This image depicts a cheerful scene set in a classroom or educational setting. | Daycare & Preschool

Daycare & PreschoolAt Heart of the Valley YMCA

Daycare & Preschool at the Y

Heart of the Valley YMCA operates three licensed Early Childhood Education Centers in the Huntsville area with Alabama First Class Pre-K and Early Head Start programs. To respond to this common and often challenging decision that parents must make, the Y has thoughtfully developed a comprehensive program that meets the needs of both working families and growing minds. We immerse children in a dynamic, nurturing, and diverse environment where they feel safe, supported, and inspired to explore, learn, and thrive.

Throughout the day, they engage in hands-on learning experiences, social interactions, and structured educational activities that spark curiosity, creativity, and confidence. The Y also prioritizes children’s health by serving nutritious meals that support their growing bodies, fuel their energy, and reinforce lifelong healthy habits. Parents can continue working hard to support their families, knowing with confidence that their children receive the highest quality childcare experiences in a supportive, enriching, and stimulating setting designed to help them succeed in school and beyond.

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Explore the Y’s Early Childhood Education Programs

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  • This image shows a heartwarming moment between a young woman and a toddler, who are engaged in playing with colorful alphabet blocks.

    YMCA Downtown Early Childhood Education Center

    2000 Vernon Ave SW A, Huntsville, AL 35805

    We recognize that children thrive when they receive the proper physical and intellectual nourishment as they grow academically and developmentally. Our early learning and childcare programs are thoughtfully designed to foster brain development, build a strong foundation in early literacy, and encourage healthy habits that support lifelong well-being. Through engaging activities, structured learning environments, and compassionate guidance, we help children develop the cognitive, social, and emotional skills they need to succeed in school and beyond.

    Monday-Friday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

    Ages: 6 weeks to 10 years old

    Fee: CMA and DHR referrals accepted

    Contact Us For More Information: Erin Ledet, Child Services Director, erin.ledet@ymcahuntsville.org, (256) 202-5550

  • This image depicts two young children, a girl and a boy, playing

    YMCA Southeast Early Childhood Education Center

    1000 Weatherly Rd SE, Huntsville, AL 35803

    We recognize that children thrive when they receive the proper physical and intellectual nourishment as they grow academically and developmentally. Our early learning and childcare programs are thoughtfully designed to foster brain development, build a strong foundation in early literacy, and encourage healthy habits that support lifelong well-being. Through engaging activities, structured learning environments, and compassionate guidance, we help children develop the cognitive, social, and emotional skills they need to succeed in school and beyond.

    Monday-Friday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

    Ages: 6 weeks to 10 years old

    Fee: CMA and DHR referrals accepted

    Contact Us For More Information: Grace Bush, Child Services Director, grace.bush@ymcahuntsville.org, 256.880.8400

  • This image shows a heartwarming moment between a young woman and a toddler, who are engaged in playing with colorful alphabet blocks.

    YMCA Northwest Early Childhood Education Center

    4600 Blue Spring Rd NW Unit A, Huntsville, AL 35810

    We recognize that children thrive when they receive the proper physical and intellectual nourishment as they grow academically and developmentally. Our early learning and childcare programs are thoughtfully designed to foster brain development, build a strong foundation in early literacy, and encourage healthy habits that support lifelong well-being. Through engaging activities, structured learning environments, and compassionate guidance, we help children develop the cognitive, social, and emotional skills they need to succeed in school and beyond.

    Monday-Friday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

    Ages: 6 weeks to 10 years old

    Fee: CMA and DHR referrals accepted

    Contact Us For More Information: Adrianna Nichols, Northwest Early Childhood Learning Center Director, adrianna.nichols@ymcahuntsville.org, 256.852.6700

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Benefits of YMCA Early Learning Programs

Holistic Learning

We implement a variety of lessons for healthy minds and bodies.

Teach Life Skills

There’s a focus on character development and building relationships.

Partnering with Parents

Staff partners with parents to promote learning outside of the classroom.
The image portrays a heartwarming scene in a bright and cheerful room with three little girls and one older girl
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The Y is More Than a Gym.

Driven by its founding mission, the Y has served as a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community.

Financial Assistance
Swim Lessons
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Heart of the Valley YMCA