At the Learning Lane at the Berkeley Heights YMCA, we nurture a love for learning in every child through creativity, exploration, and play. Our early childhood education program provides a warm, engaging environment where children from preschool to pre-kindergarten build essential social, emotional, and academic skills that prepare them for lifelong success. Led by dedicated teachers and supported by flexible scheduling options, the Learning Lane offers families a trusted space where children feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow every single day.
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 Lane at the Berkeley Heights YMCA, located at 59 Locust Avenue in Berkeley Heights, includes 4 classrooms, common areas, 1 age-appropriate playground, an on-site gymnasium, and the Berkeley Heights Community Pool at the YMCA, all 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.
Starting in the 2026 school year, our early education programs will 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. 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.
At the Learning Lane, children enjoy daily opportunities for active play and physical growth in our on-site gymnasium. The gym provides a safe, spacious environment where little ones can run, jump, climb, and explore movement in exciting new ways. Through age-appropriate games, tumbling, and beginner sports activities, children build coordination, balance, and confidence all while having fun and staying active. Each day in the gym encourages teamwork, healthy habits, and a lifelong love of movement.
Education and laughter extend beyond the classroom at the Learning Lane. Throughout the year, we celebrate milestones and spark creativity through engaging events such as character birthdays, dress-up days, fitness challenges, 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. We ensure every child travels safely and comfortably aboard our signature yellow school buses.
Outdoor play and active exploration are part of every day. Our private playground gives children a safe, inviting space to climb, run, and imagine together. Just steps away, the Berkeley Heights Community Pool at the YMCA offers a fun and supportive environment for water confidence and early swim readiness. Under the guidance of trained instructors, children enjoy splash days and introductory water safety experiences that help them feel comfortable in and around the water.
As a part of the Berkeley Heights YMCA, Learning Lane families enjoy exclusive discounts on a variety of enrichment classes offered right at the same building. Spanning from creative arts to STEM activities, children can conveniently explore new interests without ever leaving the Y. These programs complement the Learning Lane experience by encouraging growth, confidence, and curiosity beyond the classroom, making it easy for families to extend learning, play, and discovery all under one roof.
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.
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
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
9:00 AM - 12:00 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
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
4+ Years
Inquiry Form
When the school year wraps up, our Pre-K and Kindergarten children jump into Busy Bees Camp, a summer filled with movement, imagination, and exploration. Each week brings a new theme buzzing with hands-on projects, outdoor adventures, science fun, music, and water play. Designed to nurture curiosity and confidence, Busy Bees keeps children active, social, and excited to learn all summer long.
Summer
MONDAY - FRIDAY
7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
2.5+ 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.
BH Learning Lane Childcare Director
Growing up with a mother who relied on YMCA childcare, I saw firsthand how vital these programs are to families. Over the years, I’ve gone from being a participant to volunteering, counseling, and stepping into leadership roles. The Y has given me the chance to impact others while discovering more about myself. I’m passionate about supporting youth, knowing our efforts today shape a better future. So many people have a Y story, and I hope to help make yours just as memorable as mine.
