Child Care & Camps

Preschool

Program Description

Thank you for considering our Early Childhood Learning Centers for your child’s education! We understand that the first five years of a child’s life are incredibly important and we strive to provide a safe, nurturing environment that encourages learning and exploration. Our friendly staff are dedicated to making sure your child’s time with us is enjoyable and meaningful, and that each and every child feels supported and at home in our center. We look forward to having you and your family join us on this educational journey!

Both of our Early Childhood Learning Centers are licensed by the State of Washington's Department of Children Youth and Families (DCYF). This ensures that our centers provide top-notch care and educational activities for our children. Our staff works hard to ensure that all state standards are met and that our centers are up to date on the latest early learning techniques and practices. We are proud to offer a safe and nurturing environment for children to learn and grow.

preschool teacher reading a book to children

Curriculum

Our program is based on the Y’s Creative Curriculum© and the Y’s core values. It is designed to be engaging and challenging, while still being tailored to the individual needs of each child. We foster a positive and secure environment where children can practice social skills and learn to work through conflicts constructively. We are confident your child will benefit greatly from the learning opportunities available in our program.

  • Literacy

  • Mathematics

  • Science

  • Social Studies

  • Arts

  • Technology

  • Healthy Habits

  • Social, Moral & Spiritual Development

preschool teacher and children doing crafts

Fees, Locations & Hours

Upon registration, families are required to pay an annual $50 non-refundable registration fee. After you have registered for the preschool, families pay a monthly flat rate. All payments must be paid in full by the 5th of the month. Like all Y programs, the Early Childhood Learning Center is open to everyone; we accept DCYF payments.

Full-Time Care

Ages 2.5 – 5
$1,200 per month (September 2026-August 2027)

Rates include breakfast and two snacks.

Kennewick YMCA

Kennewick YMCA
Preschool 741 S. Dayton Street
Kennewick, WA 99336

Hours:
Monday - Friday
7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Richland YMCA

Richland YMCA
Preschool 1234 Columbia Park Trail
Richland WA 99352

Hours:
Monday - Friday
7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Preschool Registration

Steps to Register

  1. Call our office at 509-374-1908 to check for availability.
  2. Schedule a tour and plan to bring your preschooler with you.
  3. Once you have all your questions answered and we have gotten to know your preschooler, enrollment takes place at the YMCA office.

What You Will Need to Register

  1. Insurance/Medical Cards
  2. Child(ren)’s physician, name and contact number
  3. Emergency contact information (other than parent/guardian)
  4. State Immunization Records (required) to have all filled out before you come to register. The State of Washington just published a new version of the Immunization Records form. As of July, 2011, all Immunization records from older forms will have to be transferred to the new form. Please download the newest version below.
  5. Names, addresses, phone numbers of persons authorized to pick up your child(ren) from child care site
  6. DCYF Families: Pre-authorization paper work is required at time of registration

* Call the YMCA office to find out program site provider number (required by DCYF)
* Work with DCYF to become authorized
* Contact the YMCA to confirm we’ve received your pre-authorization paperwork needed to register

Required Registration Forms

Additional Forms & Information

Alaris

The State of Washington requires all licensed childcare providers to track attendance electronically. Our YMCA’s school-age child care, preschool, and camp sites are now using Alaris for electronic sign-in and sign-out.

With Alaris, you can easily:

  • Sign your child in and out of YMCA programs

  • Add or remove authorized drop-off and pick-up contact

Using the Alaris Parent Portal

  • Only the primary parent or guardian’s email is authorized to log into the Parent Portal.

  • The Parent Portal allows you to add or change check-in and check-out authorizations. Any additional individuals who need to be authorized must be added by the primary parent or guardian.

Helpful Links

Logging In to the Alaris Member App

Adding Authorized Users in the Alaris Member App

Download the APP

The Alaris App lets you quickly sign your child in or out and manage authorized pickups directly from your mobile device.

Questions?

For help with your account, please email us at childcare@ymcatricities.org

Financial Assistance/DCYF

  • If you cannot afford the full cost of a program, please ask for a confidential scholarship application. Financial assistance, to the extent possible, is available to those in need.
  • DCYF Subsidies: Full time DCYF subsidies are accepted. DCYF approval, completed camp registration packet, including Camp Attendance Agreement are required for registration and participation.
  • Financial Assistance Funding made possible by generous donations to the YMCA of the Greater Tri-Cities Annual Campaign and support by the United Way of Benton-Franklin Counties.
Know, See, Respond

Child Abuse Prevention

Ensuring children are safe from abuse and able to learn, grow and thrive is the highest priority of the YMCA. We are committed to creating programs that protect children from abuse, but we are also committed to providing our families and community with information to keep kids safe everywhere.

Learn More

Reporting Suspected Abuse

Call Washington State's toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week hotline that will connect you directly to the appropriate local office to report suspected child abuse or neglect.