Early Education at the Y

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.

Fitness Centers

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!

• Please complete your daily pre-screening prior to arriving at the branch.
• Face masks must be worn at all times. Select activities will allow for the removal of the face mask once you’ve established physical distancing, or when directed by signage or a team member. Moving to and from these spaces will still require face masks.
• Pre-registration required. Registration will open 3 days in advance. If you need assistance with reserving your space, please contact The Y Experience and Community Support Center.
• Equipment must be cleaned before and after use.

Reserve Space

Water Fitness

Water Fitness classes are one of the benefits of being a member of the YMCA of Greater Boston. Exercising in the water provides a total body workout that gives you cardio and strength training while having less impact on your joints. The resistance of the water against your body helps strengthen and tone your muscles while providing a fun and unique environment to exercise. We offer a wide variety of classes to meet your exercise needs.

More classes coming soon!

Water Fitness Schedules

Group Exercise

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!

• Please complete your daily pre-screening prior to arriving at the branch. 
• Face masks must be worn at all times. 
• Physical distancing for all classes will be followed.
• Pre-registration required to ensure spot in Group Exercise classes. Registration will open 3 days in advance, and will typically close 1 hour before class. If you need assistance with reserving your space, please contact The Y Experience 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.
• YMCA GO will continue to offer live and on-demand classes and virtual personal training. 

View Schedules & Reserve Space

We are working to add additional outdoor group exercise classes in our Boston branches! Stay tuned!

Y CAMP AWAITS!

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

We continue to stay committed to the safety of your children and family by updating and adapting our safety policies per recommendations from the CDC, EEC, ACA and the State of Massachusetts guidelines. Safety is our top priority so thank you for your continued cooperation and patience.

2021 Camp Registration opens in January! Join our Virtual Open House on Saturday, January 30th for more information!

Register for camp by the weekend of January 30-31st to lock in last year’s special rates, join an open house session for more information. If you have any questions and would like to contact us please email us at the corresponding email address listed below:

Camp FAQ’s

Camp Guides 2021

SIGN UP FOR OUR VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE

Contact Us:

Burbank YMCA (Onsite, Wakanda & Camp Q) – Burbankcamps@ymcaboston.org

North Suburban YMCA – Northsuburbancamps@ymcaboston.org

Waltham YMCA – Walthamcamps@ymcaboston.org

Oak Square YMCA – Oaksquarecamps@ymcaboston.org

Charles River YMCA – Charlesrivercamps@ymcaboston.org

Parkway YMCA – Westroxburycamps@ymcaboston.org

Menino YMCA (SLA & Ponkapoag) – Meninocamps@ymcaboston.org

Dorchester YMCA – Dorchestercamps@ymcaboston.org

East Boston YMCA (Ashley Street Camp) – Eastbostoncamps@ymcaboston.org

Huntington YMCA – Huntingtoncamps@ymcaboston.org

Roxbury YMCA – Roxburycamps@ymcaboston.org 

Wang YMCA – Wangcamps@ymcaboston.org

SPORTS PROGRAMS

Due to the Mayor’s order effective December 16, 2020 moving the City of Boston back to Phase 2, Step 2 of the reopening plan, we have modified our program schedule for Spring sports programs.

Session Dates: 

Spring 1: March 1 – April 18

Spring 2: April 26 – June 20

Register for Sports Programs

View Spring Schedules & Register

The YMCA of Greater Boston 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.

Capacity is limited 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. All YMCA of Greater Boston “Safe for You, Safe for Us” protocols apply. Before visiting our facilities, please review our new member safety agreement, as well as our policies and procedures. Review our FAQs to learn more about participation in our Sports programs.

Jr. Celtics Youth Development League

Session Dates: March 1 – April 25

Register for Jr. Celtics

The official youth basketball program of the Boston Celtics, Jr. Celtics provides overwhelmingly positive youth basketball experiences by treating each child like an MVP, rewarding players for self-improvement and teamwork, building a future generation of champions and lifelong basketball fans. Jr. Celtics will be running at select YMCA branches.

Every participant receives a Size 6 Celtics basketball and official Celtics t-shirt!

Opportunities for participants include:

• Special appearances from Celtic VIPs throughout the session
• Jr. Celtics Virtual Draft Night
• Virtual Training Sessions led by Celtics Youth Basketball staff
• Opportunity to participate in Jr. Celtics All-Star Weekend featuring interleague basketball competitions
• End of Season awards for Most Improved players

PODs are always enrolling!

Any Pod that would like to book a program are welcome to call their local YMCA of Greater Boston branch to arrange. Pods are groups of children who have been quarantining or schooling together through COVID-19. 

Swimming Lessons

The YMCA has long been America’s favorite swimming instructor. Whether just learning how to swim, improving strokes, swimming competitively or taking water exercise classes, members are in safe hands with our certified swimming instructors and lifeguards. All ages – from infants to seniors – can learn to swim.

Due to the Mayor’s order effective December 16, 2020 moving the City of Boston back to Phase 2, Step 2 of the reopening plan, we have modified our program schedule for Spring swim lessons.

Session Dates: 

Spring 1: March 1 – April 18

Spring 2: April 26 – June 20

View Schedules & Register For Swim Lessons

Swim Lesson Descriptions

You asked, we answered! Parents accompanying their swimmers in the pool is now optional for Preschool and Youth Stages 2 and 3.

Capacity is limited, so register early to secure your spot. All YMCA of Greater Boston “Safe for You, Safe for Us” protocols apply. Before visiting our facilities, please review our new member safety agreement, as well as our policies and procedures. 

