EARLY LEARNING CENTERS
Start the enrollment process by clicking the blue button below, or visit our site directory to find the right site for you.
If you have further questions or would like assistance, please reach out to our team at Enroll@ymcanorthernsky.org or 701.364.4117
> F-M Area YMCA Child Care Program Enrollment - First Step
Let your child learn, grow and thrive at the YMCA. Our Early Learning Centers provide quality, licensed care for infants – preschool children. Our curriculum incorporates math, science, dramatic play, music, art and computers to provide opportunities for group and independent learning experiences. All sites are accredited by NAEYC or working toward this prestigious distinction.
YMCA Early Learning Child Care
Hours of Operation:
6:30 am – 6 pm
Ages Served:
Infant: 6 weeks – 18 months
Toddler: 19 – 36 months
Preschool: 3 – 5 years
Infant/Toddler
Infant/toddler care is SO much more than basic care. Teachers strive to attain balance and harmony with children’s home schedule. Teachers' lesson plans improve gross and fine motor skills and social/emotional development, and give them sensory and cognitive experiences. The classrooms experience independent, whole group, and small group activities, go outside daily, and develop a bond with their head and assistant teacher as well as with support staff that will interact with them. We provide formula, food, and baby wipes, asking families to provide only diapers or pull-ups and a change of clothing for your child. Children in these classrooms have the ratio of 1:4 for infants and 1:5 for toddlers. Please check out our curriculum page to learn more about what goes on in their classroom!
Preschool
Countdown to Kindergarten - Summer Pre-K Program for 4-Year-Olds
Countdown to Kindergarten is a focused three-month program designed to help children successfully transition into a kindergarten classroom. The program prepares children with the practical skills and confidence needed to manage daily routines, navigate new environments, and build independence.
Throughout the program, children are gradually introduced to kindergarten expectations by participating in structured routines that closely mirror a typical school day. From preparing for their first day to building comfort with daily transitions, the program emphasizes consistency, independence, and self-confidence.
Children will practice and develop the ability to:
• Hang up coats and organize personal belongings.
• Manage items in their backpacks, including take-home papers, library materials, and notes between school and home.
• Locate and use assigned spaces such as desks, tables, or carpet areas.
• Use the restroom independently, including proper hygiene.
• Carry a food tray, sit appropriately, and eat independently using good manners.
• Open containers such as milk cartons and manage mealtime tasks.
• Clean up after meals by disposing of trash and placing items in designated areas.
• Line up and transition with the class to different spaces.
• Follow classroom directions and routines.
• Listen attentively during stories and instructional time.
• Clean up toys and materials as directed.
• Practice proper hygiene, including using tissues appropriately.
• Dress independently for outdoor activities.
• Learn basic bus safety, including identifying their route, boarding safely, remaining seated, and exiting with belongings.
By the end of the program, children will feel more confident, capable, and prepared to engage in the structure and expectations of a kindergarten classroom.
If you have further questions about the Summer Countdown to Kindergarten program, please reach out to our team at Enroll@ymcanorthernsky.org or 701.364.4117
Preschool
Kindergarten Readiness Program - School Year Program for 4-Year-Olds
The Kindergarten Readiness Program is a comprehensive and highly focused program designed for children who are four years old by August 1. The program runs through the end of May and is intentionally structured to build the foundational skills and academic knowledge children need to be successful in school.
Language Arts
Children will:
• Recognize and produce letters and their corresponding sounds, including common graphemes.
• Develop early literacy skills such as phonemic awareness and comprehension of simple texts.
• Engage in speaking and listening activities that support clear expression and understanding of others.
• Begin writing using appropriate letter formation and simple sentence structure.
Mathematics
Children will:
• Build foundational numeracy skills, including counting, number recognition, and basic operations.
• Explore patterns, shapes, measurement, and introductory problem-solving.
• Strengthen reasoning and critical thinking skills that support future learning in algebraic and geometric concepts.
Social-Emotional Development
Children will:
• Demonstrate self-regulation, cooperation, and empathy.
• Participate in group activities and follow established classroom routines.
• Develop age-appropriate problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.
Physical Development
Children will:
• Strengthen fine motor skills such as writing, cutting, and manipulating objects.
• Enhance gross motor skills through activities like running, jumping, and balancing.
Cognitive and Language Development
Children will:
• Engage in exploration and problem-solving driven by curiosity.
• Expand vocabulary and language comprehension.
• Develop an understanding of basic concepts such as time, space, and cause-and-effect relationships.
If you have further questions about the School Year Kindergarten Readiness program, please reach out to our team at Enroll@ymcanorthernsky.org or 701.364.4117
Kindergarten/School Age
After school children will have snack time, time to work on homework with educators, time for large motor play, and small group and independent play times. Children in these classrooms have a ‘school out day’ option available. Just sign up in advance to reserve a space for school vacation days and summer care.
Additional Benefits
- Transportation to/from swimming lessons at the Fercho Y (contact a director for details)
- High Quality Early Childhood Education
- All children enrolled receive member rates on Y programs, services, and events
Program Features
- Qualified teachers and assistant teachers trained in education, CPR, and First Aid
- Open year round, 6:30 am to 6 pm
- Swimming lessons and other YMCA programs available (Fercho YMCA)
- Transportation to the Fercho YMCA for Swim Lessons
- Field trips to parks and special events
- Special one-on-one attention, as well as age appropriate group learning activities
- Emphasis on developing each child’s physical, social, emotional, and intellectual selves
- Nutritious meals and snacks
- A schedule of activities throughout the day that balances quiet/active and cognitive/gross motor skills
- All children enrolled receive member rates on Y programs, services, and events
- Cognitive games (letter, shape recognition, number), singing, fingerplays, group games, stories, and more
- Transportation to and from most area schools
Enrollment Information
When your child enrolls in a YMCA child care program, you will receive an enrollment packet to fill out. Along with the paperwork, you will need to provide a copy of your child’s immunization record, copy of your child’s birth certificate, and medical insurance information. Please contact an Early Learning Director to obtain an enrollment packet. To get started, email us at Enroll@ymcanorthernsky.org.
Financial Assistance
The YMCA provides scholarships, based on availability, to families who are in need. Visit our Financial Assistance page for more information on how to apply.