Childcare
Seamless childcare for ages six weeks through 12 years that supports and empowers families and children.
YWCA Cortland childcare programs are designed with our core mission in mind—eliminating racism,
empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.
Our Goals
- Align programming with YWCA’s mission by ensuring it is unbiased and celebrates cultural diversity.
- Support and empower families through quality childcare programs which encourage active involvement and mutual respect.
- Offer opportunities to gain knowledge of and respect for self, family, culture, and community.
- Provide an educational, social, emotional, cultural, and recreational atmosphere that is developmentally appropriate, safe, and stimulating.
- Enrich programming using a visionary approach that reflects past, present, and future.
Families with two or more children enrolled in any of our programs will receive a discount on the care of their eldest child. Joining YWCA Cortland is required to enroll in our childcare programs. Click here and select the appropriate parent membership option to join today.
Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)
See if you qualify for low or no-cost childcare with the Child Care Assistance Eligibility Questionnaire. This takes just 10 minutes to complete.
More information about CCAP:
Cortland County DSS
NYS Office of Children and Family Services
Here We Grow Childcare Center
Here We Grow is a NYS OCFS-licensed daycare facility offering year-round full-time care for children 6 weeks to 5 years old, with the opportunity for per diem care when available. Breakfast, lunch, and a snack are provided daily, and the center is located in a neighborhood community close to Suggett Park.
Our bright and spacious rooms and large enclosed playgrounds for different age groups provide cheerful environments where growth and development in motor skills, socialization, creativity, and self-image are enhanced.
Space is limited, so we recommend expecting parents join our waitlist as soon as possible. Please note that our program only accepts full-time enrollment, and please reference our waitlist policies and procedures below when signing up.
Here We Grow is also a Cortland City School District Universal Pre-K site for eligible 4 year olds. Children in this program attend part time from 8:15am-1:15pm for school readiness and socialization, and may opt for wrap-around care if needed.
Current rates are available on our waitlist. Click here for information on the Child Care Assistance Program.
Contact
Stacey Rorick, Here We Grow Supervisor
(607) 756-6070
herewegrow@cortlandywca.org
Hours & Location
16 Miller St
Monday-Friday
7:15am-5:15pm
Our Partnership With Guthrie
School Age Care
We provide a variety of care programs throughout the year for children ages 5-12, supporting families and promoting healthy activity, socialization, and learning.
Before & After-School
YWCA Cortland operates safe, recreational before and after-school care at up to four sites during the school year, depending on need. Full and part-time enrollment is available—full-time applications are prioritized.
All sites provide a snack, large outdoor play area, gym time when available, games, art materials, time for reading or homework, and just plain fun!
| Site | Hours | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Randall Elementary | 6:45-8:15am 3:00-5:30pm | Randall Street, Cortland School Cafeteria |
| Smith Elementary | 6:45-8:15am 3:00-5:30pm | Wheeler Ave, Cortland School Cafeteria |
| Homer Elementary | 6:45-8:30am Dismissal to 5:30pm | Park Place, Homer School Cafeteria |
| Homer Intermediate | 6:45-8:30am Dismissal to 5:30pm | Clinton Street, Homer School Cafeteria |
LEAPS Grant
YWCA Cortland’s School Age Program is a proud recipient of the LEAPS Grant (NYS Learning and Enrichment After School Program Supports). This allows us to provide free after-school care for families at Randall and Smith where students will have access to tutoring and social-emotional programming. To receive this free care as a benefit of the grant, families are required to attend a few events at YWCA Cortland throughout the year.
Full-Day & Full-Week Care
Families enrolled in before or after-school also get access to register for full-day and full-week care at YWCA Cortland for school holidays and breaks. We provide lunch, snacks, activities, and swim time.
Space is very limited and pre-enrollment is required.
2026-2027 schedule coming soon!
Summer Camp
Enroll your kids in YWCA summer camp to build long-lasting friendships and create lifelong memories using imagination and play. Children are divided into developmentally appropriate age groups and provided lunch, snacks, activities, and time in the pool. We also go on weekly field trips!
Contact
Taylor Jandrew, Childcare & Youth Services Director
(607) 753-9651 ext. 126
tjandrew@cortlandywca.org