The Santa Monica Family YMCA Early Learning Center is dedicated to serving the needs of families by providing programs and services that enrich the quality of life for all participants.  We strive to offer a safe, nurturing, well-supervised, and educational environment that develops the spirit, mind and body of each person. In all we do, we are guided by the principles of love and respect for all, regardless of race, sex or religious preference.

The Santa Monica Family YMCA Early Learning Center is structured on the belief that we are an extension of the family. We provide a supportive and nurturing environment, building a sense of community among the children, parents, and staff. The Y curriculum is emergent, based upon the belief that children need to be active participants in their own learning. Through this curriculum we foster a balance among the social, emotional, physical, and intellectual aspects of each child’s development.

Our staff facilitates, guides, and supports the children’s natural inclination to challenge themselves, explore, create, take risks, and play in an open-ended environment. Our staff has a responsibility to model a peaceful approach to coexistence. The Y’s supportive approach to childcare goes beyond the individual child to the parent, the family, and the community.