Providing seamless childcare to families with children ages 6 weeks to 12 years of age.

PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY

In keeping with the YWCA mission of peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all people, the child care programs of YWCA Cortland are designed to support families through quality child care services. Our programs support and empower parents and children by offering opportunities to gain knowledge and respect of self, family, culture, and community in an atmosphere that is developmentally appropriate, safe, stimulating and nurturing.

PROGRAM GUIDELINES

• a parent/guardian must be a member of the YWCA to use our licensed child care programs
• there is a $5 registration fee for all programs*
• there is a discount for the oldest child for families with more than one child enrolled in one or more of our programs

YWCA Cortland is actively working to improve the availability of quality child care in our community. This effort is supported by the Cortland County Chamber of Commerce. Read more about the Chamber’s support here.

Our Executive Director holds a position on the Governor’s Child Care Availability Task Force charged with examining a systematic change that will benefit all families in New York State (NYS) who rely on early learning care. As both the Executive Director of YWCA Cortland and the Child Care Issue Leader of the YWCA’s of NYS, she Chairs the Workforce/Business Workgroup of the Governor’s Task Force delivering local voices directly to Albany decision-makers, so they know that child care is an economic development issue.

Childcare in Cortland

SCHOOL AGE CARE AND RECREATION

The YWCA operates safe, recreational care for children, ages 5-12 at 8 sites during the school year. Children are able to choose from a variety of activities. The YWCA on-site program offers gym time and swim time. For additional fees, swim lessons, dance classes, fitness classes, art classes, and cooking classes are offered. All sites provide a snack, use of a large outdoor play area, gym time, a variety of games, art materials, time for reading or homework, and just plain fun! Full and part time openings are available, but space is limited. Call 753-9651 for more information. Snow day and holiday care are also provided.

SITE	HOURS	LOCATION	PHONE #
Homer Elementary Before School After School	6:45-8:30am 3-6pm	School: Central Park Pl.	423-2050 (cell)
Homer Intermediate Before School After School	6:45-8:30am 3-6pm	School: Clinton St.	423-6691 (cell)
Marathon Appleby Elem. After School Only	3-6pm	School: Albro Street	423-5078 (cell)
Parker Elementary Before School After School	6:45-8:00am 3-6pm	School: 89 Madison St	423-2043 (cell)
Randall Elementary* Before School After School	6:30-8:00am 3-6pm	School:       Randall St.	423-1267 (cell)
Smith Elementary Before School After School	6:45-8:00am 3-6pm	School: Wheeler Ave.	423-2019 (cell)
McGraw Elementary School After School Only	3-6pm	School:                50 Academy St.	591-3539 (cell)

*Full days on snow days and holidays.

SUMMER CARE AND RECREATION PROGRAMS

Let your school age children have fun over the summer at one of our summer camp located at the YWCA site. Children 5-12 years are divided into two different age groups. A Counselors-In-Training (CIT) program is available to youths 13-15 years. For more information on our popular summer camps and CIT program, please call Janice Meyer at 753-9651.

LEARNING ADVENTURE CHILD CARE CENTER

Location: 5 Huntington Street
Contact: Nancy Estep 753-6762

Learning Adventure is a licensed day care center that offers care year-round to the Cortland community from 6:00am-5:30pm Monday through Friday for children 6 weeks to 5 years old. Full-time, part-time, and per diem enrollment options are available. The program offers a quality early childhood environment with an experienced and well-trained staff. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks is provided. Your pre-schooler will take part in swim and gym time at the YWCA. All children will get the chance to explore their community with nature walks, short field trips downtown, visits to the library, and more! Come and visit our spacious facility.

HERE WE GROW CHILD CARE CENTER

Location: 16 Miller Street (across the street from Cortland Memorial Hospital)
Contact: Tammy Goddard, 756-6070

Here We Grow is a unique day care facility. We offer care year-round from 6:30am-5:30pm Monday-Friday for children 6 weeks to 5 years old. Full-time, part-time, and per diem enrollment options are available. Our bright and spacious rooms create a cheerful environment where growth and development in motor skills, socialization, creativity and self-image are enhanced. Breakfast, two snacks and lunch are provided. The center is located in a neighborhood community in close proximity to Suggett Park. Children take short nature walks, enjoy the residents at Cedar Run in CRMC, and will use the renovated playground equipment at the center.

Here We Grow is also a Cortland City School District Universal Pre-K site for eligible 4-year olds. Children attend from 8:30am – 11:30am for socialization. This program follows the Cortland City School’s calendar.

*Registration fee is $10.00

DROP-IN CHILD CARE CENTER

Location: 14 Clayton Avenue
Contact: Kelly Travis 753-9651

This unique program is designed for the “on the go” parent who needs by the hour care to run some errands, work part time, attend meetings or anything else that requires care for up to 3 hours a day. It operates from 9:00am-2:00pm Monday-Friday, for both members and non-members with children ages 6 weeks-5 years old. The YWCA’s Drop-In Center offers an affordable hourly rate with sibling discounts. Children will be able to participate in fun activities, outdoor play, songs and stories. Morning and afternoon snacks are provided, but lunch must be brought from home.

For more information, call 753-9651 or stop by the YWCA front desk at 14 Clayton Avenue, Cortland.