Children Thrive at the Y
At the Merrimack Valley YMCA, we’re proud to offer high-quality child care programs for infants through eighth graders across five convenient locations. Each program is designed to provide a safe, supportive environment where children can learn, grow, and build the skills they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
If you want your children to learn and grow in a place they are known, cared for, challenged and loved, please submit an inquiry form today!
Child Care Offerings
Infants
Six weeks to 15-months old
Our YMCA infant child care program provides a loving, calm and playful environment to support your child’s healthy development. Infant daily schedule is dependent on your child’s needs.
Adult to Child Ratio
1:3
Development Focus
- Creating trusting bonds with adults and the environment
- Mastering new skills, managing infant emotions
Locations & Hours
YMCA Child Care at South Church
41 Central Street
Andover, MA 01810
Hours: Monday – Friday from 7:30am – 5:30pm
Director of Early Education: Jennifer Flagg
Toddlers
15 months to 2.9 years old
Children gain a strong foundation for learning through interaction and exploration. Classroom experiences develop self-control, cooperation and communication skills in a nurturing environment. With an emphasis on language development and social skills, the Y offers flexible programs that equip toddlers with essential skills for lifelong learning.
Adult to Child Ratio
1:4
Core Content Areas
- Literacy – building vocabulary, language use and communication skills
- Mathematics – basic counting and patterns
- Science – beginning awareness of the world around us
- Social Studies – beginning awareness of people and places
- Arts – beginning enjoyment of dance, music and visual art
- Technology – awareness of tools
- Healthy Habits – basics of healthy eating, personal safety and enjoyment of physical activities
Development Focus
- Build and master communication skills
- Build and master fine/gross motor skills
- Communicate emotions and needs effectively
Locations & Hours
YMCA Child Care at South Church
41 Central Street
Andover, MA 01810
Hours: Monday – Friday from 7:30am – 5:30pm
Director of Early Education: Jennifer Flagg
Methuen YMCA
129 Haverhill Street
Methuen, MA 01844
Hours: Monday – Friday from 7:30am – 5:30pm
Director of Early Education: Luisa Perez-Jimenez
Lawrence YMCA
40 Lawrence Street
Lawrence, MA 01840
Hours: Monday – Friday from 7:30am – 5:30pm
Director of Early Education: Mary Ellen King
Preschool
2.9 to 5-years old
Through a combination of teacher-led and free choice activities, your child will have the opportunity to explore, create, and imagine through art, literacy, language, math, science, and play. Our passionate, caring teachers and age-appropriate curriculum aim to help each child reach his or her full potential. Children also receive recreational and instructional swim lessons with YMCA certified lifeguards (Lawrence and Andover/North Andover only).
Adult to Child Ratio
1:10
Core Content Areas
Pre-Writing Skills
- Teacher assisted name recognition and sign-in
- Interactive writing
- Letter formation
Pre-Reading
- Shared reading
- Letter recognition
- Introduction of rhyming and alliteration
Developing Math Skills
- Counting
- Shape sorting
- Matching patterns
Social/Emotional Development
- Exploring solutions to conflict
- Recognizing feelings
- Building peer relationships
Physical Skill Development
- Large and fine motor skills
Curriculum
All early education programs at the Merrimack Valley YMCA use Creative Curriculum. Creative Curriculum is a research-based, play-and-project-based early childhood framework that focuses on whole-child development. Instead of rote instruction, it uses hands-on exploration—such as sand and water play, building blocks, and dramatic play—to teach subjects like math, literacy, and social-emotional skills.
Locations & Hours
Andover/North Andover YMCA
165 Haverhill Street
Andover, MA 01810
Hours: Monday – Friday from 7:30am – 5:30pm
Director of Early Education: Kelly Michaels
Lawrence YMCA
40 Lawrence Street
Lawrence, MA 01840
Hours: Monday – Friday from 7:30am – 5:30pm
Director of Early Education: Mary Ellen King
Methuen YMCA
129 Haverhill Street
Methuen, MA 01844
Hours: Monday – Friday from 7:30am – 5:30pm
Director of Early Education: Luisa Perez-Jimenez
YMCA Child Care at South Church
41 Central Street
Andover, MA 01810
Hours: Monday – Friday from 7:30am – 5:30pm
Director of Early Education: Jennifer Flagg
After School/Out of School Time
5 to 14-years old
After School programs at the Y offer a safe, positive environment for making friends, exploring interests, and so much more. With an experienced, caring staff and a variety of activities including homework support and character-building activities, Y After School programs offer peace of mind and convenience. Buses are provided from the public schools to the YMCA after school care locations. Full day programs are offered when schools are not in session.
