Children are like sponges – they watch and absorb knowledge, skills and values from  everything and everyone around them. At the Y, we  believe the values and skills learned early on are vital building blocks for  quality of life and future success. That’s why our child care, afterschool and Drop-in Childcare programs are  staffed with people who understand the cognitive, physical and social  development of kids, the need children have to feel connected and supported in  trying new things, and the caring and reinforcement parents and families need  to help each other. At the Y, babies develop trust and security, preschoolers experience  early literacy and learn about their world, and school-age kids make friends,  learn new skills and do homework.  Most  importantly, children learn how to be their best selves. That makes for confident kids today, and contributing and engaged adults tomorrow.

CHILDCARE: Y's across the country offer quality full-day and partial-day child care for infants through preschoolers, enabling parents and family members to go to work knowing their children are in safe, stimulating environments.  For more information contact Jane Gates (janegates@oshkoshymca.org) at the 20th Avenue Y or Kim Stelzer (kimstelzer@oshkoshymca.org) at the Downtown Y.

SCHOOL-AGE CHILDCARE: With a focus on safety, health, social growth and academic enhancement, Y afterschool programs serve kindergartners through 5th grade with a variety of programmatic and activity options to explore and develop their interests and talents. The Y offers before and after school programs. For more information, contact Erin Baranek at erinbaranek@oshkoshymca.org.

DROP-IN CHILDCARE: Drop-in childcare is available while mom or dad make use of the Y. Playful, engaging options are plentiful for young children while you exercise or connect with others over shared interests.