Child Care
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
Accessibility for All
Thanks to the generous donors who put Philanthropy into Action, and our commitment to strengthen our community, financial assistance is available to those who need it.
As a mission-driven, nonprofit organization we strive to ensure everyone can learn, grow, and thrive through YMCA programs. Financial assistance is available for all YMCA programs and membership. For information on membership financial assistance, please see Membership For All.
Assistance may be available through DSHS or the YMCA.
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 Registration Form (select Provider Number above for the correct school) 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 or by calling 509 777 9622. 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 call 509 777 9622 and a statement can be emailed or mailed to you.
The YMCA’s EIN/Tax ID# is 91-0827958
Y Learning Academy (Grades K – 6th)
We are excited to be able to support you, the children and families in our community, during the unique and uncertain 2020-21 academic year.
The Y Learning Academy is designed to provide a safe, fun, and nurturing environment for children kindergarten through 6th grade who are taking part in virtual learning with their school district. It is our goal to provide your student with a supportive setting to engage with their respective school teachers and curriculum and to enhance that learning with Y fun such as physical activity, healthy snack, mindfulness & movement time, social peer time, and enrichment after school clubs like art, STEM, and games.
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.
Dates & Times:
Monday – Friday (except on normally scheduled holidays and no school days)
You will receive an email with closure dates
Locations:
North YMCA (10727 N Newport Hwy) – Only open Wednesdays. For details and registration please email Val Freres.
Valley YMCA (2421 N Discovery Place)
Program Schedule:
Drop-off: 6:30-8am
School Schedule Structure: 8:30am – 3:pm
Pick-up: 3:30-6pm
Registration Form Apr-Jun 2021
Financial assistance is available for this program
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/Cancellation Form-Any changes need to be in writing by Monday (a full week) prior to the week being cancelled or changed.
Per Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families rules we must have all forms completed or we cannot accept your child. 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.
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
- 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 or by calling 509 777 9622. 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. 2020 assistance is valid through April 30, 2021.
School Age Programs (Kindergarten – 12 yrs)
Information is subject to change depending on school district updates.
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.
The YMCA is providing before and after school on-site child care for schools that are holding in-person classes. For districts that are not holding in-person classes, the YMCA has launched the Y Learning Academy for children kindergarten through 6th grade who are taking part in virtual learning with their school district. (See Y Learning Academy for details)
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.
Mead School District: Registration Form
- Brentwood
- Colbert – Not available at this time. A minimum of 15 students is needed.
- Creekside
- Evergreen
- Farwell
- Meadow Ridge
- Midway
- Prairie View
Spokane International Academy: Registration Form
- Before School, After School, and Before & After School options are available with 1/2 day Friday. See the Registration form for details.
Riverside School District:
- Not available at this time. A minimum of 15 students is needed.
East Valley School District: Registration Form
- Otis Orchards – Currently not available at the school location.
- Trent
- Trentwood – Students will be transported by EVSD to CCS location.
- CCS
West Valley School District: Registration Form
- Pasadena students will be transported by WVSD to and from the Valley YMCA
- Seth Woodard students will be transported by WVSD to and from the Valley YMCA
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: (coming soon) Any changes need to be in writing on the 27th of the month prior
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 or by calling 509 777 9622. 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. 2021 assistance is valid through April 30, 2022.
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.
2020 Dates & Locations for Free Meal Service:
- Thorton Murphy Park and Manito United Methodist Church: Breakfast is served from 9 – 9:30am and lunch is served from 12:15 – 12:45pm
- Emerson Park and the Central YMCA: Breakfast is served from 8:30 – 9am and lunch is served from 11:30am – Noon
- Free meals available Monday – Friday through Aug 28
“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 Connie Reynolds, 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 Connie Reynolds at 509 777 9622 x 409. 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.
EWU Children’s Center (Infant – 10yrs and ECEAP)
EWU Children’s Center
Early Childhood Program and ECEAP
EWU Children’s CenterLocated 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
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
Central YMCA Children’s Early Learning Center (Infant – 5yrs)
Central YMCA Children’s Early Learning Center
Central YMCA Children’s Early Learning CenterInvest In Your Child’s Future
The Central YMCA Children’s Center places your infant, toddler, and preschooler in a caring and supportive environment for your 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 Anna Culwell, 509 777 9622x 4080. 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 extreme snow conditions will be in alignment with Spokane Public Schools all-district closures, or when the Central Y facility has been closed by the YMCA.
YMCA Children’s Center South (ECEAP)
FREE Preschool
This YMCA program is held at the Manito United Methodist Church, 3220 S. Grand Blvd, Spokane
ECEAP is a comprehensive, state-funded preschool program providing free educational services and support to eligible children and their families. ECEAP provides children with a high-quality preschool classroom experience, in addition to comprehensive services for the whole child.
ECEAP Provides:
- Part-day preschool | Mon – Thu | 8-11am & Noon – 3pm
- Nutritious meals & snacks
- Health screenings
- Family support
Who is eligible?:
- Children 3-4 years old who are:
- From a family with a low annual income
- Qualify for school district Special Education services
- Have developmental or environmental risk factors that could affect school success
Email us to see if your child qualifies: eceap@ymcainw.org
Summer Day Camps
Summer Day Camp & Clubs
Get Ready for the Best Summer Ever!
At the YMCA we are dedicated to providing enriching experiences at all of our camps and clubs. 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
Spokane, WA Area Summer Day Camp & Clubs
Choices across the Spokane area: Central, North, South, and Valley.
Day Camps or Clubs for children entering Kindergarten – 8th grade.
Space is limited, register early!!!
Last summer we were at full capacity, so register EARLY to ensure your spot with $20 non-refundable deposit for the weeks you want to reserve. All fees must be paid by the Wednesday prior to the week of attendance, in order to keep your child’s reserved spot.
Locations:
Central Y Camp – TRADITIONAL and STREAM are FULL. To be placed on a waiting list please email Sabrina Chobot.
Drop off for Traditional Camp is at the Central Y, pick up is at Audubon Park-3405 N Milton St. Pick up and drop off for STREAM is at the Central Y
930 N Monroe
North Y Camp – STREAM is FULL. All grades except 4th & 6/7th are also FULL.
10727 N Newport Hwy. To be placed on a waiting list please email Val Freres.
South Y Camp – FULL, to be placed on a waiting list please email Stephanie Brady.
Manito United Methodist Church – 3220 S Grand Blvd
Audubon Park
Pick up and Drop off is at Audubon Park.
3405 N Milton St
Valley Y Camp – FULL, to be placed on a waiting list please email Stephanie Brady
2421 N Discovery Place
Time
Hours:
6:30am – 6pm
First day of camp:
June 23 (North Y Camp starts Jun 28)
Last day of camp:
Aug 27 (North Y Camp ends Sept 3)
Required Forms:
2021 Registration Form
Child Information & Immunization Forms – All forms in this packet must be filled out completely and turned in prior to attendance as required by the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families.
Additional forms:
Cancellation-Change Form – Please turn in form no later than Monday (a full week) prior to the week being canceled or changed.
Emergency Action Plan – Needed only if your child has allergic reactions
Medication Form – Needed only if your child will need medication during the day
Weekly Major Field Trip Schedule – emailed to participants weekly
For additional information on YMCA Summer Day Camp, please call 509 777 9622.
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 Registration Form (select Provider Number above for the correct school) 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 or by calling 509 777 9622. 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. 2020 assistance is valid through April 30, 2021.