From the Director
We are excited to announce a new incentive for our childcare families!
Beginning January 1, 2010, all families with children attending full-time childcare will receive a complimentary basic family membership. As members, you will have access to the wellness center, gym and pool and will receive reduced rates on classes and programming. Childcare services are available to members free of charge while you participate in activities in the building. Contact Shalon Hoyle, Childcare Director at (319) 653-3315 or ychildcare@hotmail.com to schedule a tour of our center.

Program Philosophy
For over 80 years, the YMCA has been meeting the needs of children, adults and families in our community. The Y Preschool and Childcare Center offers a well-balanced, child-centered program focused on the developmental needs of children birth through third grade. This program is committed to serving children without regard to race, creed, color or national origin. We will make program modifications to accommodate children with special needs when they are reasonable and necessary if they do not alter the nature of the program or result in any undue burden for the Y.
The Washington Community Y offers year-round childcare for infants, toddlers and preschool-aged children using the Creative Curriculum. We also provide before and after school care for children kindergarten through third grade. Our childcare is family-centered, involving parents and caregivers as partners in the childcare experience. The Y is private, non-profit organization and is licensed through the Iowa Department of Human Services.

Koala Bear News

Teddy Bear News

Kid Konnection News

PARENT'S NIGHT OUT
Bring your kids to the Y to participate in age appropriate activities while you enjoy a much deserved night off. Pleae make sure yur children have eaten dinner before this event. Snacks will be provided. Children 4 and up will be swimming, so please remember those suits and towels. Register by Thursday.

Saturdays, Jan 9, Feb 6th, march 6th, April 3rd, May 1st.
Members: $10 first child/$2 for additional children in family
General Public: $15 first child/$4 for additional children in family

Baby Bear Room
6 Weeks - 18 Months
This room cares for up to eight infants. We have one teacher for every four infants. Our caring staff takes the time to get to know your child and his/her needs. We strive to have our program feel as home-like as possible to support your child as he/she develops into a toddler.

Teddy Bear Room
18 Months - 3 Years
This room cares for up to twelve toddlers. We have one teacher for every four to six toddlers. Children begin to develop daily routines including circle time, read aloud time, and large and small motor skills. We also focus on social development, self-help skills and language skills. Nurturing teachers are there to help guide children as they develop into preschoolers.

Koala Bear Preschool Room
3 Years - 4 Years
This room provides developmentally appropriate preschool programming for up to sixteen preschoolers in an all day setting. We have one teacher for every eight children. As in our four year old preschool room, the Koala Bear Preschool Room utilizes the Creative Curriculum. Your child will have the opportunity to explore ideas about print knowledge, ABC awareness, number concepts and basic concepts about writing. Children will explore their environment and understanding of their world by participating in dramatic play, block play, water and sand exploration, games, songs, movement and art. Our program is centered around changing themes that give children the opportunity to learn about customs, holidays and seasonal activities.

Polar Bear Preschool Room
4 Years - 5 Years
If your child turns four years old on or before September 15 of the upcoming school year, he/she qualifies for preschool at no charge to you through the Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program for Four Year Old Children. Our preschool program operates Monday through Thursday, 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM. We utilize the Creative Curriculum which encourages your child to learn through centers, group activities and play. Our licensed teacher and associate are dedicated to providing the best learning environment for your child to help him/her get ready for success in Kindergarten. Childcare is also available before preschool as early as 5:30 AM and after preschool until 6:00 PM for a monthly fee.

CRISIS CHILD CARE
Crisis Child Care provides free, short-term childcare to children whose families are experiencing a crisis or emergency in their lives and lack adequate child care for their children.
The program provides a safe and nurturing environment for children newborn to 14 years of age while parents address the crisis situation.
Program staff assist families through the crisis situation by providing support and linking families with other assistance in the community.
Crisis Child Care is provided in registered daycare homes or licensed childcare centers. Childcare providers are trained in CPR, first aid and in caring for children during crisis situations.
Crisis Child Care is available in Washington County. We are available 24-hours a day 7 days a week with childcare up to 72 hours per admission.
Crisis Child Care recognizes that all situations are unique and makes assessments on a case-by-case basis.
For more information about Crisis Child Care call Cris at 653-5300 or call the Crisis Child Care pager at 653-1967.

KID KONNECTION
Before School Care
You may drop off your child between 5:30 AM and 7:30 AM at the Y Preschool and Childcare Center. At 7:00 AM children will go to the second floor game room and remain with staff until 7:40 AM. Children will be bussed to Stewart School at 7:45 AM and will arrive in time to participate in the breakfast program if you choose. For the first week of school, a YMCA staff person will assist children in learning their way to class.

After School Care
After school care is provided at Stewart School in the gymnasium. Care is available from the time school dismisses until 6:00 PM.
Fees for Kid Konnection
Effective January 2009
$180.00 Per Month includes:
AM care at the Y as early as 5:30AM
Transportation to Stewart School at 7:40 AM
PM care at Stewart School until 6:00PM
No School on Snow Days 5:30AM-6:00PM
No School on In-service Days 5:30AM-6:00PM
*Christmas Break not included (add package below for Christmas Break)
$27.00 Per Day Includes:
No School on Snow Days
No School on In-service Days
Holidays (Christmas Break)
$9.00 Per Day Includes:
AM care at the Y as early as 5:30AM
Transportation to Stewart School at 7:40 AM
$9.00 Per Day
PM care at Stewart School until 6:00 PM.