Early Learning Program

Children playing with paper crafts

YWCA’s Childcare Programs help women and families thrive by providing care and education for their children

Access to childcare is the biggest barrier to women’s economic security. Without childcare, many new mothers can’t return to work. Even in two-parent households, the lack of childcare reduces the earning power of that family by half. Research also shows that high-quality early education is the best long-term investment to make in a child preparing them for success in elementary school and beyond. In support of local children and families, we are committed to offering high-quality childcare programs at the YWCA.

Quality, Affordable Child Care

YWCA’s Early Learning Program provides 5-star childcare for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years

Child working with blocks

Infants

1:5

1:6

Toddlers

1:10

Preschool

Our experienced and compassionate teachers not only provide exceptional care for your little ones, but they also prepare young children to succeed cognitively, physically, socially, and emotionally. YWCA’s childcare center also offers NC Pre-K for qualifying families.

We are now accepting applications through our online waitlist. In order for your child to be considered for our program, please apply online by entering your information on the waitlist form by clicking the button below.

What we provide

  • Meals & Nutrition Education

    Meals & Nutrition Education

    At the YWCA, our Healthy Meals Kitchen prepares breakfast, lunch, and snacks for the children in our Early Learning Program. The menus help the children in our center become more comfortable trying new foods while getting quality nutrition every day.

  • Nutrition Lessons

    Farm to Table Learning

    When in season, our children participate in Farmer’s Market Friday, where they get to taste test a new fresh fruit or vegetable each week – sometimes straight out of our garden! Most every Friday you can find our Nutrition Coordinator, Melinda Aponte, in our classrooms passing out samples of produce and talking with the kids about how and where the plants grow, what part of the plants we eat, or how the food tastes, smells, or feels. The children get to sample foods they may never have had before in a positive environment that encourages trying new foods.

  • Children swimming

    Fitness

    In our Early Learning Program, starting at age 3, we prioritize water safety by ensuring all children receive swimming instruction as part of their school curriculum.

  • Art Instruction

    Art instruction is one of our most popular activities. Our students explore different mediums and subjects that encourage them to keep creating.

  • Social/Emotional Learning and Anti-Bias Curriculum

    Early childcare social-emotional learning and anti-bias curriculum promote the development of children's emotional intelligence and foster a diverse and inclusive environment that challenges stereotypes and prejudices.

Enrollment & Tuition ↘

Tuition Rates Effective September 1, 2023

  • Infant

    M–F: $1,390 per month

    0-12 month old

  • One and Two-Year-Olds

    M–F: $1,242 per month

    13-36 month old

  • Three to Five Year-Olds

    M – F: $1,034 per month

    37 months and older

Join the Waitlist

NC Pre-K

girls at childcare

Now Enrolling: NC Pre-K applications can be picked up in the YWCA ELP office and are also available online. Completed applications can be submitted directly to the YWCA Early Learning Program office or by contacting Stacey Bailey, NC Pre-K Program Coordinator at (828) 407-2057 or stacey@buncombepfc.org.

NC Pre-K is a state-funded, high-quality early care and education program that aims to enhance children’s school readiness. This free program is offered for 6 ½ hours a day (8:30 am – 3 pm) for 10 months with limited spaces available for wrap-around care. Learn More about NC Pre-K.

How do I know if my child is eligible for NC Pre-K?
Your child must be 4 years old by August 31.

Your family income should be at or below 75% of the state median income.
Locally, NC Pre-K prioritizes serving children who are currently not enrolled in care.

Additional consideration (even if not income-eligible) is given to children who have an identified disability, speak limited or no English, have a chronic health condition, and/or have a developmental or educational need.

For More Information, Contact:
Director of Early Learning Program
elp@ywcaofasheville.org
828-254-7206 x 106