Licensed Child Care

The Y’s Licensed Child Care program helps children to learn, create, and grow in a play-based environment.

At the Y, we believe that play is the primary way in which children learn. That's why our dedicated Early Childhood Educators implement our acclaimed YMCA Playing to Learn™ Curriculum at our Licensed Child Care Centres throughout the region. This national, research-based curriculum is regularly cited for its unique and innovative involvement of educators and children in an enriched learning environment.

Our unique child-focused approach to child care means that activities are tailored to the developmental needs of children. From swimming lessons and weekly gym activities, to arts and crafts and educational support and development, our programs promote positive social connections, encourage self-esteem and help children achieve developmental milestones.

The YMCA Playing to Learn™ Curriculum

We're here to help your little one discover the world through play and imagination! Using play as the primary learning medium, children are introduced to literacy, numeracy, arts, science, and more. Our YMCA Playing to Learn™ Curriculum offers kids an opportunity to develop their confidence, self-direction and self-regulation, ensuring a smooth transition into primary school. 

View the Playing to Learn video

Why Choose Y Licensed Child Care?

We understand that parents require assurance that their children are receiving exceptional care. Our success is built around exceeding parent expectations.

  • YMCA’s Playing to Learn™ industry leading curriculum which exceeds Ministry of Education guidelines.
  • A partnership approach whereby each child’s development plan is personalized for each individual family.
  • Unparalleled commitment to the safety and security of children in our care.
  • Extensive facilities including access to gymnasiums and exterior play yards (varies at each location).
  • Qualified, caring and dedicated employees ensuring consistent delivery of the Y core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.
  • A leading charitable, non-profit environment where a key principle is giving back to our community.

Digibot Platform

Our Y uses the Digibot platform, an online tool to help connect parents with their child care providers in real time! Parents/guardians can update vital information about their child(ren), and will receive updates on daily routines such as diaper changes, meal amounts and sleep times. Stories and photos can also be shared showing activities that children have participated in during the day.

Digibot Parent Portal

Digibot Staff Portal

Learn More:

Toddler Care (18M - 2.5Y)

Our Licensed Toddler program offers small group ratios of 1:5, with a maximum group size of 15. During the day, toddlers will follow a flexible group schedule and educators will keep track of sleep times, eating, and diapering times. Our educators meet with parents to check-in on their toddler's development and progress.



Preschool Care (2.5Y - 5Y)

Our Licensed Preschool program offers small group ratios of 1:8, with a maximum group size of 16. Preschool children follow a flexible group schedule which is catered to the children's interests. Each day, our educators will document and share your child's learning progress and experiences. Families also meet with our educators to discuss future plans and progress.


Licensed Extended Day Program at Avalon (5Y -12Y) 

Our Licensed Extended Day Program bridges the gap between your children's school day and your work day. We offer after school care in small group ratios of 1:13 (kindergarten), and 1:15 (school age). Max class sizes are 26 and 30, respectively. A flexible group schedule caters to kids' ages and interests, and educators will document and share your child's learning progress and experiences daily. 

We have three Licensed Child Care Centres in the National Capital Region:

Dr. Roly Albert Child Care Centre 
at the Taggart Family Y
180 Argyle Ave, Ottawa
Toddler and Preschool Programs
613-237- 1320 x 4138 | child.care@ymcaottawa.ca 

Orleans Y Child Care Centre
265 Centrum Blvd, Orleans    
Toddler and Preschool Programs
613-830-4199 x 3019 | child.care@ymcaottawa.ca

Avalon Y Child Care 
2080 Portobello Blvd, Orleans
Preschool and Extended Day Programs
613-824-2681 x 1 | child.care@ymcaottawa.ca

 

The YMCA of the National Capital Region has enrolled in the Canada Wide Early Learning Agreement (CWELCC).

 

Rates:

Program Base Daily Fee
Toddler $33.70
 Preschool $25.35

 

CWELCC Base Fees (4Y-6Y):

Program Daily Rate
Kindergarten PD Days $18.90
Kindergarten AM & PM $13.75
Kindergarten AM Only $11.62
Kindergarten PM Only $12.00

 

School Age Fees (6Y-12Y):

Program Daily Rate
PD Days $42.44
AM & PM $23.88
AM Only $11.41
PM Only $19.41

At the YMCA of the National Capital Region, we support families who need financial assistance to help with their child care fees.  If you would like to apply for financial assistance, please let us know when you call to inquire about our programs or at the time of registration.  

Funding is received from the City of Ottawa and Ministry of Education.

To register your child in a licensed child care program; you must place your name on the City of Ottawa’s centralized waiting list. Please contact us to inquire about program availability.

If you would like to make an appointment to tour our facilities, ask questions and learn more about our licensed child care programs, please contact us.




Do you have more questions about our child care services?

Contact us at child.care@ymcaottawa.ca or fill out our online request for information form: