elementary
- On-site
Farwell Elementary
- On-site
Meadow Ridge Elementary
- On-site
Midway Elementary
- On-site
Prairie View Elementary:
- On-site
Shiloh Hills:
- Parents drop off and pick up at Evergreen. Students will be transported to Shiloh Hills by Mead School District.
Skyline Elementary
- On-site
Spokane International Academy 2024-2025 Registration Form
- Only After-school options. On-site.
East Valley School District 2024-2025 Registration Form
East Farms Elementary:
- Students transported to and from the Valley YMCA by East Valley School District.
Otis Orchards Elementary:
- Students transported to and from the Valley YMCA by East Valley School District.
Trent Elementary
- On-site
Trentwood Elementary:
- Students transported to and from the Valley YMCA by East Valley School District.
Continuous Curriculum School (CCS):
- Students transported to and from the Valley YMCA by East Valley School District.
West Valley School District 2024-2025 Registration Form
Millwood Kindergarten Center
- Students transported to and from the Valley YMCA by West Valley School District
Pasadena Elementary
- Students transported to and from the Valley YMCA by West Valley School District.
Seth Woodard Elementary:
- Students transported to and from the Valley YMCA by West Valley School District.
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.
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
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ
Summer Day Camp 2025: Registration Is Now Open!
Important Update for 2025
This year, we’ve updated our registration options to better meet the needs of our campers and staff. Families can now register for the 5-day weekly option only. By focusing on a full-week schedule, we’re able to provide:
- A consistent and structured environment for children.
- Enhanced activities and programming.
- Simplified scheduling for parents and staff.
To register, please log into your YMCA account. 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.
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.
*Families utilizing DCYF assistance will need to complete the Child Profile Registration packet. All boxes MUST have an answer even if that means writing N/A where information is not applicable in order for your registration to be processed.
Spaces fill up quickly, so don’t miss the opportunity to secure your child’s spot.
Pricing:
- Y Members: $290 per week, 5 day option only
- Community Members: $300, 5 day option only
Why Choose YMCA Summer Day Camp?
Our day camps are designed to provide a safe and fun environment where children can grow, learn, and thrive. Campers will enjoy:
- Exciting field trips and activities.
- Opportunities to develop new skills.
- Lifelong friendships and memories.
Have Questions?
We’re here to help! Contact information for each camp location is listed below.
Don’t wait—start planning your child’s best summer yet with the YMCA!
Central Y Camp – Limited space available based on grade level and desired weeks. Campers will be placed on our waitlist at time of registration if the desired weeks are at capacity.
930 N Monroe
Lauren Olive 509 777 9622 x3270
North Y Camp – Limited space available based on grade level and desired weeks. Campers will be placed on our waitlist at time of registration if the desired weeks are at capacity.
10727 N Newport Hwy
Masen Johnson 509 777 9622 x3150
South Y Camp – Limited space available based on grade level and desired weeks. Campers will be placed on our waitlist at time of registration if the desired weeks are at capacity.
Manito United Methodist Church – 3220 S Grand Blvd (No DCYF at this location)
Lauren MacDonald 509 777 9622 x4490
Valley Y Camp – Limited space available based on grade level and desired weeks. Campers will be placed on our waitlist at time of registration if the desired weeks are at capacity.
2421 N Discovery Place
Angela Rendall 509 777 9622 x2080
Hours: 7am – 6pm
First day of camp: June 18, 2025
Last day of camp:
- Valley & South: August 22, 2025
- North & Central: August 27, 2025
Major Field Trip Schedule – emailed to participants weekly
Parent Forms:
- Parent Handbook – (Coming Soon)
- Cancel-Change Form
- Deposit-Pay Deadlines
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
- 2025 Summer Day Camp Child Profile Registration Packet (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
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, Attention Business Office.
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.
Tax Information
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