The Ann Arbor YMCA’s full day, nationally-accredited Early Childhood Education Programs focus on providing a  nurturing environment where children can thrive. Our trained staff guide children through an age-appropriate curriculum that features exploration and discovery as well as instilling the Y values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Since 2008, our child development programs have been accredited through the National Association for the Education of Young Children, or NAEYC. Children in our daycare programs are encouraged to develop confidence, creativity, critical thinking skills, and a positive self-image as well as other skills necessary to be successful in Kindergarten.  Our Early Childhood Programs use The Creative Curriculum, which allows teachers to focus on the children’s learning interests while working on age appropriate objectives for development and learning. Daily planned lessons include centers and small groups focusing on creative expression, sensory experiences, language, writing and literacy experiences, STEM topics and opportunities for age-appropriate physical activities, which aligns with the NAEYC required learning standards.  All of our child care classrooms invite children to make free-choice selections throughout the day with an emphasis on dramatic play, fine and large motor development, construction, writing and language, and transportation exploration.  The Early Childhood Parent Handbook may be found here. For more information about any of our Child Development Centers, or to inquire about the waitlist and enrollment, please contact Stacie Knox, Child Development Center Director at sknox@annarborymca.org,734.263.2094 or Amanda Hutcheon at ahutcheon@annarborymca.org, 734.661.8505.