Y Academy Early Childhood Education
FOR LEARNING, COMMUNITY AND LIFE
A licensed early childhood education center, Y Academy at the Denver Y provides quality child care for our youngest community members in an inclusive, welcoming gathering place. Three locations across the metro area serve ages 6 weeks to 5 years, year-round in a warm, welcoming environment with targeted curriculum, low student-to-staff ratios and nutritious meals — plus, easy access to Y swim lessons, dance classes and more. Financial assistance and CCCAP, DPP and UPK available.
Read: Making preschool at the YMCA affordable for families
Learn More About Financial Aid
The YMCA preschool program is curriculum-focused and family-centered. We not only teach skills necessary for school and academic success, we also build independence and confidence in children, so they develop a life-long love of learning.
The Y also provides a community. We are a fun, warm, connecting place, where people of all ages and socioeconomic levels come together, and inspire and learn from each other. Children at Y Academy discover a sense of belonging, in a “home away from home” that cultivates understanding, respect and shared experiences.
Y Academy is a building block to every child’s future, where children learn values they take with them throughout their lives. As childcare professionals, our role is developing the next generation of change-makers.
The Added-Value of Y Academy
✅ Access and support in helping children take part in swim lessons, art and dance classes, youth sports and more.
Y Academy Locations
The YMCA offers early childhood education programs at 3 locations in the Metro Area.
Y Academy Arvada-Duncan
Full-time pre-school is offered at the YMCA in Arvada, Colorado.
Y Academy Southwest
Offering care for preschoolers at our Southwest YMCA location.
Y Academy University Hills-Schlessman
Offering multiple options for parents of infants, toddlers and preschoolers at our University Hills-Schlessman location.
Why Families Choose Y Academy
Our curriculum builds early literacy, math, communication, problem-solving, independence and social-emotional skills through developmentally appropriate learning experiences.
With just one classroom and no more than 20 children, teachers can build meaningful relationships with children and families.
Children learn through exploration, movement, creativity, conversation and hands-on experiences—not worksheets and test preparation.
Choose a consistent 2-, 3- or 5-day schedule, with half-day options available.
What Does Kindergarten Ready Mean?
UNIVERSAL PRESCHOOL PROGRAM
The YMCA of Metro Denver is a provider of Universal Preschool Colorado (UPK) a program administered through the Colorado Department of Early Childhood.
Spots are available NOW at our Arvada, Southwest and University Hills locations for the program. Families can save up to $9,000 on tuition through the UPK program!
Steps:
- Go to the UPK Application
- Set up an account (if you do not already have one)
- Complete the application. Select YMCA of Metro Denver as an option in that process. Families are notified by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood of their eligibility.
To register or get more information, Contact Us.
Please note our program cancellation and refund policy.
MORE INFORMATION
In-person tours of our Y Academy locations are available upon request and scheduled in advance.
Like all Y programs, Y Academy is open to all, with financial assistance available. To apply for financial assistance, please complete our application here.