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 childcare programs of YWCA Cortland are designed to support families through quality childcare 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 childcare programs
• there is a $5-$10  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.

CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (CCAP)

See if you qualify for low or no-cost child care with the Child Care Assistance Eligibility Questionnaire. This takes just 10 minutes to complete.

More information about this program can be found on the Office of Children and Family Services website.

Child Care in Cortland

SCHOOL-AGE CARE AND RECREATION 

The YWCA operates safe, recreational care for children ages 5-12 at six sites during the school year. Children are able to choose from a variety of activities. All sites provide a snack, use of a large outdoor play area, gym time (depending on school and time of year), 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 Taylor Jandrew, School-Age Supervisor, at 607-753-9651 ext. 126 for more information.

SITE	HOURS	LOCATION	PHONE #
Homer Elementary Before & After School Care	6:45 am- 8:30am 3:20 pm- 5:30pm	Park Place, Homer School Cafeteria	(607) 423-5078
Homer Intermediate Before & After School Care	6:45am- 8:30am 3:40 pm- 5:30pm	Clinton Street, Homer School Cafeteria	(607) 423-6691
Marathon Appleby Elem. After School Care	Temporarily Closed	Albro Rd., Marathon School Cafeteria	(607) 423-9635
McGraw Elementary School After School Care	Temporarily Closed	Academy Street, McGraw School Cafeteria	(607) 423-9625
Randall Elementary Before & After School Care	6:45am- 8:15pm 3:00pm- 5:30pm	Randall Street, Cortland School Cafeteria	(607) 423-1267
Smith Elementary Before & After School Care	6:45am- 8:15pm 3:00pm- 5:30pm	Wheeler Ave, Cortland School Cafeteria	(607) 423-2050
YWCA Cortland* Full-Day & Full-Week Care	6:45am- 5:30pm*	14 Clayton Ave, Cortland Upstairs Auditorium	(607) 753-9651

YWCA CORTLAND FULL-DAY AND FULL-WEEK CARE

Full-day and full-week care at the YWCA Cortland site during the school year requires pre-enrollment and mandatory sign-up, as space is very limited. We provide snacks, activities, swim time, and lunch to the children with full-day and full-week enrollment; you can send lunch from home.

List of full-day and full-week dates for the 2023-2024 school year (with registration dates)  

SUMMER CARE AND RECREATION PROGRAMS

Let your school-age children have fun over the summer at our summer camp located at the YWCA site. Children 5-12 years are divided into different age groups. For more information on our popular summer camp, please call Taylor Jandrew at 607-753-9651.

HERE WE GROW CHILD CARE CENTER

Location: 16 Miller Street (across the street from Guthrie Hospital)
Contact: Stacey Rorick, Supervisor, 9607) 756-6070

Here We Grow is an NYS OCFS-licensed daycare facility. We offer care year-round from 7:15 am-5:15 pm Monday-Friday for children 6 weeks to 5 years old. Full-time is given priority, and part-time, and per diem enrollment options may be available. Our bright and spacious rooms and large enclosed playgrounds for different age groups create cheerful environments 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.  Here We Grow is also a Cortland City School District Universal Pre-K site for eligible 4-year-olds. Children attend from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm for socialization. This program follows the Cortland City School District’s calendar.

DROP-IN CHILD CARE CENTER

YWCA Site

Temporarily Closed