Early Learning Program

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

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.
YWCA Childcare Waitlist

Two children pose with plastic bin of toysThe YWCA Advantage

  • Small class sizes
  • Experienced teacher teams
  • Commitment to diversity and equity

Creative Curriculum & Activities

  • Age-appropriate Reading, Writing, Science, and Math
  • Indoor and Outdoor Play
  • Music & Crafts
  • Farm-to-Table Learning
  • Art Instruction (3-5 years)
  • Swim Lessons (3-5 years, fully potty-trained)
  • Social/Emotional Learning
  • Anti-bias curriculum
Childcare Calendar 2023

Classroom Staff

Our compassionate and qualified teachers have over 300 years of collective childcare experience.

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.

When in season, our children also 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.

 What our parents are saying

“Thank you for providing an enriching, warm, and fun experience for our son during his baby years! We truly loved the committed and highly skilled staff, especially his teacher Angie! Their commitment to learning, safety, and health was clear every day. Going back to work at an office after our little baby boy was born was very hard for me, but I felt better knowing that he was somewhere being loved and taken care of while I was at work. We would recommend YWCA childcare to anyone.”

– Marian and Will Arledge

“The combination of structured learning and play in each room is extremely effective. The “Grandmas” are incredible. Every child is greeted with joy and my son runs to them for a hug every morning before doing anything else. The focus on each child’s development really stands out; whenever I ask how my child is doing and if there is something I should be working on with them, the teachers are able to quickly provide me feedback that shows me how well they know him. YWCA feeds them, teaches them, plays with them, keeps them safe, and my kids are happy at the end of the day. What more could I ask for?”

– Sarah Morison, sons Zachary, 3 and Spencer, 2

Childcare girls hugging

Program Hours

Monday – Friday: 8 am – 4:30 pm

Monthly Rates 

Infants: $1,390 per month
0-12 months

Toddlers and Two-Year-Olds: $1,242 per month
13-36 months

Three-Year-Olds and Preschool: $1,034 per month
37 months and older

Childcare subsidy vouchers are accepted.

We are an equal opportunity provider. 

NC Pre-K 

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.
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 Child Care Covid guidelines which our center follows can be seen by following the button below.

NC CHILD CARE Toolkit

 

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