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The Downtown YMCA Preschool is a Three-Star Preschool, meeting the needs of working parents by providing affordable tuition for exemplary care in the Downtown area. 

Our Mission: To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.  

  • Children are grouped together based on kindergarten enrollment. 
  • Monday-Friday 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. 
  • Daily physical activities, including access to outdoor playground, indoor gym and play area
  • Daily schedules balanced with structure and free choice play.
TAKE A TOUR: 
Preferred Site
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DOWNTOWN FAMILY YMCA EARLY LEARNING CENTER

Located at 301 W. 6th Street, Chattanooga, TN. 

  • Ages 31 months - 5 years 

This preschool site provides children ages 3-5 the opportunity to attend swim lessons ($25 per month, not included in tuition rates).

YMCA EARLY LEARNING CENTER AT ST. PAUL'S

Located at 305 W. 7th St., Chattanooga, TN 37402 (located in St. Paul's church)

  • Ages 12 months-30 months
  • Children transition over to the Downtown Family YMCA Early Learning Center once the child is 31 months of age. 


ABOUT OUR PRESCHOOLS: 

  • Voted 2023 Best of the Best Childcare and 2024 Finalist by the Times Free Press.
     
  • DHS Licensure
    • All 3 sites are licensed through TN DHS and undergo quarterly assessments to ensure compliance with state regulations. 
    • Ratios: Our preschools follow age-specific ratios provided by TN DHS. 
       
  • Curriculum
    • Creative Curriculum: YMCA preschools use Creative Curriculum to structure lessons for each age group, with a goal of building confidence, creativity and critical thinking through hands-on learning. 
    • Tennessee Early Learning Development Standards: Teachers use the Tennessee Early Learning Development Standards to understand developmental milestones and structure activities to help children meet developmental goals. 
    • Personal Safety: YMCA preschools use "Keeping Kids Safe" Personal Safety Curriculum to educate children, families and staff to prevent and respond appropriately to concerns related to abuse.
    • Language Immersion: our curriculum includes bilingual instruction in Spanish and English.

Meals: 

  • YMCA preschools provide breakfast, lunch and snack for children in our care. We are compliant with the USDA's Child and Adult Care Food Program. 
  • Allergies are accommodated with appropriate documentation. 

Tuition & Financial Assistance: 

  • Rates are listed on this site.
  • DHS Childcare Payment Assistance
  • Family Engagement is a priority for our preschools. Below are ways we invite and encourage parent involvement: 
    • Parent-Teacher Conferences
    • Daily Reports
    • Family Engagement Council
    • Family Events 

 

2025 CALENDAR

Wed.-Fri., Jan. 1-3

Closed

New Year’s/Winter Break

Mon., Jan. 20

Closed

MLK Jr. Day

Fri., Feb. 14

Open

Valentine’s Day Party

Mon., Feb. 17

Closed

President’s Day/Staff Training

March 3-14

Open

Scholastic Book Fair

Fri., March 14

Open

Spring Photo Day Downtown

Fri., March 21

Open

Spring Photo Day St. Paul’s 

Thurs., April 17

Open

Easter Egg Hunt 

Fri., April 18

Closed

Good Friday

Mon., April 21

Closed

Easter Monday/Staff Training

Mon.-Fri., May 5-9

Open

National Teacher Appreciation Week

Fri., May 9

8:15am

Mother’s Day Breakfast

Mon., May 26

Closed

Memorial Day

Thurs., June 7

6:15pm

Graduation Practice (Noble Narwhals)

Thurs., June 6

TBA

Graduation (Noble Narwhals)

Fri., June 13

8:15am

Father’s Day Breakfast

Thurs., June 19

Closed

Juneteenth

Fri., June 20

Closed

Staff Training

Fri., July 4

Closed

Independence Day

Mon., Sept. 1

Closed

Labor Day

Fri., Sept. 5

8:15am

Grandparents’ Breakfast

Mon.-Fri., Sept. 29-Oct. 10

Open

Scholastic Book Fair

Mon., Oct. 13

Closed

Indigenous Peoples Day/Staff Training

Fri., Oct. 31

Open

Halloween Costume Party

Wed., Nov. 5

Open

Fall Photo Day Downtown

Thurs., Nov. 6

Open

Fall Photo Day St. Paul’s

Fri., Nov. 21

11 am

Thanksgiving Lunch

Wed.-Fri., Nov. 26-28

Closed

Thanksgiving

Fri., Dec. 19

Open

Holiday Party

Wed.-Fri., Dec. 24-26

Closed

Christmas 

Mon.-Fri., Dec. 29-Jan. 2

Closed

Winter Break

 

Are you interested in teaching? Visit our career page to learn more!

CAREERS


 

WEEKLY RATES
  • 1-2 years: $265
  • 2-3 years: $245
  • 4-5 years: $235

Financial Assistance is available. 

QUESTIONS?

For more information about our preschools and to take an interactive tour of our spaces, contact  Bekah Dalton at bdalton@ymcachattanooga.org or call (423) 266-3766. 

Reviews

"My son hugs everyone goodbye each day and freely walks into class and hugs me bye without a blink and smiles every time I say the word school."

"An especially good place to have your children, if you are looking to have an experience for your child, which is nurturing. This daycare is affordable for the working parent and there is NO COMPROMISE on the quality. It is AWESOME"

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Our Mission: To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. 

Our Mission to Inclusion: At the YMCA, we strongly believe we should all work together toward achieving a member environment that is welcoming for individuals, regardless of age, religion, abilities, gender or socioeconomic status. To achieve our mission of empowering all people to reach their full potential, the Y is committed to providing an environment that embodies our core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility.