Child Enrichment

Quality Child Care and Preschool

Since 1978, YWCA Lancaster has been dedicated to providing a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment for children aged six weeks to five years old. Our commitment extends to year-round programs for school-age children in Lancaster City and Penn Manor School District, supporting families in their pursuit of education and work while ensuring their children receive high-quality care and education.

  • YWCA Lancaster’s childcare philosophy is based on the belief that each child is an individual, a special human being to be treated with love, respect, and sensitivity. Our major goal is that each child will develop a positive self-image. We strive toward this goal by maximizing each child’s opportunities for success.

Child Enrichment Center

Through our Child Enrichment Center, children thrive with hands-on, child-centered activities that support their intellectual, physical, and emotional growth. Staff foster positive self-images and essential school skills.

School Age Enrichment Programs

At YWCA Lancaster, we understand the challenges families face in finding safe and enriching care for their children outside of school hours. That's why our YWCA School Age Enrichment Programs are designed to provide a supportive environment where children can thrive.

Our programs are licensed by the Department of Human Services. This means all facilities must meet minimum standards of space, staff-to-child ratios, and qualifications of staff members as well as State Police, Child Abuse, FBI clearances, Mandated Reporter training and Pediatric First Aid and CPR.

YWCA Lancaster is proud to have achieved four STARS in the Keystone STARS rating system.

This rigorous certification sets us apart from other top childcare centers. As a result, your child's care and early education are held to a higher standard.

Enrollment & Tuition

New Monthly Contract Tuition Rates Effective April 1, 2024

Mamá La Lechera

YWCA Lancaster is proud to partner with Mama La Lechera to host a post-partum support group. We both believe in the importance of creating and holding space for mothers and birthing persons who breastfeed, chestfeed, and bodyfeed, as well as creating community resources for new mothers and birthing persons to thrive. The group will be available at no charge to parents, whether they have yet delivered, are breast/chest feeding, or at any stage in between.

2024/2025 Closings

  • Friday, March 29, 2024 – Half Day – Closing at 12:30pm

  • Friday, April 19, 2024 – Half Day – Closing at 12:30pm

  • Friday, May 24, 2024 – Half Day – Closing at 12:30pm

  • Monday, May 27, 2024 – Memorial Day

  • Wednesday, June 19, 2024 – Juneteenth

  • Thursday, July 4, 2024 – Fourth of July

  • Friday, July 5, 2024 – Day after Fourth of July

  • Friday, August 2, 2024 – Half Day – Closing at 12:30pm

  • Friday, August 30, 2024 – Day Before Labor Day

  • Monday, September 2, 2024 – Labor Day

  • Friday, September 27, 2024 – Half Day – Closing at 12:30pm

  • Friday, October 11, 2024 – Half Day – Closing at 12:30pm

  • Monday, October 14, 2024 – Staff Day

  • Thursday, November 28, 2024 – Day of Thanks

  • Friday, November 29, 2024 – Day of Thanks

  • Monday, December 23, 2024 – Half Day – Closing at 12:30pm

  • Tuesday, December 24, 2024 – Winter Break

  • Wednesday, December 25, 2024 – Winter Break

  • Tuesday, December 31, 2024 – Half Day – Closing at 12:30pm

  • Wednesday, January 1, 2025 – New Year’s Day

  • Friday, January 17, 2025 – Half Day – Closing at 12:30pm

  • Friday, February 14, 2025 – Staff Day

  • Friday, March 21, 2025 – Half Day – Closing at 12:30pm

  • Friday, April 18, 2025 – Half Day – Closing at 12:30pm

  • Friday, May 23, 2025 – Half Day – Closing at 12:30pm

  • Monday, May 26, 2025 – Memorial Day

  • Thursday, June 19, 2025 – Juneteenth

YWCA provides enrollment opportunities for low-income families and emergency care options for families with no other immediate child care options.