YMCA of Metro Chicago Early Learning Recognized as Top Tier Child Care
At the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago, Early Learning is so much more than child care. Our programs are designed and run by child care experts and teams of nurturing professionals who build on what you’ve already made for your child: a nurturing, supportive environment to explore and grow.
With a focus on social-emotional development, school readiness, and family engagement, these programs empower children to thrive academically and personally. Guided by caring educators and enriched by the YMCA’s mission of strengthening communities, early learning at the Y ensures that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
What sets up apart? The YMCA of Metro Chicago is proud to offer programming recognized by ExceleRate Illinois and accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Why Accreditation Matters
Accreditation is a promise to families. It means:
- Children are receiving developmentally appropriate, research-based learning experiences.
- Educators are supported with ongoing professional development.
- Programs are committed to continuous improvement, ensuring quality grows year after year.
- Families can trust that their child’s early education is aligned with national and state benchmarks for excellence.
ExceleRate Illinois is a quality recognition and improvement system, providing standards, guidelines, resources, and support to help early learning programs prepare children for success in school and life! ExceleRate Illinois recognizes programs through Circles of Quality, each representing a level of achievement: Licensed, Bronze, Silver, and Gold.
The YMCA of Metro Chicago is proud to offer programs at seven locations that have achieved an ExceleRate Illinois Gold Circle of Quality, the highest level of quality a child care center can achieve. The locations are:
- Dr. Effie O. Ellis YMCA
- Garfield YMCA
- Jeanne Kenney YMCA
- Marshall YMCA
- McCormick YMCA
- North Lawndale YMCA
- Rauner Family YMCA
NAEYC accreditation is considered the gold standard in early childhood education nationwide! For more than 30 years, NAEYC has set benchmarks for high-quality programs, focusing on developmentally appropriate practice, continuous quality improvement, community and family trust, and professional growth.
The YMCA of Metro Chicago offers seven NAEYC Accredited early learning programs, located at:
- Dr. Effie O. Ellis YMCA
- Garfield YMCA
- Jeanne Kenney YMCA
- Marshall YMCA
- McCormick YMCA
- North Lawndale YMCA
- Rauner Family YMCA
These recognitions celebrate the YMCA’s mission to nurture every child’s potential, provide families with peace of mind, and strengthen communities through quality education. When families choose a YMCA early learning program, they are choosing excellence, care, and a brighter future for their children.
Ready to start your child’s journey at the Y? Learn more about our programs via our Early Learning webpage and submit an inquiry form to start the registration process!