The Mahaska County YMCA is committed to meeting the needs of all children in our care. Our Educare/Preschool programs are led by teachers with two and four year degrees. We are implementing Creative Curriculum in our classrooms. This allows our teachers to emphasize on making class/individual observations daily in order to plan activities that help move your child through a developmental continuum.

We work closely with area agencies to offer screenings and services to any child in need. We partner with the Oskaloosa school district, the Y2L Consulting Group and other local childcare/preschool programs to improve the quality of early childhood care in our community.

Our four year old state preschool program has been offered free to children in our community for the last two years. Our three and four year preschool programs follow standards set forth by the state of Iowa. These standards are nearly identical to those standards written by NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children). Only the Mahaska County YMCA offers swimming and gymnastics lessons by certified instructors as part of you child's curriculum. Join us here at the Mahaska County YMCA as we work together to Build Strong Kids, Strong families and Strong communities. Please contact Debbie Cummings at 673-8411 ext. 16 with any questions about enrolling your child in any of these opportunities.

Educare Childcare Programming is for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. It is available to parents Monday through Friday from 5:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. The Mahaska YMCA offers a combination of high quality safe childcare along with educational learning activities. All Educare classrooms engage daily in large motor play in the gym and/or outdoor play area. A half hour fun swim occurs in the Y's swimming pool on "Fun Friday."

Different options are available including drop-in care when space is available. Call for more information.

The Mahaska County YMCA participates in the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). CACFP is a nutrition education and meal reimbursement program helping providers serve nutritious and safely prepared meals and snacks to children in child care settings thus playing a vital role in improving the quality of child care. Each day, 3.2 million children receive nutritious meals and snacks through CACFP. As a participating center, we are required to following USDA and Iowa policies regarding discrimination and civil rights.

USDA Civil Rights Non-discrimination Statement: “This explains what to do if you believe you have been treated unfairly. In accordance with Federal Law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Adjunction, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington D.C. 20250-9410 or call toll free (866) 632-9992 (Voice). Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact the USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.”

Iowa Nondiscrimination Statement: “It is the policy of this CNP provider not to discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or religion in its programs, activities, or employment practices as required by the Iowa Code section 216.7 and 216.9. If you have questions or grievances related to compliance with this policy by this CNP Provider, please contact the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, Grimes State Office Building, 400 E. 14th St., Des Moines, IA 50319-1004; phone number 515-281-4121, 800-457-4416; web site: http://www.state.ia.us/government/crc/index.html."