About YMCA Child Care Programs
YMCA BC child care provides quality care for children from the early years through school age in welcoming, play-based environments. From early years to school age, our programs support healthy growth and development through caring relationships, exploration and play-based learning.
As the largest provider of licensed child care in the province, YMCA BC offers high-quality child care programs for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-aged children.
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At YMCA Child Care, we know the early years are critical for a child's development. Our caring and experienced staff provide quality care to assure your child will learn, grow and thrive.
At YMCA Child Care, we know children thrive in an environment where everyone belongs and can explore, learn and have fun together. Our caring and experienced staff provide quality care in a safe, engaging environment where children can learn, build confidence and thrive.
It really does take a village to raise a child!
Our Child Care Resource and Referral (CCRR) program helps child care workforce, child care providers, and parents alike get the support needed to help raise healthy, happy children.
Find answers to common questions about our child care programs and health protocols.
I am an adoptive and/or foster parent, and the child’s date of birth is unknown. How am I able to join the waitlist if this is a required field?
We welcome all families to join our child care waitlists. A parent may join a YMCA BC Child Care waitlist once an expected date of birth is known or from the date, a parent is approved for an adoption and/or becomes a foster parent.
If a date of birth is unknown, the parent will select a check box to identify they are seeking an adoption/foster child. Once selected a prompt will ask the adoptive/foster parent to enter a placeholder date and to contact the YMCA BC child care registration team regarding next steps and support.
What is the YMCA BC Child Care withdrawal policy?
Notice for withdrawal is required a minimum of 30 calendar days from the start of the month. For example, to cancel effective January 1st, 2026 notice is due no later than December 1st, 2025. For September withdrawals at Before & After School and Preschool programs, notice is required by June 30th.
When can I join the waitlist?
Each YMCA BC Child Care location and program (Infant Toddler, 3 to 5 Years, Before & After School, etc.) has their own waitlist. Families may join a waitlist as soon as they are expecting, please ensure you tell us your preferred start date. See below if you are an adoptive and/or a foster parent or guardian.
Please note, if you are waitlisting your child for an Early Learning program, please also ensure you are waitlisting for a Before & After School program (if this is required) as these operate independently from each other. Age ups from Early Learning to School Age are not guaranteed and are based on availability and waitlist application dates.
Are all YMCA BC Child Care programs participating in the $10-a-Day program?
There are many child care locations that are participating in this program. However, not all programs are opted in. YMCA BC makes every effort to apply each time there is an opportunity to do so. For more information regarding $10-a-Day programs in BC including which locations are opted in, please click here.
How do I apply for the Affordable Child Care Benefit?
Once your child is formally registered, we are happy to support you with your Affordable Child Care Benefit Application. For more information about the Affordable Child Care Benefit, please click here.
What is the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative (CCFRI)?
The Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative (CCFRI) is a Provincial Government program that helps reduce child care fees. The CCFRI discount is based on the age of the child and their enrollment type. CCFRI discounts are applied automatically at the time of registration and no action is required by the families. CCFRI discounts are not applicable at $10-a-Day programs across the regions.
For more information regarding CCFRI, please click here.
My fees will be paid by another 3rd Party. How do I set this up?
If you are working with a 3rd party payer, please contact us directly for assistance, once your child has been registered. Families are not able to make these updates through their child care account. YMCA BC will not engage in disputes regarding custody agreements and all 3rd party payers must provide a method of payment and consent to be set up as a payer. The primary account holder (the person who accepts the space) is responsible for ensuring all funding has been set up accordingly.
When you join the YMCA you join more than a gym. You join a community.