Designed for children 0–18 months, infant care includes exploring the world around us indoors and outdoors, through song and stories, discovering creative and sensory materials, imitation play and lots of time for cuddles!
Parenting is the most important job — but when it's not your only job, YMCA Child Care has you covered with caring, high quality care you can trust.
As Western Canada’s largest provider of non-profit daycare, the health and well-being of your child is at the core of everything we do. Children who attend YMCA Child Care are ready for Kindergarten, curious about learning, leaders in their communities and excited about being active.
YMCA of Northern Alberta operates over 50 child care programs for infants to children 12 years of age, across northern and central Alberta. Find the high quality child care you can trust at one of our convenient locations today!
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Child Care Programs
Infant Care (0–18 months)
Toddler Care (19–35 months)
Designed for children 19–35 months, toddler care includes exploring the world around us indoors and outdoors, through music and movement, discovering creative and sensory material, puzzles, stories, blocks, dramatic play and learning to play with others!
Preschool Care (3–6 years)
Designed for children 3–6 years that are not in kindergarten, preschool care includes exploring the world around us indoors and outdoors, enhanced introduction to the arts (visual, dramatic and music), discovering science, engaging in mathematics and literacy activities, developing social skills, gross and fine motor skills and problem-solving! For preschool care, diapering and napping vary by location. Some locations require children to be age 4+ and/or be registered in the school served for that location.
Kindercare (kindergarten)
YMCA Kindercare creates opportunities for your child to discover and explore in spaces that support and encourage social, emotional, cognitive and physical development of kindergarten topics, gross and fine motor skills, problem-solving and more! YMCA Kindercare Full Day is for children attending kindergarten requiring child care both during and outside school hours.
Out of School Care (grades 1–6)
Your child can enjoy safe, inclusive YMCA programming before and after the school bell rings right in your child's school. Children participate in physical activity, are encouraged and guided to develop friendships, and discover more about themselves and their community.
Book a Tour of Your Nearest YMCA Child Care Centre
Child Care Tours in Grande Prairie
Schedule a tour to explore our welcoming spaces in Grande Prairie, meet our caring educators and learn about our programs designed to support your child's growth and development.
Child Care Tours in Wood Buffalo (Fort McMurray)
Schedule a tour to explore our welcoming spaces in Wood Buffalo, meet our caring educators and learn about our programs designed to support your child's growth and development.
Child Care Tours in Edmonton
Schedule a tour to explore our welcoming spaces in Edmonton, meet our caring educators and learn about our programs designed to support your child's growth and development.
Our Fees
How are fees calculated and billed?
Children in Early Years (Infant, Toddler, & Preschool Care) and Kindercare (Children who attend YMCA Kindercare during normal school hours) programs will pay a flat monthly fee of $326.25. The YMCA does not have any supplemental fees and includes a healthy morning and afternoon snack at no extra cost.
Out of School Care fees vary month-to-month, as they are calculated based on the number of days we are open in each month.
Fees are billed monthly on the 1st of each month. We also provide the option to split the fee equally on the 1st and 15th of each month.
Do you have information on the Affordability Grant?
The Government of Alberta's Affordability Grant reduces your child care fees for infant care, toddler care, preschool care and Kindercare to a flat monthly rate of $326.25.
Please note that while you may choose not to attend full time, the YMCA does not offer part-time care.
How does provincial child care subsidy work?
All YMCA Out of School Care programs accept Government subsidy to help offset the cost of child care. Subsidy eligibility and rates vary based on family income, your child’s age and the number of hours your child attends each month. If approved, the YMCA applies the full amount of your maximum subsidy at the start to the next billing period. If your child doesn’t meet the minimum attendance requirements (50 hours per month), the government will not issue the maximum subsidy amount after the month ends. If that happens, we will add that difference to the next billing period.
As of April 1, 2025, the subsidy program is no longer available in Early Years programs.
Rates for YMCA Child Care locations in Edmonton & Spruce Grove
Rates for YMCA Child Care locations in Grande Prairie
Rates for YMCA Child Care locations in Fort McMurray
What is YMCA Child Care like?
It's one thing to talk about our programs, and it's another to see what children in YMCA Child Care do and what our centres look like! Read more about what children, families and our educators do at the Y.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register or join a waitlist for YMCA Child Care?
We currently have spaces available at select programs throughout Edmonton, Spruce Grove, Wood Buffalo and Grande Prairie! Using the location tool, find a YMCA Child Care Centre near you and join our registration and waiting list! We will contact you as soon as space is available.
Find a YMCA Child Care Location
How do I find a YMCA Child Care location near me?
Discover one of many child care locations near you by using our interactive locations map!
