Our Early Education programs are open at the following locations:

• Burbank YMCA – Preschool
• East Boston YMCA – Toddlers – Preschool
• RTH serving Huntington Avenue YMCA – Infants – Preschool
• Sylvan Road serving North Suburban YMCA – Infants – Preschool
• Kids Stop serving Parkway Community YMCA – Infants – Preschool
• Roxbury YMCA – Toddlers – Preschool
• Waltham YMCA – Infants – Preschool
• Wang YMCA of Chinatown – Infants – Preschool
• Winchester – Infants – Preschool

INFANT & TODDLER PROGRAMS

The YMCA is committed to providing a safe, loving and positive environment for infants and toddlers ages 1 month to 2.9 years. A focus is placed on flexible programming to match your child’s developmental needs. All of our programs are licensed by the State Department of Early Education and Care. Our curricula and activities strive to meet the social, emotional, cognitive and motor skill levels of each child. You will receive daily communication highlighting your child’s activities and programs. YMCA Early Education programs are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children or in the process of becoming accredited. 

PRE-SCHOOL PROGRAMS

Full day licensed programs serving children ages 2 years 9 months to 6 years. Pre-school programs within the YMCA of Greater Boston implement the “Creative Curriculum” for early childhood. This curriculum focuses on all areas of development, including social, emotional, cognitive, fine and gross motor skills, independent interaction in both small and large groups, as well as physical activities. All of the YMCA’s pre-school programs offer quality care in a safe and supportive environment that fosters the emotional, physical, social and cognitive growth of each child. In addition, your child will develop skills to build character, values, self-esteem and friendships, and kindergarten readiness. All programs are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children or are in the process of becoming accredited.

YMCA STAFF

All YMCA early education program staff are trained and experienced working with children. Staff are trained and certified in First Aid and CPR, as well as emergency procedures. In addition, their qualifications meet or exceed state standards set and enforced by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care. Staff members are chosen for their experience, education, energy, enthusiasm, and sensitivity to the needs of children.

CHILD PROTECTION POLICY 

The safety and protection of the children we serve are paramount to us. We know parents, guardians and the community-at-large place their trust in the Y to do everything that we can to ensure that the children in our care are safe. The YMCA of Greater Boston reviews all prospective members and guests against the Massachusetts Registry of Sex Offenders and prohibits membership or access to our Y’s for individuals who are classified as offenders.

FOR MORE INFORMATION EMAIL US AT CHILDCARE@YMCABOSTON.ORG.

To ensure the best experience for everyone, please adhere to the following guidelines when you participate in YMCA programs- Safe for You, Safe for Us is the way to go!

• To ensure the best experience for everyone, please adhere to the following guidelines when you participate in YMCA programs.
• Please complete your daily pre-screening prior to arriving at the branch. 
• Face coverings must be worn at all times. Select activities (swimming, group exercise) will allow for the removal of the face covering once you’ve established physical distancing, when directed by a team member. Moving to and from these programs will still require face coverings.
• Physical distancing for all classes will be followed.
• Pre-registration required to ensure spot in Group Exercise classes. Registration will open 72 hours in advance, and will typically close 1 hour before class. If you need assistance with reserving your space, please contact our Member and Community Support Center.
• Use of space markers in classes to designate participant positions. 
• Members are asked to bring their own yoga mats, resistance bands, and props. 
• Equipment must be cleaned before and after use.
• Ultimate Fitness Community Virtual Studio will continue to offer live and on-demand classes and virtual personal training. 

View Outdoor Schedules & Reserve Space
View Indoor Schedules & Reserve Space

FOOD INSECURITY HAS NEARLY DOUBLED DUE TO COVID-19

The YMCA of Greater Boston is working hard to prevent hunger to those impacted most by the pandemic. We are partnering with others to provide nutritious meals to keep children, families and seniors nourished. We sponsor more than 66 sites in Boston communities including YMCA camp sites, libraries, community centers, churches, clinics, housing developments and parks. We also work with partners to deliver food to vulnerable populations so no one ever goes to bed hungry.

Since March 16, 2020 we have delivered over 1 million meals and counting.

