MAY 2026 NEWSLETTER
A Message from the CEO
Choosing childcare is one of the most practical decisions a family makes. It allows parents to work, keeps daily life moving, and helps families build the routines they depend on. But for a child, it is much more than a daily necessity—it is the foundation for everything that comes next.
Research shows that 90 percent of brain development happens before a child turns five. During this incredible window of growth, early learning is where children begin to build relationships, process emotions, express themselves, and make sense of the world around them.
At the Greater Providence YMCA, our early learning programs are designed around these crucial years. We provide warm, nurturing environments where every child feels known and supported across our three centers:
- Mt. Hope Childcare Center (Providence): 6 weeks to 5 years
- South County Y Childcare Center (South Kingstown): 18 months to 5 years
- Kid’s World (Seekonk): 2 years & 9 months to 5 years
We know children learn best through play, movement, and secure connections. When they practice sharing, taking turns, listening to others, and expressing how they feel, they are building the confidence, resilience, and social skills that prepare them for kindergarten and beyond.
What makes our approach unique is our focus on the whole child. Beyond early literacy and problem-solving, our children are part of the larger Y community. Families can choose optional enrichments like swim lessons and dance classes, giving children more ways to move, try new things, and discover what they love.
We also know that finding the right care is a major financial investment. We are committed to making high-quality early learning accessible by offering reduced program pricing for Y members and accepting state childcare assistance, including Rhode Island's CCAP and Massachusetts EEC vouchers. Because true accessibility also means bringing programs to the neighborhoods that need them most, we are preparing to open a new center at Manton Heights. Built in partnership with the Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation, Amica, and the Providence Housing Authority, this center is designed specifically to expand early learning access for PHA families.
Ultimately, our mission goes beyond preparing children for school. We want children to feel safe and supported, and we want parents to know they have a partner they can count on. If you are exploring early learning options for your family, I invite you to learn more about our childcare centers and fill out an interest form.
Warmly,