Adult to Child Ratio
1:13
Activities
Our curriculum offers enriching activities in these areas:
- Arts & Humanities
- Science & Technology
- Service-Learning
- Health, Wellness & Fitness
- Homework Support
- Literacy
- Social Competence
- Conflict Resolution Activities
Locations & Hours
Andover/North Andover YMCA
165 Haverhill Street
Andover, MA 01810
Out of School Time Director: Erica Little
Hours
- When public schools are open: Monday – Friday from end of school day until 6:00pm
- When public schools are closed (including vacation weeks, summer, snow days, and teacher development days): 7:30am – 5:00pm
Lawrence YMCA
40 Lawrence Street
Lawrence, MA 01840
Out of School Time Director: Jasmin Chazulle
Hours
- When public schools are open: Monday – Friday from end of school day until 6:00pm
- When public schools are closed (including vacation weeks, summer, snow days, and teacher development days): 7:30am – 5:00pm
Methuen YMCA
129 Haverhill Street
Methuen, MA 01844
Out of School Time Director: Frances Hernandez
Hours
- When public schools are open: Monday – Friday from end of school day until 6:00pm
- When public schools are closed (including vacation weeks, summer, snow days, and teacher development days): 7:30am – 5:00pm
YMCA Child Care at Cole School
26 Middleton Road
Boxford, MA 01921
Site Coordinator: Matthew Corsetti
Hours
- Before School: Monday – Friday from 7:00am – 8:40am
- After School: Monday – Friday from 3:00pm – 6:00pm
Why Choose the Merrimack Valley YMCA?
Serving infants through pre-teen across five locations, the Merrimack Valley YMCA has a program that can meet your needs and provide your child with a safe, supportive environment that creates opportunities for learning, growing and developing skills.
Exclusive benefits of our programs:
- Our programs are licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC), and our Infant, Toddler, and Preschool programs follow the trusted standards of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
- The Merrimack Valley YMCA has been awarded Praesidium Accreditation® by Praesidium, the leader in abuse risk management. This prestigious accreditation publicly demonstrates that the Merrimack Valley Y has worked to achieve the highest industry standards in abuse prevention.
- Our programs offer affordable pricing for families in the Merrimack Valley. We also accept child care circuit vouchers and contracts.
- Every enrolled child receives a free YMCA membership, opening the door to even more opportunities for family fun, community, and connection.
- Swim lessons are included in our Andover/North Andover and Lawrence preschool programs.
- Children in our Lawrence and Methuen child care programs receive a morning snack, lunch, and a “super snack” each full day. Our Out-of-School-Time participants also receive a nutritious super snack during school days.
- Expanded hours: beginning August 3, 2026, our infant, toddler and preschool hours will be expanded to 5:30 p.m. to provide even greater flexibility for parents/guardians.
Child Protection Policy
The Merrimack Valley YMCA is deeply committed to providing a safe, nurturing environment where every child in our care can learn, grow, and thrive. The safety and well-being of youth in our programs is our highest priority. We follow rigorous policies, staff training, and screening practices designed to prevent abuse and protect children. The Merrimack Valley YMCA has earned Praesidium Accreditation®, the highest level of accreditation in child abuse prevention, demonstrating our commitment to the strongest standards in child protection.
FAQs
I’m interested in enrolling my child in a YMCA child care program. How do I get started?
We’re so happy you’re considering entrusting your child at our YMCA! The best way to get started is to complete the inquiry form with your desired location, and a member of our staff will be in touch.
How much does Merrimack Valley YMCA child care cost?
We understand the needs of working families and price our programs to be as competitive and affordable as possible. Program costs vary on child’s age, program and number of days enrolled.
Do you offer financial assistance?
As a mission-driven organization, it is the goal of the Merrimack Valley YMCA to provide services for families who wish to participate in the activities and programs of the Y, regardless of their ability to pay. Our financial assistance program is made possible thanks to the many generous donors who support the Y. Learn more about how to apply for financial assistance.
Do you accept state child care vouchers and contracts?
Yes, we accept child care circuit vouchers and contracts. Please contact us with any questions.
What are your safety protocols?
Your child’s safety and security is our top priority and is achieved through established and practiced procedures. We take every precaution to ensure safety for your child; including secure entry, and frequent site inspections and maintenance of buildings, playgrounds, and equipment. Staff members are CPR and First Aid certified. The Merrimack Valley YMCA has also been awarded Praesidium Accreditation® by Praesidium, the leader in abuse risk management. This prestigious accreditation publicly demonstrates that the Merrimack Valley Y has worked to achieve the highest industry standards in abuse prevention.
Do you provide snacks or meals to enrolled children?
Children in our Lawrence and Methuen child care programs receive a morning snack, lunch, and a “super snack” each full day. Our Out-of-School-Time participants also receive a nutritious super snack during school days — helping every child stay energized and ready to succeed. For our Andover/North Andover, South Church, and Boxford programs, we ask that families provide meals and snacks from home to support their child’s day.