Part of our Hunger Prevention program is an extension of the Summer Food Service Program for Children which is a federally funded program operated nationally by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and administered by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The YMCA will sponsor and administer the serving of nutritious lunches and snacks free to children all summer who normally rely on school lunch programs. We have strong partnerships with Project Bread, The Greater Boston Food Bank, the MBTA, the Mayor’s Office of Food Access, City Fresh Foods, Boston Housing Authority, and Boston Centers for Youth & Families to support our program. We are grateful to our members who continued to pay their membership fees in support of our efforts to eliminate hunger.

The YMCA of Greater Boston also participates in CACFP as a sponsor for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Nutrition. The following YMCA Early Education centers in East Boston, Wang, Roxbury and Woburn (Sylvan Road) are participating in the program. The YMCA of Greater Boston’s Families in Transition housing shelter also participates in the CACFP program.

To learn more about the Hunger Prevention Program, contact Wendy Zinn at wzinn@ymcaboston.org, 857-205-5615.

Non-Discrimination Statement

CLICK BELOW FOR ALL 2020 HUNGER PREVENTION PROGRAM LOCATIONS:

HUNGER PREVENTION SITES

FAMILIES IN TRANSITION (FIT)

The Huntington Avenue YMCA’s Families in Transition program is an emergency shelter for homeless families, which is funded by the Department of Housing and Community Development. FIT provides a wide range of services including advocacy, life skills trainings, employment support, health and wellness opportunities, childcare provisions, case management curriculum, and housing search assistance to help families secure and sustain permanent housing and stabilization.

FIT provides accommodations for 22 families, offering amenities such as private, secured units with private baths, communal kitchens and program laundry facilities. It should be noted that 10 of FIT’s units are designated for and supported by an ancillary contract with the Department of Public Health (BSAS) to offer additional supportive case management services to families headed by single-parent moms with substance abuse history.

FIT works passionately to secure adequate, affordable housing and develop the skills and abilities to help families maintain their homes once settled into permanent housing.

Contact David Tavares for more information.

HUNTINGTON HOUSE

Huntington House features 67 single room occupancy units administered by the Boston Housing Authority and is a HUD Section 8 Moderate Rehabilitation program.  Residents in the program benefit from employment opportunities, health and wellness activities and residential management services provided by the YMCA.  The YMCA partners with many other non-profit organizations to provide Huntington House residents with a full range of supportive services.

To learn more about this program, contact HallKeen Management at (617) 927-8226.

MYSTIC PLACE SCATTERED-SITE

Our Mystic Place scattered site program offers 10 homeless families the privacy and dignity to be housed in spacious, fully furnished 2BR apartments in Medford, MA. While occupying traditional apartments, however, these families work with case mangers and housing search workers to secure their own permanent housing opportunities.

Like our Families in Transition program, Mystic Place is funded by the Department of Housing and Community Development. In addition, families are also provided a wide range of services including advocacy, life skills trainings, employment support, health and wellness opportunities, childcare provisions, case management curriculum, and housing search assistance to help families secure and sustain permanent housing and stabilization.

GET SUMMER 2020 – FREE TEEN MEMBERSHIPS!

For nearly 10 years the YMCA of Greater Boston has provided free summer memberships to high school students. As summer approaches, we continue to be devoted to keeping young people safe, healthy, and enriched even during uncertain times. While we wish we could physically open our doors to all teens, we have a responsibility to flatten the curve and modify our summer program offerings this year. In order to impact as many young people as possible, our YMCA will provide free virtual teen programming and registration-based in-person programs that will be take place at select branch locations.

Get Summer Registration

Program Offerings:

• Virtual Teen Clubs
• Monthly Virtual Teen Summits
• Free registration-based in-person programs at select branches

How to register: Young people alongside their parent/guardian must complete our online Get Summer application. Young people will receive information about program offerings and may select their program of interest whether it is in-person or a virtual program. Programs are available at a first come, first serve basis..

Teens and their parents/guardians will attend Virtual Teen orientation prior to attending in-person programming.

Dates: July 29th – Sept 4th

In-Person Get Summer Hours:

• Dorchester YMCA, East Boston YMCA, Oak Square YMCA, Roxbury YMCA
  • Tuesday – Friday: 5:00pm – 8:00pm
  • Saturday: 3:00pm – 8:00pm
• Huntington Avenue YMCA, Thomas M. Menino YMCA, Wang YMCA of Chinatown
  • Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 5:00pm – 8:00pm
• Egleston YMCA
  • Monday – Friday: 2:00pm – 6:00pm

BOSTON SUMMER YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM

The YMCA of Greater Boston prepares young people for the workforce through youth employment opportunities by hiring teens as early as age 15 into age appropriate positions. Youth employment is extremely beneficial for young people and we continue to commit to the development of our youth. To increase our impact in the Boston community, our Boston branches partner with city and community agencies who place young people in YMCA positions.  As a partner, we strive to equip youth with the necessary skills and guidance needed to be successful in the workforce.

