These Frequently Asked Questions highlight some of the most common topics families ask about our childcare programs. For complete details, policies, and procedures, please refer to family resource materials or reach out to our Child Care team directly.
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Tuition and Enrollment
Q: How much do child care and early education programs cost?
A: For tuition and rates for Early Education, Child Care, and Montessori programs, visit the Tuition and Enrollment page.
Q: Is financial assistance available?
Financial assistance is available, and we accept Pennsylvania’s Child Care Works (CCW) funding program, which helps families with the cost of licensed infant and child care.
Q: How do I enroll my child in YMCA Child Care, Early Education, and/or Montessori programs?
A: Enrollment is based on availability. Families may enroll or join the waitlist, depending on space. Visit the Tuition and Enrollment page for rates and more information on current availability.
Q: How long is the waitlist?
A: The length of the waitlist depends on the program, age group, and time of year. Because applications and enrollment change as families’ needs change, wait times are not the same for every child. We encourage families to join the waitlist as early as possible and to keep their information up to date.
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Licensing and Safety
Q: Is the YMCA child care program licensed and accredited?
A: Yes. All Sewickley Valley YMCA child care programs are licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services and meet state standards for safety and quality. We also participate in the Keystone STARS quality enhancement program and hold Praesidium Accreditation for child safety and abuse prevention. In addition, the Montessori Kindergarten program is accredited, ensuring it meets recognized educational standards for kindergarten and early childhood development.
Q: What training do YMCA teachers receive?
A: All YMCA early childhood teachers meet Pennsylvania state licensing requirements and complete ongoing professional development each year. Staff are trained in child development, safety, and classroom management, as well as First Aid, Infant and Child CPR, and child abuse prevention—and participate in ongoing professional development each year.
Q: Are Montessori teachers licensed or specially trained?
A: Yes. Montessori classrooms at the Sewickley Valley YMCA are led by Montessori-trained and credentialed teachers. Each teacher has completed specialized training in the Montessori method, including child development, classroom preparation, and the use of Montessori learning materials. This ensures an authentic Montessori experience while also meeting Pennsylvania state licensing requirements for early childhood programs.
Q: What are the staff-to-child ratios?
A: All Sewickley Valley YMCA programs meet or exceed the staff-to-child ratios required by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. Ratios vary by age group and program type, but every classroom is staffed to ensure children receive individual attention, support, and supervision. Families can be confident their child is cared for in a safe, supportive, and well-supervised environment.
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Connection and Values
Q: In what ways does the Y provide inclusive programming for children?
A: The YMCA welcomes all children and supports participation regardless of ability, language, or background. All classrooms provide accommodations as needed, ensuring every child feels valued and included.
Q: How do you communicate with families?
A: YMCA staff are available for daily check-ins at drop-off and pick-up, and families receive program updates through a secure app used to share notes, reminders, and photos.
Q: What are the YMCA character values?
A: At the Sewickley Valley YMCA, all child care programs are built around four core values: Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility. These values are woven into daily routines, classroom activities, and staff interactions, helping children develop strong character alongside academic and social skills. Families will see these values reinforced in how children treat one another, how teachers guide behavior, and how the YMCA community comes together to support every child.
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Infant Care (6 weeks – 12 months)
Q: What ages are eligible for Infant Care?
A: Infant Care at the YMCA is available for babies as young as 6 weeks old through 12 months of age. When children are ready to transition beyond the infant stage, our staff will work with families to plan a smooth move into one of our toddler programs.
Q: What is the staff-to-child ratio for infants?
A: In Pennsylvania, licensed childcare centers follow strict state guidelines for infant ratios. At the YMCA, infants are cared for in small groups with a ratio of 1 teacher for every 4 infants (maximum group size of 8). This ensures each baby receives consistent, individualized attention throughout the day.
Q: What does a typical day in Infant Care look like?
A: Infant schedules are highly individualized and flexible. Staff work with each family to follow the baby’s daily routine for eating, sleeping, and play. A day may include tummy time, sensory play, music, story time, and opportunities for early social interaction, with plenty of rest and feeding breaks built in.
Q: Do parents need to provide bottles, formula, or baby food?
A: Yes. Parents are asked to supply bottles, formula, breast milk, and/or baby food for their child to be ready to go for the day. Staff store and prepare these items according to state health and safety guidelines.
