At the Learning Circle YMCA, we believe every child deserves a safe, supportive space to learn, play, and discover. Since 1954, our year-round childcare program has provided enriching experiences for children ages 6 weeks to 6 years, helping them build confidence, curiosity, and community from the very beginning.
With flexible enrollment options and a caring team of educators, we help each child uncover their potential through purposeful play and hands-on learning.
Our experienced, nurturing teachers make your child’s well-being their top priority. Each educator is trained in early childhood development and creates a welcoming, supportive environment where children feel confident to explore, connect, and grow. The safety and trust of our families come first. Every staff member completes comprehensive background checks and holds current CPR and First Aid certifications, ensuring your child is always in capable, caring hands.
The Learning Circle YMCA, located at 95 Morris Avenue in Summit, features 25,000 square feet of bright, engaging space, including 17 classrooms, common areas, and 5 age-appropriate playgrounds designed for exploration and fun. Indoors, each classroom is thoughtfully furnished and developmentally designed to encourage creativity, confidence, and curiosity. Outdoors, children enjoy daily play (weather permitting) in spacious playgrounds and garden areas that inspire a love of nature and healthy movement.
Our early education programs follow The Creative Curriculum®, a state-approved, research-based framework that guides how children learn best, through play, exploration, and discovery. With 38 learning objectives, our teachers plan meaningful activities and track developmental progress for each child. For infants, toddlers, and twos, The Creative Curriculum® focuses on nurturing routines and individualized experiences that support early growth and curiosity. For preschoolers, it builds confidence, creativity, and critical thinking through hands-on, project-based studies that make learning come alive every day.
Our full-size, restaurant-style kitchen prepares fresh, nutritious meals each day and is included in tuition. We serve students two snacks and a healthy lunch daily, ensuring they have the fuel they need to learn and grow. Guided by CACFP nutrition standards and the National Academy of Medicine’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans, our menus feature a variety of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains while limiting sugar and saturated fat. By serving balanced meals, we help children build healthy habits that nourish both body and mind.
Learning and laughter extend beyond the classroom at The Learning Circle YMCA. Throughout the year, we celebrate milestones and spark creativity through engaging events such as character birthdays, dress-up days, fitness challenges, our very own “Olympics,” a Summer Carnival, 100 Days of School, animal encounters, holiday breakfasts, dances, parades, and more! To complement our in-center activities, children also enjoy exciting field trips that connect classroom learning to the wider world. Whether it’s exploring a museum, or attending a local theatre performance, we ensure every child travels safely and comfortably aboard our signature yellow school buses.
As part of our commitment to health and wellness, children in preschool and older participate in weekly swim and water safety lessons at our sister branch, the Summit YMCA, located less than a mile away. In addition, children enjoy active playtime and movement activities in the full-size Hubbard Gym, promoting coordination, confidence, and a lifelong love of movement and well-being.
We’re proud to have a licensed nurse on site to support our children’s health and wellness. From caring for bumps and scrapes to managing medications and keeping families informed, our nurse helps ensure every child stays safe, healthy, and ready to learn each day.
It’s just one more way we provide peace of mind for parents and a nurturing environment for kids to grow.
The Summit Area YMCA is proudly accredited by Praesidium, recognizing our commitment to the highest standards in abuse prevention. Safety isn’t just a priority—it’s a core value woven into every aspect of our operations. While all YMCAs follow national standards for child protection and organizational safety, Praesidium Accreditation® distinguishes our practices as exceeding those benchmarks, demonstrating our unwavering dedication to maintaining a secure, nurturing environment for every child.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Summit Area YMCA is dedicated to serving individuals and families of all backgrounds, abilities, and income levels. We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and belong. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we provide financial assistance to ensure that cost is never a barrier to participation. When you’re part of the Y, you’re part of a community committed to opening doors and hearts, for all.
Our Infant Care program provides a safe, nurturing environment where the youngest learners begin to explore the world around them. Each infant is assigned a Primary Caregiver who partners closely with parents to ensure consistent, personalized care and a smooth transition through every developmental stage. Within our warm, engaging classrooms, infants are gently guided through daily routines that promote trust, physical growth, and sensory discovery. Teachers encourage curiosity with music, movement, and age-appropriate play, helping each child build confidence and form meaningful connections from the very start. A nurturing and secure environment where babies grow, explore, and develop early social and motor skills through gentle play and care.