COVID-19 Safety Pre Cautions: The safety of our young people is our top priority as we continue our youth employment opportunities. Our YMCA will follow proper social distancing and sanitization procedures to keep young people safe and healthy.

Job opportunities Include:

• Food Distribution
• Child Development
• Virtual Employment
• Welcome Center
• Child Watch
• Other initiative-specific roles

How to apply?

To potentially be placed at a YMCA position Teens must apply through partner agencies:

DYEE: www.boston.gov/departments/youth-engagement-and-employment
PIC:  www.bostonpic.org

(YMCA cannot ensure young people placement at the Y this is a partnership with the city. Teens must be 15 years old)

Food Programs – Free school year and summer food

The YMCA is working to make sure that no young person goes hungry when school is not in session. The YMCA recognizes the need for the program throughout Greater Boston.  Many of our young people rely on school breakfast and lunch during the school year as their main source of food.  When they do not have access to these meals, they do not have the energy or focus during the summer.  The YMCA helps fill this gap by providing nutritious meals and activities to keep kids nourished and engaged.

YMCA Y Achievers Program – Learn, Grow, Excel.

Y Achievers is a national college achievement and career development program with a purpose to help teens set and pursue high educational and career goals, resulting in graduation and acceptance to an institution of higher learning.

The YMCA of Greater Boston intentionally introduces teens in grades 7-12 to professionals who guide them through experiences – ranging from civic engagement, community service projects, and academic support – that readies them for life after high school, In Y Achievers, students make new friends, learn healthy lifestyle choices, and prepare for their future.

As a signature program of the YMCA of Greater Boston, we are able to reach students from every major Boston neighborhood, with the majority of youth program participants residing in Roxbury, Dorchester, Hyde Park, East Boston, Brighton or Mattapan.

Program Objectives:

• Expose youth to career and college knowledge through the lens of professionals who look like them. We believe that children cannot aspire to be what they cannot see.
• Help youth develop individual talents, a positive sense of self, and leadership ability.
• Motivate participants to raise academic performance, succeed in school, and gain marketable skills.

Register for Y Achievers class of 2020-2021 School Year

Summer Youth Sports

Sustaining Family Members – thank you for your support! Our Youth Sports programs are complimentary though the end of the year as our thank you to you for staying with us to support families, children and seniors during the pandemic. Please register to take advantage of this added value.

Classes will be limited to 9 for sports classes and advanced registration is required. Depending on the location, classes will be held either indoors or outdoors following strict safety guidelines to ensure the safety of everyone. Review our FAQs to learn more about participation in our Summer Youth Sports classes.

Summer Session: Monday, July 20 – Saturday, August 29

Registration is Open! 

The YMCA of Greater Boston Summer Youth Sports programs promote health through active play, hone sports skills like agility and speed, and place value in participation over competition. Our programs also encourage individual development, a positive self-image, and a sense of fair play and mutual respect for others.

Programs offered:

• Basketball Skills & Drills
• Soccer Skills & Drills
• Sports Sampler
• Swim Clinics
• And more!

Check your local branch schedule for days and times. Advanced registration required.

View Schedules & Sign Up

Splash into Summer!

Capacity will be limited at the Waltham Outdoor Pool and indoor pools, so reservations will be required and can be made 72 hours in advance. If you need assistance with reserving your space, please contact our Member and Community Support Center.

Please be assured that everyone’s safety is our number one priority. We are following the guidelines issued by health experts, as well as local, state and federal officials, to ensure that our pools and facilities meet the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene. 

You must complete an online screening before coming to the pool or facility and everyone will be screened prior to entry. We are also making appropriate accommodations for physical distancing so that everyone can stay safe and protected while enjoying our pools. Please note that family members will be allowed to sit and swim together!

Face coverings must be worn at all times. Swimming will allow for the removal of the face covering once you’ve established physical distancing, or when directed by a team member. Moving to and from the pool deck will still require face coverings.