Q: Who provides diapers and wipes?
A: Parents are responsible for providing diapers, wipes, and any personal care items. YMCA staff ensure all diapering and sanitation procedures meet state licensing requirements.
Q: How do you communicate with parents during the day?
A: We believe in strong communication and daily updates. Families receive information about their child’s activities, feedings, and naps through a secure app that allows teachers to share notes, reminders, and photos directly with parents. Teachers also connect with families in person to ensure open communication.
Q: What happens when my baby transitions to a toddler program?
A: When infants approach 12 months, staff work with families to plan a smooth transition into a toddler program. Enrollment priority is given to children already attending YMCA Infant Care, based on space availability.
Q: Can I put my child on the waitlist before birth?
A: Yes. Expectant parents may add their baby to the waitlist prior to birth. In these cases, the due date is used to hold a place on the list until the birthdate is confirmed.
Q: What are your health and safety policies for infants?
A: The YMCA follows all state health and safety requirements, including safe sleep practices, sanitizing procedures, and staff training in infant CPR and first aid. Families can review detailed health policies in the Family Handbook in our online family resource center.
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Toddlers (12-36 months)
Families can choose between YMCA Toddler Child Care and the Montessori Toddler Program, both designed to support children ages 12–36 months. Each pathway helps toddlers build independence, confidence, and social skills in a safe, nurturing environment.
Q: What ages are eligible for toddler early learning programs?
A: YMCA Toddler Child Care is designed for children ages 12 to 36 months, or up to 42 months for children who are not yet toilet trained. Montessori Toddler programs also welcome children ages 18 to 36 months, with a focus on independence and early exploration.
Q: What does a typical day look like for toddlers?
A: In YMCA Toddler Child Care classrooms, children follow a predictable rhythm of indoor and outdoor play, meals, rest time, and age-appropriate learning activities. Montessori toddler classrooms follow a similar daily structure but emphasize longer, uninterrupted periods of hands-on exploration using Montessori materials. Both approaches give children security through routine and encourage curiosity, independence, and social interaction.
Q. What will my toddler learn?
A: The YMCA Toddler Child Care programs focus on play-based learning, with activities in language, art, science, math, and movement. Montessori toddlers also explore these areas but through teacher chosen hands-on materials that encourage independence, coordination, and problem-solving. Both pathways emphasize confidence, curiosity, and healthy peer and family relationships.
Q: How my toddler’s development tracked?
A: In YMCA Toddler Child Care classrooms, teachers use nationally recognized tools such as the Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3) and Teaching Strategies GOLD® to observe and track milestones in communication, movement, and social skills. Montessori teachers use continuous observation and documentation to understand each child’s progress and readiness. In both programs, results are shared regularly to celebrate progress and provide support.
Q: Are meals and snacks provided?
A: Meal service varies by location. Some campuses provide breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack, while others require families to send a packed lunch from home. Specific details are available on the Tuition and Enrollment page.
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Early Learners (3–6 years)
For early learners ages 3 years to 6 years, families can choose between YMCA Preschool programs and Montessori Children’s House, each designed to nurture and support a child’s learning and lifelong well being during this important stage of growth.
Q: What ages are eligible for Early Learners programs in Sewickley?
A: YMCA Preschool programs are designed for children ages 3 years to 5 years. Montessori Children’s House welcomes children ages 3 years to 6 years in a mixed-age classroom that includes both preschool and kindergarten.
Q: What does a typical day look like for 3 to 6 year olds?
A: In YMCA Preschool classrooms, children follow a structured routine that balances small-group instruction, creative play, outdoor time, and enrichment such as art, music, and movement. Montessori Children’s House offers longer periods of uninterrupted work time, allowing children to choose activities with Montessori materials and progress at their own pace in a carefully prepared environment.
Q: What will my child learn in an early learning classroom?
A: YMCA Preschool emphasizes kindergarten readiness through play-based learning in language, art, science, math, and physical fitness. Montessori Children’s House emphasizes independence and responsibility while exploring math, language, science, art, and practical life skills through hands-on materials. Both programs foster curiosity, confidence, and positive social relationships.
Q: How is my child’s development tracked?
