Written by

Jennifer Carlson

September 5, 2025

Edited by

Kristen Cramer

Fact-checked by

Tara Farmer

Average YMCA daycare cost

YMCA childcare prices are $220 to $575 per week or $950 to $2,500 per month, depending on the child's age and schedule. The actual YMCA daycare cost varies by membership status, location, and whether you're full or part-time. Families with a YMCA membership may receive discounts on daycare.

Infants

YMCA care for infants costs $275 to $575 per week on average, or $1,200 to $2,500 for monthly rates. Most YMCA daycare centers can care for infants from 6 weeks to 17 months. Childcare costs more for infants than for other age groups because of the higher staff ratios required.

On average, infant daycare costs $700 to $1,900 per month at other daycare centers, with prices reaching $2,500+ per month in places with higher cost of living.

Toddlers

YMCA daycare for toddlers costs $250 to $520 per week or $1,100 to $2,250 per month on average. Toddler programs cover children from ages 18 to 36 months and provide structured play, learning, and routine. At other facilities, toddler-age child care costs $550 to $1,100 per month.

Preschool and school age

Preschool or school-age YMCA programs cost $220 to $450 per week or $950 to $1,950 per month. They cover kids from 3 to 6 years or older, depending on the individual center's age limits. These programs offer school readiness, learning, and socialization.

On average, preschool costs $400 to $1,300 per month. However, most preschools only operate during normal school hours and may close for the summer.

Before and after school

Part-time YMCA care before and after school costs $40 to $120 per week or $170 to $520 per month. Some centers offer pickup and drop-off services, activities for children from kindergarten to 5th grade, and help with homework.

In comparison, other after-school programs cost $40 to $125 per week or $150 to $500 per month.

YMCA daycare prices by membership status

YMCA daycare rates differ for members and non-members, with members saving $10 to $75 per week depending on the program and location. Membership often comes with additional benefits like access to fitness centers and reduced fees for classes, making it valuable for families who use multiple YMCA services.

The table below shows average weekly YMCA daycare costs for members and non-members across all age groups:

Daycare YMCA cost factors

Several factors can impact YMCA daycare costs:

• Care schedule: Full-time care costs more than part-time care. Programs offering care beyond the standard schedule often charge extra fees for additional hours.

• Location: YMCA daycares in urban and high-cost regions tend to have higher rates, sometimes by $100 to $300 more monthly.

• Program features: Meals, enrichment activities, transportation, or holiday camps are sometimes available for an added fee.

• YMCA fees: Many centers charge separate membership fees and registration costs, which may affect total expenses.

• Financial aid options: Most YMCAs offer financial aid and accept state child care subsidies or vouchers.

Potential discounts

YMCA child care programs are known for striving to make their services accessible to families from many backgrounds. If you’re reviewing tuition options, be sure to ask your local YMCA about these popular discounts and support programs:

• Tuition assistance: Most YMCAs extend financial aid or scholarships to families who qualify based on income and need. Applications are confidential, and awards can reduce costs dramatically for eligible households.

• Sliding-scale fees: Many YMCA branches structure their tuition on a sliding scale, adjusting rates so that care remains affordable as family income levels vary. Be sure to ask if your location offers this option.

• Sibling and referral discounts: YMCAs frequently provide a 5% to 10% discount for each additional child enrolled. Some branches also reward you with referral credits or discounts when you bring in new families.

• Payment discounts: Some locations may offer a modest discount (often 3% to 5%) if you pay for a semester or year in advance rather than monthly. This practice isn’t universal but is worth asking about.

FAQs about YMCA daycare

Does the YMCA have a daycare?

Yes, most YMCA branches operate licensed daycare and early childhood programs for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children before and after school.

Does the YMCA accept daycare vouchers?

Many YMCA centers accept public daycare subsidy programs and state or county assistance in addition to offering their own financial assistance for qualifying families.

Is YMCA daycare good?

YMCA programs must meet local licensing standards and maintain low staff-to-child ratios. Parents at many branches report positive experiences with staff training, program structure, and enrichment opportunities. Check reviews and licensing reports at your local branch for more details.

Tips for finding a daycare

While looking for child care near you, follow these steps:

• Contact your local YMCA and specify your child’s age, requested hours, and schedule.

• Look for licensed daycares on TrustedCare and Google and read parent reviews.

• Ask for referrals from trusted friends and family.

• Tour locations in person to evaluate the indoor and outdoor spaces, making sure the spaces are clean, safe, and friendly.

• Ask for both member and non-member rate sheets and inquire about registration, supply, or material fees.

Questions to ask YMCA child care directors

Before using YMCA child care, ask these questions:

• What is your staff-to-child ratio for each age group?

• Does the tuition include meals and snacks?

• What happens during holidays, snow days, or teacher in-service days?

• How do you handle special needs or allergies?

• What disciplines, curriculum, and daily routines do you use?

• What are your pick-up and late-fee policies?

• Do you offer drop-off and pickup for school-age kids?

• Are financial aid and sibling discounts available?

• What are your member and non-member prices?