Waltham Outdoor Pool Schedule & Reservations Indoor Pool Schedules & Reservations

ADVENTURE AWAITS IN OUR SUMMER CAMPS

Y Day Camp keeps kids engaged, safe, healthy and learning. At the Y, we focus on your child as a whole, including top-notch sports and swimming instruction, exploration of the community, and developing life-long friendships. We emphasize seamlessly weaving literacy, math, and science lessons into our curriculum, preventing summer learning loss and making sure our camp kids are ready to return to school in the fall.  Above all, we focus on making summer fun!

During the summer months, the YMCA offers a wide range of state licensed day camps and programs. While at camp, children engage in a myriad of activities which promote physical well-being and summer learning, in addition to social and emotional growth. Activities include swimming, field games, arts and crafts, group activities, field trips and other exciting events

Day Camp locations for summer 2020:

• Burbank YMCA
• Dorchester YMCA
• East Boston YMCA
• Huntington Ave. YMCA
• North Suburban YMCA
• Oak Square YMCA
• Parkway Community YMCA
• Thomas M. Menino YMCA
• Roxbury YMCA
• Waltham YMCA
• Wang YMCA

*Day Camps at Charles River, Hale Reservation, Camp Ponkapoag & Wakanda will not open in summer 2020.

Day camps are currently registering for Summer 2020! Download your registration forms and submit to your branch contact, listed below. 

Registration Forms

• Burbank YMCA: Juli Fahey JFahey@ymcaboston.org 
• Dorchester YMCA: Anetty Feliz AFeliz@ymcaboston.org
• East Boston YMCA: Mariled Arango MArango@ymcaboston.org
• Huntington Avenue YMCA: Lisa Ayala LAyala@ymcaboston.org
• North Suburban YMCA: Lisa Cruz LCruz@ymcaboston.org
• Oak Square YMCA: Tracy Wallace TWallace@ymcaboston.org
• Parkway Community YMCA: Jonathan Lavely JLavely@ymcaboston.org
• Roxbury YMCA: Danielle McFarlane DMcFarlane@ymcaboston.org
• Thomas M. Menino YMCA: Amber Carroll ACarroll@ymcaboston.org
• Waltham YMCA: Tracy Wallace TWallace@ymcaboston.org
• Wang YMCA of Chinatown: Lisa Ayala LAyala@ymcaboston.org

Summer Youth Sports

Sustaining Family Members – thank you for your support! Our Youth Sports programs are complimentary though the end of the year as our thank you to you for staying with us to support families, children and seniors during the pandemic. Please register to take advantage of this added value.

Classes will be limited to 9 for sports classes and advanced registration is required. Depending on the location, classes will be held either indoors or outdoors following strict safety guidelines to ensure the safety of everyone. Review our FAQs to learn more about participation in our Summer Youth Sports classes.

Summer Session: Monday, July 20 – Saturday, August 29

Registration is Open! 

The YMCA of Greater Boston Summer Youth Sports programs promote health through active play, hone sports skills like agility and speed, and place value in participation over competition. Our programs also encourage individual development, a positive self-image, and a sense of fair play and mutual respect for others.

Programs offered:

• Basketball Skills & Drills
• Soccer Skills & Drills
• Sports Sampler
• Swim Clinics
• And more!

Swim Clinic Prerequisites by Age Group:

Under 9:

• Must be a Stage 4 or above simmer.
• Must be able to swim 25 yards front crawl and backstroke.
• Must be able to swim 25 yards of dolphin kick and breaststroke kick.

9 and Over:

• Must be a Swim Club, Intro to Competitive, Competitive, or Stage 6 swimmer.
• Must be able to swim 200 consecutive yards and proficient in all 4 competitive strokes. (butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle.)

Check your local branch schedule for days and times. Advanced registration required.

View Schedules & Sign Up

12-week virtual training cycle starts Monday, June 22. Contact Raysa Stroud at RStroud@ymcaboston.or or 617-542-1800 x2728 to learn more.

The YMCA Training, Inc. program is an intensive 20-week, full-time (600 hours) computerized office skills training and employment program.  Designed to replicate the expectations of a professional office environment, the training prepares participants with both the technical and job readiness skills to succeed.

