YMCA Child Care at Murray Lake

The YMCA Child Development Center is geared to the individual needs of children.
Each room provides a play centered environment with a wide range of materials and
developmentally appropriate activities which allow children to manipulate discover
explore make choices and create according to their interests. Each child is recognized and valued as a unique individual with a capacity for growth and development.
Through group and individual activities each child is encouraged to develop emotionally socially creatively and intellectually at his/her own rate.
Our definition of quality is formed for the YMCA using standards established by the
YMCA of the USA the National Association for the Education of Young Children and
most importantly the needs of the individual children and parents we serve.
The essential component of our child care program is our staff. Staff are trained in
growth and development and set age appropriate expectations. Staff guide and direct
children with warmth concern acceptance approval and respect enabling children to
develop a strong positive self-concept. A warm responsive atmosphere is provided to
foster a sense of trust and autonomy as well as to encourage cooperation communication and respect for others.
Another component of our philosophy is that families should not be turned away due to
an inability to pay for quality child care. To this end we have a established a scholarship fund (through United Way and our own Strong Kids Campaign) to assist parents in
affording YMCA child care. Donations are also welcome. Additionally we accept DHS
payments for child care.
The YMCA believes strongly that quality child care is only possible when parents are
involved in the make up of the program directly or indirectly. A variety of options are
available for parents to participate in some way.