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The Downtown YMCA Preschool is a Three-Star Preschool, meeting the needs of working parents by providing affordable tuition for exemplary care in the Downtown area. 

Our Mission: To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.  

  • Children are grouped together based on kindergarten enrollment. 
  • Monday-Friday 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. 
  • Daily physical activities, including access to outdoor playground, indoor gym and play area
  • Daily schedules balanced with structure and free choice play.
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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
  • 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

WEEKLY RATES
  • 1-2 years: $255
  • 2-3 years: $235
  • 4-5 years: $225 

Financial Assistance is available. 

QUESTIONS?

For more information about our preschools and to take an interactive tour of our spaces, contact  Bekah Dalton at bdalton@ymcachattanooga.org or call (423) 266-3766. 

Reviews

"My son hugs everyone goodbye each day and freely walks into class and hugs me bye without a blink and smiles every time I say the word school."

"An especially good place to have your children, if you are looking to have an experience for your child, which is nurturing. This daycare is affordable for the working parent and there is NO COMPROMISE on the quality. It is AWESOME"

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Our Mission: To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. 

Our Mission to Inclusion: At the YMCA, we strongly believe we should all work together toward achieving a member environment that is welcoming for individuals, regardless of age, religion, abilities, gender or socioeconomic status. To achieve our mission of empowering all people to reach their full potential, the Y is committed to providing an environment that embodies our core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility.