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Early Learning Centres

Our YMCA Child Care programs are based on a curriculum that encourages the physical, mental and social development of your child. We create engaging environments where your child will learn, grow, and thrive.

As Canada’s largest child care provider, we create opportunities for children to have fun, learn new things, and most importantly, create a space they look forward to visiting every day. In other words, a home away from home. And that’s what you’ll find at the YMCA.

If you are interested in a career in Early Childhood Education or curious about upskilling your current ECE classification, please visit Training and Workforce Devt | Education and Early Childhood Development (ednet.ns.ca) to learn more about all of the new opportunities Nova Scotia’s Department of Education and Early Childhood Development has made available.

Locations

A fully accessible, welcoming, and stimulating environment for children ages 6 months to 5 years and their families. We deliver our signature play-based curriculum, YMCA Playing To Learn, that is child-initiated and adult supported. Our staffing is made up of knowledgeable Early Childhood Educators who plan daily experiences based on children’s interests, developmental levels, and strengths. We welcome all children and families with our inclusive approach to program delivery.

We offer:

  • A safe and stimulating learning environment
  • A home-like family-centered approach
  • Morning and afternoon snacks
  • Nutritious lunch following the Canada’s food guide reccomendations
  • Active play experiences in a variety of settings including our gym, surrounding community, and our own onsite playgrounds.
  • A curriculum that incorporates the foundations of language, the arts, reading, writing, math, numeracy, and science.
  • Daily communication to families

Our Rooms:

  • 2 Infant rooms (6months-18months) Adult to child ratio 1:4
  • 2 Toddler room (18months-3years) Adult to child ratio: 1:6
  • 1 preschool room (3 years-5years) Adult to child ratio: 1:8

Important Information:

  • We operate between the hours of 7:45am-5:00pm
  • Subsidies are available- Eligibility is based on your family income

Parent Handbook

For more information on our program or to join our staffing team, please contact: Amanda Costello, Director of Early Learning Centre, Amanda.Costello@cb.ymca.ca or 902-270-8724

Join Our Waitlist

NOW OPEN!
Located in the Chedabucto Education Centre in partnership with the SRCE, this is an accessible, welcoming, and stimulating licensed childcare environment for 26 children ages 3 months to 5 years. We deliver our own, play-based, child-led, and adult-supported curriculum, YMCA Playing to Learn. We welcome all children and families with our inclusive and engaging approach to program delivery.
Our Rooms:
  • 1 Infant room (6 months- 18 months) licensed for 8 infants with a adult to child ratio of 1:4
  • 1 Toddler/Preschool Room (18 months- 5 years) for 18 chidlren with a adult to child ration of 1:6
Important Information:
  • We operate between the hours of 8:00am to 5:30pm Monday to Friday
  • Government subsidy is accepted
  • Due to current limited staffing, we are delaying the opening of our Infant room.

Parent Handbook

For more information on our program or to join our staffing team, please contact: Colleen Matheson, Director of Early Learning Centre

Join Our Waitlist

We are excited to announce that The YMCA of Cape Breton has partnered with The Cove Guest Home and the Department of Education and Early Learning to open a new licensed childcare centre which is projected to open in early 2025.

We aim to offer accessible, affordable and high-quality child care for 50 children ranging from infants to preschool age and provide an ideal opportunity for intergenerational learning.

A digital waitlist, Frequently Asked Questions document and more information will be made available in the near future!

Announcement coming soon

Charlotte Street Location

Guysborough Location