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.
We provide accessible, welcoming, and stimulating environments for children aged infant to 5 years of age. We deliver our signature play-based curriculum, YMCA Playing to Learn, that is child-initiated and adult supported. Our staffing teams are made up of knowledgeable Early Childood 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 programming.
What we offer:
- Daily indoor and outdoor play experiences for all children
- Nutritious lunch that follows Canada’s food guide recommendations
- Safe and stimulating learning environments
- Morning and afternoon snacks
- Daily communication to families including our Weemarkable communication app

Locations
- Located in our Frank Rudderham YMCA facility
- Licensed for 70 children aged 6 months to 5 years of age
- Hours of Operation: 7:45am- 5:00pm Monday to Friday
- Our Rooms: 2 Infant rooms with an adult to child ratio of 1:4; 2 Toddler rooms with an adult to child ratio of 1:6; 1 Preschool room with an adult to child ratio of 1:8
- Dedicated pool time for our Preschool children and dedicated gym time for all ages
- Government subsidy is accepted for families that qualify
For more information on the program or to join this staffing team, please contact: Caitlyn Petrie, Director of Early Learning Centre Caitlyn.petrie@cb.ymca.ca or 902-270-8724
We are actively looking for qualified ECEs to join this staffing team. We have been unable to open our infant room due to staffing shortages. If you are interested in joining our staffing team, please contact Nicole MacDonald, Senior Manager of Childcare at nicole.macdonald@cb.ymca.ca
About this location:
- Located in the Chedabucto Education Centre in partnership with the SRCE
- -This new facility was recently renovated and opened in March 2024
- We are licensed for 26 children aged 6 months to 5 years
- Hours of Operation: 8:00am-5:30pm, Monday to Friday
- Our rooms: 1 Infant room with an adult to child ratio of 1:4; 1 Toddler/Preschool mixed room with an adult to child ratio of 1:6
- Government subsidy is accepted for families that qualify
For more information on this program please contact: Colleen Matheson, Director of Early Learning Centre Colleen.matheson@cb.ymca.ca or 782-452-2024
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!
About this location:
- Located in the new NSCC Waterfront Campus in partnership with NSCC and the Department of Early Learning and Child Care
- This newly constructed facility opened in September 2024 and is a lab school for NSCC ECE students
- Priority placements are offered for NSCC faculty and students
- Licensed for 52 children
- Hours of Operation are 7:30am – 5:30pm, Monday to Friday
- Our rooms: 1 Infant room with an adult to child ratio of 1:4; 1 Toddler room with an adult to child ratio of 1:6; 1 Preschool room with ana dult to child ratio of 1:8
- Government subsidy is accepted for families that qualify
For more information on the program or to join this staffing team, please contact: Kelly McMullen, Director of Early Learning Centre Kelly.mcmullen@cb.ymca.ca