Preschool

DOWNTOWN FAMILY YMCA EARLY LEARNING CENTER

Located at 301 W. 6th Street, Chattanooga, TN. 

• Ages 31 months - 5 years 

This preschool site provides children ages 3-5 the opportunity to attend swim lessons ($25 per month, not included in tuition rates).

YMCA EARLY LEARNING CENTER AT ST. PAUL'S

Located at 305 W. 7th St., Chattanooga, TN 37402 (located in St. Paul's church)

• Ages 12 months-30 months
• Children transition over to the Downtown Family YMCA Early Learning Center once the child is 31 months of age. 

ABOUT OUR PRESCHOOLS: 

• Voted 2023 Best of the Best Childcare and 2024 Finalist by the Times Free Press.
   
• DHS Licensure
  • All 3 sites are licensed through TN DHS and undergo quarterly assessments to ensure compliance with state regulations. 
  • Ratios: Our preschools follow age-specific ratios provided by TN DHS. 
     
• Curriculum
  • Creative Curriculum: YMCA preschools use Creative Curriculum to structure lessons for each age group, with a goal of building confidence, creativity and critical thinking through hands-on learning. 
  • Tennessee Early Learning Development Standards: Teachers use the Tennessee Early Learning Development Standards to understand developmental milestones and structure activities to help children meet developmental goals. 
  • Personal Safety: YMCA preschools use "Keeping Kids Safe" Personal Safety Curriculum to educate children, families and staff to prevent and respond appropriately to concerns related to abuse.
  • Language Immersion (*NEW* at both centers for 2025): our curriculum includes bilingual instruction in Spanish and English for both native English speakers who would like to learn Spanish and native Spanish speakers who would like to learn English.

Meals: 

• YMCA preschools provide breakfast, lunch and snack for children in our care. We are compliant with the USDA's Child and Adult Care Food Program. 
• Allergies are accommodated with appropriate documentation. 

Tuition & Financial Assistance: 

• Rates are listed on this site.
• DHS Childcare Payment Assistance
  • The YMCA accepts Childcare Payment Assistance with the Smart Steps program. 
  • The YMCA offers payment assistance through our Income-Based Membership Program. Families can apply for assistance at any point and will be awarded based on a sliding scale. 
    • Learn more about Income-Based Membership or contact Bekah Dalton at bdalton@ymcachattanooga.org.
       
• Family Engagement is a priority for our preschools. Below are ways we invite and encourage parent involvement: 
  • Parent-Teacher Conferences
  • Daily Reports
  • Family Engagement Council
  • Family Events 

Are you interested in teaching? Visit our career page to learn more!

CAREERS