We provide intensive, hands-on, innovative technical training in a simulated business environment and engage lasting, deep commitment of major employers in Greater Boston. Our program is constantly reviewed and informed by industry partners, ensuring that participants are receiving the most relevant, hands-on training to gain career-building employment in the Greater Boston area.

OUR IMPACT

• $103.5 million earned by graduates last year
• $25.8 million taxes paid by graduates last year
• $1.2 million was saved in just the past two years in public assistance and unemployment payments as recipients gained new employment
• YMCA Training, Inc. graduates’ monthly income nearly triples with their first job after training

OUR RESULTS

• 4,750 graduates
• Over 120 companies hired a YMCA Training, Inc. graduate in the past 2 years
• 80% job placement rate
• 86% of graduates retain their job for over 1 year

OUR HISTORY

For over 30 years, YMCA Training, Inc. has been among Greater Boston’s most successful workforce development programs, enabling people in poverty to move into thriving self-sufficiency through professional skills training and employment. In 1984, Elsa Bengel brought the YMCA Training, Inc. model from Chicago and Indianapolis to Boston, where the program has been part of the YMCA of Greater Boston ever since.

Over 4,750 women and men have successfully completed YMCA Training, Inc. and moved onto skilled jobs with benefits, and opportunities for career advancement. In the past year alone, YMCA Training, Inc. graduates earned about $103.5 million and paid about $25.8 million in taxes.

The August session of virtual fee-based English classes begins Monday, July 27.

Online Pronunciation and Conversation    

Join the 9:00-10:15am English language class online to improve your speaking, listening, pronunciation. Class will take place on Zoom meetings with a live instructor and classmates. Available for beginning, intermediate, and advanced level students.  

Class Times: M/Tu/We/Th/Fr 09:00 am – 10:15 
Price: $200
Class ID#: 69214

Regular English: Online Reading, Writing, and Grammar  

Join this Reading, Writing, and Grammar class to improve your grammar skills as well as your reading and writing.  This course involves 5 hours of individual study online as well as 7 hours of live class time with a teacher in zoom meetings.  Available for beginning, intermediate, and advanced level students. 

Class Times: M/Tu/We/Th/Fr 10:30am -12:00pm
Price: $400
Class ID#: 79471

Online Intensive English as a Second Language  

Take this class combination to improve your reading, writing, listening, and speaking.  These courses meet five days a week and require approximately 1 hour a day of individual study time and live zoom classes from 9:00am-12pm.   

Class Times: M/Tu/We/Th/Fri 9:00- 12:00pm (includes a 15 minute break between classes)
Price:  $500
Class ID#: 79371  

Online Morning Advanced Option: Test Preparation, Academic English, or Business English  

Join one of our advanced option courses to deepen your understanding of English and prepare for academic study or using English in the business world.

Class Times: Mo/Tu/We/Th/Fr 10:30-12:00pm
Price: $550
Class ID#: 73011

 Online Afternoon Advanced Option: Test Preparation, Academic English, or Business English 

Join one of our advanced option courses to deepen your understanding of English and prepare for academic study or using English in the business world. 

Class Times: Mo/Tu/We/Th/Fr 1:00pm – 2:30pm
Price: $550
Class ID#: 73012

• Prices include the purchase of an E-textbook and/or other online material for your courses. 
• August Session Dates: July 27 – August 21, 2020   

Register for Online Classes 

Instructions for new Students:  

1. Apply online here 
2. Take assessment here to help us place you in the right level. 
3. Pay for classes here and follow the instructions below.
   1. Click “Setup Online Account” 
   2. Click “Create My Account” 
   3. After the online account is created, click “Find Programs/Register On-Line” 
   4. In the “Branch” drop-down, select Education and Training. 
   5. In the box that says “Keyword”, you can search by which month you would like to register. Then, click search. You can also use the class ID above to find your class.
   6. Register and pay for classes 

 Instructions for returning Students: 

1. Choose your class or classes
2. Pay for classes here and follow the instructions below. 
   1. Click “Setup Online Account” 
   2. Click “Create My Account”  After the online account is created, click “Find Programs/Register On-Line” 
   3. In the “Branch” drop-down, select Education and Training. 
   4. In the box that says “Keyword”, you can search by which month you would like to register. Then, click search. You can also use the class ID above to find your class.
   5. Register and pay for classes 

If you have any questions or problems, please call (617) 927-8244 between 10am and 4pm EST or email international@ymcaboston.org.