A: YMCA Preschool teachers use observation-based tools such as the Work Sampling System to monitor growth in academic and social-emotional areas. Montessori teachers rely on continuous observation and documentation, sharing insights into independence, readiness, and areas of strength. In both programs, families receive updates and meet with teachers regularly to discuss progress.
Q: Are meals and snacks provided?
A: Meal service varies by location. Some campuses provide breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack, while others require families to send a packed lunch. Details for each program are available on the Tuition and Enrollment page.
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Sewickley Montessori School
Q: What is Montessori education?
A: Montessori is a child-centered approach to learning that nurtures the whole child—physically, socially, emotionally, and cognitively. Children learn by doing, using hands-on materials in math, language, science, art, and practical life skills. Teachers trained in Montessori teaching methods guide students at their own pace instead of teaching every child the same lesson at the same time.
Q: What are the age ranges at Sewickley Montessori?
A: Sewickley Montessori programs are offered for children ages 18 months through 6 years old, including Toddler Programs (18–36 months) and the Children’s House (ages 3 years to 6 years, including kindergarten).
Q: What is the difference between Montessori and YMCA Child Care?
A: In YMCA Preschool, children follow a structured routine that balances small-group instruction, creative play, outdoor time, and enrichment such as art, music, and movement. Sewickley Montessori programs offer longer periods of uninterrupted work time, allowing children to choose activities with Montessori materials and progress at their own pace in a carefully prepared environment.
Q: What is a “Children’s House”?
A: The Montessori Children’s House is a mixed-age Montessori classroom. It combines preschool and kindergarten students, ages 3 years to 6 years, so that younger children learn from older ones, while older children gain leadership skills.
Q: What is accredited Montessori kindergarten?
A: The accredited Montessori kindergarten is the capstone year of Montessori Children’s House. With an extended-day schedule, kindergarten students participate in advanced lessons and enrichment activities designed for deeper exploration. In this small-group setting, children strengthen academic and social skills while building independence and readiness for first grade.
Q: Who is eligible for an accredited Montessori kindergarten?
A: The kindergarten year is designed for children in their final year of the Montessori Children’s House program, ages 5 to 6 years. Placement is based on developmental readiness and available space.
Q: Will my child be ready for first grade after completing the accredited Montessori kindergarten?
A: Yes. Upon completing the accredited Montessori kindergarten, children are eligible to enter first grade at any school. The program provides a full kindergarten curriculum that meets recognized standards while nurturing independence, confidence, and love of learning.
Q: Do Montessori students have enrichment opportunities?
A: Yes. In addition to the Montessori curriculum, students enjoy enrichment opportunities such as music, art, yoga, physical education, Spanish, and swimming at the YMCA. Offerings may vary by season and location and are available as space permits.
Q: Is Montessori right for every child?
A: Montessori is designed for all children, regardless of background or ability. Classroom environments are prepared for each child as an individual learner. The approach is flexible, individualized, and emphasizes respect for each child’s unique pace of development.
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Elementary School Age: Before and After School Care (Grades K-5)
Q: What ages are eligible for before and after school care?
A: Children in kindergarten through 5th grade are eligible to enroll in Sewickley Valley YMCA Elementary School Age Child Care.
Q: Where is the before and after school care program held?
A: Before-school care takes place at the Sewickley Valley YMCA. After-school care is offered onsite at your child’s elementary school (Edgeworth Elementary or Osborne Elementary), so children transition directly from the school day into the program.
Q: Is transportation provided?
A: Families are responsible for before-school, morning drop-off at the Sewickley Valley YMCA third floor Adventure Attic. Transportation is not needed for after-school care; children remain at their school (Edgeworth Elementary or Osborne Elementary). Families are responsible for pick-up from their school location at the end of after school care.
Q: What is included in the Before and After School programs??
A: Each day combines homework assistance, enrichment activities, and time for physical activity. Children are encouraged to explore new interests, build skills, and stay active in a safe, supportive environment. A healthy continental breakfast is included in the Before School program, and an afternoon snack is provided in the After School program.
Q: What happens on school holidays or early dismissal days?
A: The Sewickley Valley YMCA Before and After School Childcare program follows the Quaker Valley Schools District Calendar — including holiday breaks, school cancellations due to weather, and in-service days.
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For more information, contact us in Sewickley Valley YMCA Early Child Development.