Get Started
Before enrolling your child, you will need to schedule a visit with a YMCA center director.
Schedule a Visit
Fill out our online form to schedule a time to explore our classrooms and meet our teachers.
Enroll Your Child
To enroll your child or join our waitlist, talk with a center director to complete the enrollment process.
Watch Your Child Grow!
Our curriculum-based program offers a strong foundation for Kindergarten and beyond!
Our Locations
Phyllis Washington Early Child Care Center
2950 S. Russell St.
406-532-6250
The YMCA Learning Center
2683 A Palmer St.
406-728-1243
Early Learning Centers FAQs
You will need to schedule a visit with a YMCA center director. During the visit, you'll tour the center, meet teachers, and go over the enrollment application. Please note: application does not guarantee enrollment.
Yes. Talk with a center director to get your child's name to our waitlist.
Both of the YMCA's early learning centers offer care Monday–Friday from 7:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Monthly tuition effective January 1, 2026. Tuition is subject to change annually in January.
Phyllis Washington Early Learning Center
- Ages 6 Weeks–24 Months $1,359/month for five days of care
- Ages 2-3 $1,197/month for four days of care
- Ages 2-3 $1,261/month for five days of care
- Ages 4-5 $1,155/month for four days of care
- Ages 4-5 $1,255/month for five days of care
The Learning Center
- Ages 6 Weeks–24 Months $1,359/month for five days of care
- Ages 2-3 $1,054/month for three days of care
- Ages 2-3 $1,261/month for five days of care
- Ages 4-5 $1,054/month for three days of care
- Ages 4-5 $1,255/month for five days of care
Each YMCA early learning center has an onsite cook responsible for providing healthy breakfasts, lunches, and snacks. Click the button below for a sample monthly menu.
Best Beginnings is a state program managed by the Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services.
Click the button below to learn more about the program and how to apply. Families using the scholarship are responsible for a co-payment and any fees not covered by their authorization plan.
Families seeking assistance must apply to Best Beginnings before applying for YMCA Financial Assistance.
Yes. If you have applied and not qualified for Best Beginnings, you may qualify for YMCA financial assistance. Families who qualify for Best Beginnings may also qualify for YMCA Financial Assistance. You must apply for Best Beginnings before applying for YMCA Financial Assistance.
YMCA early learning teachers complete a minimum of 16 hours of professional development annually. Staff are also certified in First Aid, CPR, and pediatric CPR, and complete child abuse prevention training. These trainings help our team strengthen safety practices, child development knowledge, classroom routines, and positive guidance skills. Most importantly, ongoing training helps our staff grow as professionals while creating a caring, responsive environment where children can learn, play, and thrive.
As a licensed child care program, YMCA Early Learning Centers maintain strict child-to-adult ratios in its classrooms. In the event of a mixed-age classroom, we defer to the lower ratio. Talk to your center's director to learn more about our ratios.
Yes. Families actively enrolled in YMCA Early Learning receive 50% off Household or Family memberships. Talk to your center's director to learn more.
Schedule a Visit
We can't wait to welcome you to our child care centers! Families are required to meet with center directors before starting the enrollment process. To get started, please complete the form below. Our center directors will be in touch shortly.
THIS IS A TEST FORM ONLY
Our Early Learning Centers
The Missoula Family YMCA is committed to Healthy Eating and Physical Activity (HEPA) standards in all of its child care programs. Breakfast, lunch, and snack are provided through our participation with the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). To view CACFP's nondiscrimination statement or file a program complaint of discrimination, visit the USDA Program Discrimination webpage.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
A Commitment to Missoula Kids
The Missoula YMCA is a nonprofit charity. With the support of our members, partners, and donors, we're working to empower the next generation.
Students Annually
Every year, our early learning centers help hundreds of children prepare for Kindergarten and beyond.
Healthy Meals & Snacks
We're proud of provide healthy and nutritious meals and snacks at no additional cost to all children enrolled in our child care programs.