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Open Enrollment For 26-27 Year Opens Sat, Jan 17, 2026!
Financial aid is available, and any family can apply—making high-quality early education affordable for everyone. Scroll on this page to learn more and apply for financial aid.
YMCA OF GREENWICH EARLY LEARNING CENTER & PRE-SCHOOL
Open Enrollment For 26-27 Year Opens Sat, Jan 17, 2026!
Our Connecticut state-licensed, Early Learning Center at the YMCA of Greenwich provides a warm, nurturing environment where young children can learn, grow, and thrive.
Built on the same commitment to quality, care, and community that defines our afterschool and camp programs, the ELC is led by our trusted youth staff, who bring experience, passion, and a deep understanding of child development. We’re proud to offer families a supportive early childhood education program that helps our youngest learners build confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning—right here at the Y.
FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE FOR ALL!
At the YMCA of Greenwich, every family is welcome. We believe cost should never be a barrier to high-quality early education. That’s why the Early Learning Center offers financial aid for all families—anyone can apply.
We encourage all interested families to explore this option, so your child can learn and grow in a safe, nurturing environment—regardless of financial circumstances.
How To Apply
- Complete Early Learning Center Scholarship Application online by clicking the button below (income documents required to complete application).
- The Financial Aid Committee will review your application and the ELC Leadership Team will contact you via email within 1-2 weeks of submission.
- If you qualify for aid, you will be notified via email and must accept the scholarship award to proceed with registering for the program.
- Once a scholarship is accepted, you must create an ActiveNet account BEFORE registering for the program. Sign up here.
- Notify the ELC Leadership Team once your account is created so your scholarship discount can be attached.
- Register for the program online. Discounts will automatically be applied at check out.
HOW TO REGISTER
Applications Now Open!
Submitting an application does not guarantee enrollment in the program. All applications will be reviewed by our Early Learning Center Director to confirm eligibility. If your child is approved, you will be contacted with next steps to complete the registration process.
At that time, the following documents will be required:
- Child’s birth certificate
- Parent or Guardian Photo ID
- Medical and immunization Records
At the YMCA of Greenwich, our early learning program is rooted in a child-centered, whole-child philosophy that nurtures curiosity, exploration, and growth. We recognize each child as a unique individual with their own strengths, needs, and path of development.
Our play-based, experiential approach supports the development of key 21st-century skills—critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration—while laying the foundation for a lifelong love of learning. Teachers serve as caring guides and facilitators, using consistent observation and assessment to tailor learning experiences that support each child’s growth.
We embrace a village model, working in partnership with parents and community providers to ensure every child thrives. Our state-licensed program is part of the Y’s commitment to serving families and building a stronger community—starting with its youngest members.
PROGRAM GOALS
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Provide a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environment.
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Support social, emotional, intellectual, and physical development.
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Strengthen motor, language, and early literacy skills.
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Foster healthy habits and self-esteem.
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Encourage parental involvement through engagement and educational opportunities.
Our early learning program serves children ages 6 months to under 3 years in our infant and toddler program, and children ages 3 - 5 years in our preschool program.
All children must have a medical physical dated within 1 year and up-to-date immunization records to attend the program.
- Circle Time
- Learning Centers
- Language & Literacy
- Movement & Fitness
- Arts & Music
- STEM
- EQ Development
- Swimming
- Outdoor Adventures
Program fees are billed monthly and a deposit of 25% of the first month is required at the time of registration. This amount will be applied to the first month.
QUESTIONS? WE'D LOVE TO HELP.
Contact Kelley Gordon-Minott
Senior Director of Youth Development
KGordon-Minott@gwymca.org, 203-869-1630 ext. 506
INTERESTED FAMILIES INQUIRY FORM
Not ready to enroll just yet? Whether your child isn’t quite old enough or you’d like more details before making a decision, we’d love to hear from you. Fill out our inquiry form, and a member of our Early Learning Center team will reach out with information, answer your questions, and keep you updated about upcoming registration opportunities.
We serve children from 6 months through 5 years old. Our infant and toddler program welcomes children ages 6 months to under 3 years, while our preschool program serves children ages 3–5.
The Early Learning Center is open Monday through Friday, 9:00AM – 6:00PM during the school year (September–June). Extended care is available from 7:30AM – 9:00AM for an additional fee.
This program only offers a 5 day a week, full-time option.
Yes! The YMCA of Greenwich is committed to ensuring every family has access to high-quality childcare and preschool. Financial aid is available to all families—anyone can apply. Aid is awarded based on need, and applications are reviewed confidentially by our Financial Aid Committee.
Families can complete the Early Learning Center Scholarship Application online and submit required income documents. Applications are reviewed within 1–2 weeks, and you’ll be contacted by our ELC Leadership Team with next steps. Once approved, your scholarship award will be automatically applied when you register for the program.
Children will engage in a wide variety of enriching experiences, including:
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Circle Time
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Learning Centers
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Language & Literacy
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Arts & Music
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STEM
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Movement & Fitness
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Social-Emotional Development (EQ)
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Outdoor Play & Adventures
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Swimming (for older preschoolers)
All children must have a medical physical within the last year and up-to-date immunization records before attending. Our program is fully state-licensed and follows strict health and safety protocols to ensure the well-being of every child.
Program fees are billed monthly, and a deposit of 25% of the first month’s tuition is required at registration.
- Submit an application online.
- Our ELC Director will review your application and confirm eligibility.
- If accepted, you’ll be asked to provide: Child’s birth certificate, Parent/guardian photo ID, and Medical and immunization records.
- Once documents are submitted, you’ll complete registration and secure your child’s spot.
Yes, swimming is included for preschool-age children as part of our well-rounded curriculum. Children will participate in water safety evaluations and swim instruction with YMCA aquatics staff and lifeguards.
Our staff are experienced in early childhood education and receive ongoing training in child development, safety, CPR, and first aid. Many have backgrounds in leading YMCA afterschool and camp programs, bringing trusted expertise to the classroom.
All staff are required to complete a background check, as well as extensive child abuse training.