Year-Round
MONDAY - FRIDAY
7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
6 Weeks to 18 Months
Inquiry Form
In Toddler Care, we offer a warm, stimulating environment where curiosity, confidence, and independence begin to bloom. Each toddler is encouraged to explore, imagine, and express themselves through play-based learning designed to spark creativity and joy. Caring teachers guide children through engaging daily routines that promote language, motor, and social-emotional development, helping them navigate new experiences with growing confidence. With music, movement, art, and outdoor exploration, every day is filled with opportunities to learn, laugh, and connect. Families and teachers work together to support each child’s unique milestones, creating a foundation of trust and enthusiasm for lifelong learning.
Year-Round
MONDAY - FRIDAY
7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
18 Months to 2.5 Years
Inquiry Form
In our Preschool program, children build the foundation for a lifetime of learning through engaging, play-based experiences that spark curiosity, creativity, and confidence. Within our bright and welcoming classrooms, they explore early literacy, math, science, and art through hands-on discovery and small-group activities that make learning meaningful and fun. Teachers encourage independence and critical thinking while nurturing empathy, cooperation, and respect for others. Each day invites opportunities to ask questions, share ideas, and celebrate new achievements together. With strong home-to-school partnerships and an emphasis on social-emotional growth, our preschoolers develop the skills and self-assurance they need to thrive in kindergarten and beyond.
Year-Round
MONDAY - FRIDAY
7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
2.5 Years to 4 Years
Inquiry Form
Our Pre-K program provides children with the confidence, curiosity, and readiness they need for a smooth and successful transition to kindergarten. Through a balance of structured learning and imaginative play, they explore early literacy, math, science, and creative expression in ways that inspire problem-solving and collaboration. Our experienced teachers create a nurturing environment where each child’s voice is valued and every question sparks discovery. Daily routines help develop focus, responsibility, and independence, while group projects and storytelling foster teamwork and communication. Families stay engaged through ongoing communication and shared celebrations of growth, ensuring a strong partnership that supports every child’s journey. By the end of Pre-K, children are eager learners who are prepared academically, socially, and emotionally for the exciting adventures ahead.
Year-Round
MONDAY - FRIDAY
7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
4+ Years
Inquiry Form
The Learning Circle YMCA’s full-day Kindergarten program prepares children for a confident transition to 1st grade and beyond. Our curriculum aligns with New Jersey and Common Core standards, combining academic skill-building with the Y’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. Students benefit from small class sizes, nurturing teachers, and enrichment experiences like Weekly Swim & Gym at the Summit YMCA. We offer a 184-day program (September–June) plus over 10 days of additional care when public schools are closed.
September to June
MONDAY - FRIDAY
7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
8:30 AM - 3:00 PM
5+ Years
Inquiry Form
When the school year ends, our Pre-K and Kindergarten children continue their journey of growth and discovery at Adventurers Camp. This program blends hands-on learning with summer fun to keep kids active, curious, and engaged. Each week offers a new theme full of creative projects, outdoor play, science and nature exploration, music, and water activities that make every day feel like a new adventure.
Summer
MONDAY - FRIDAY
7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
4+ Years
Inquiry Form
VP of Early Childhood Education
Having the privilege to help set the foundation for children’s early learning and development is one of the most rewarding aspects of my role. Seeing the happy faces of our youngest members each day as they learn and grow in a safe, nurturing environment brings me a sense of joy. I’m incredibly grateful to work for an organization that allows me to witness the positive impact it has on families within the community every day.
TLC Director of Program Administration
I love the YMCA's commitment to promoting youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. I am impressed by the diverse range of programs and services offered by the Y, such as childcare, youth sports, summer camps, and fitness classes. And I am very proud knowing that my everyday job improves, directly or indirectly, the lives of individuals and families in this wonderful community.
TLC Senior Program Director, PreK and ADK
I joined the Y because the YMCA merged with the stand alone childcare center where I was employed. I remained at the YMCA because I realized that my values were aligned with the core values of the Y. The best aspect of my job is working with the children, their families and the staff. I consider it a wonderful opportunity to be able to watch the children learn, grow and thrive. I love supporting the parents and working with the staff to ensure we deliver the best care and education possible.
TLC Toddler Program Director
Why not the Y? The Learning Circle YMCA has been my home away from home for 25 years. I have personally seen its direct impact on this community. I love to see children grow, learn and thrive! In my roles as preschool teacher and program director, I have been blessed to teach many children and partner with families. My favorite aspect of this position is the interactions with our members-knowing that I have positively affected their lives!
TLC Preschool Program Director
When I began my journey at the Y, I never expected to become part of such a vibrant community and family. I deeply appreciate everything the Y stands for and all the positive contributions it makes to both the community and its staff. If I had to highlight my favorite part of my job, it would be working with children! Their curious nature, laughter, and excitement brings me endless joy!