PODs & Private Swim Lessons are always enrolling!

Private Swim Lessons 

Private Swim Lessons for preschoolers, youth and adults are scheduled at the convenience of the individual, instructor, and pool availability. 

Request Private Swim Lessons

Any Pod that would like to book a program are welcome to call their local YMCA of Greater Boston branch to arrange. Pods are groups of children who have been quarantining or schooling together through COVID-19. 

Community Learning Centers

Children will get the support they need in a safe, nurturing and caring environment. We partner with parents and teachers to help our children reach their full potential through our whole-child approach to learning and more.

Community Learning Centers will serve children in groups of 10-13 students, from 8:00am-5:00pm. Our qualified and dedicated staff will provide support with remote learning, while infusing physical activity, enrichment and nutritious meals and snacks throughout the day.

Our program is following Massachusetts State Guidelines for safety. All children and staff will be required to wear masks and centers will be set up to maintain physical distancing with regular cleaning occurring through the day and night.

Registration Forms

For more information, please contact your branch representative, below.

• Burbank YMCA: MaryAnn Hanafin MHanafin@ymcaboston.org
• Dorchester YMCA: David Shaw DShaw@ymcaboston.org
• East Boston YMCA: Britney Ortiz BOrtiz@ymcaboston.org
• Huntington Avenue YMCA: Rachel Cavella RCavella@ymcaboston.org
• North Suburban YMCA: Kathleen Baker KBaker@ymcaboston.org
• Oak Square YMCA: Devin Collins-Ives DIves@ymcaboston.org
• Parkway Community YMCA: Rachel Cavella RCavella@ymcaboston.org
• Roxbury YMCA: Maggie Mattiani MMattiani@ymcaboston.org
• Thomas M. Menino YMCA: Ashley Cobb ACobb@ymcaboston.org
• Waltham YMCA: Amanda Walsh AWalsh@ymcaboston.org
• Wang YMCA of Chinatown: Maggie Mattiani MMattiani@ymcaboston.org

Reserve Gym Time

Capacity is limited, and reservations are required for all activities.

Our virtual training starts October 26. Contact IntakeTI@ymcaboston.org or call (617) 542-1800.

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.

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.

YMCA of Greater Boston: Teen Signature Programs

Teens participating in one of our signature programs receive a FREE Membership to any of our YMCA’s of Greater Boston!

Y Achievers 

Y Achievers is a national program that helps youth in seventh through twelfth grade scholars discover and pursue higher educational and career goals by equipping them with the skills needed to succeed and be community role models. Young people will participate in workforce readiness, college readiness and life skills sessions to support their pathway to success through bi-weekly programming by grade level. Traditionally our program was held at the campus of Northeastern University. This year with the health and safety of our young people in mind we are hosting sessions at our local YMCA’s on Saturday’s in small in person groups. While we will provide an in person option for young people, our program will have a weekly virtual Achievers sessions to provide greater access to young people. Register today to reserve your space! Welcome Youth Achievers!

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.

YMCAs with in-person sessions: Oak Square (Brighton), Huntington Avenue, Roxbury, Egleston (Roxbury), East Boston, Dorchester and Thomas M. Menino (Hyde Park)

Register for Y Achievers

Leaders Club

Leaders Club is a character and leadership development program that serves teens in seventh through twelfth grades in Boston. It is organized for the purpose of providing knowledge, training and experiences to young people. In this program, our young people become strong leaders in their communities, foster a spirit of service to others and helps shape a healthy lifestyle in Body, Mind and Spirit. At the YMCA of Greater Boston we understand that our actions at a local level impact the world at large, our leaders will continue to learn and explore the Global Goals for Sustainable Development. Weekly program sessions will be held at select YMCA’s in person and a virtual Leaders Club will be available for young people who would rather attend online.

YMCAs with in-person sessions: Oak Square (Brighton), Huntington Avenue, Roxbury, Egleston (Roxbury), East Boston, Dorchester, Parkway (West Roxbury), Charlestown, Wang (Chinatown) and Thomas M. Menino (Hyde Park)

Register for Leaders Club

Youth & Government

Youth & Government is national program which teaches young people the steps to make social change happen. This program allows youth to think of ways on how to improve their town, city or state.  Students participate in a Model Government Conference by acting as a Senator, House Representative, Lobbyist, Judge, Lawyer, Journalist and more. Delegates receive training in these positions through weekly meetings and special training events prior to the conference.   Youth have the opportunity to meet with other young people in the New England region who they may not know otherwise. Weekly program sessions will be held at select YMCA’s in person and a virtual Leaders Club will be available for young people who would rather attend online.

YMCAs with in-person sessions: Oak Square (Brighton), Huntington Avenue, Roxbury, Egleston (Roxbury), East Boston, Dorchester, Parkway Community (West Roxbury), Charlestown, Wang (Chinatown), North Suburban (Woburn) and Thomas M. Menino (Hyde Park)

Register for Youth & Government

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.

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 3.3 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

Splash into Summer!

Capacity will be limited at the Waltham Outdoor Pool and indoor pools, so reservations will be required and can be made 3 days in advance. If you need assistance with reserving your space, please contact The Y Experience 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 masks must be worn at all times. Swimming will allow for the removal of the face masks once you’ve established physical distancing, or when directed by a team member. Moving to and from the pool deck will still require face masks.

Indoor Pool Schedules & Reservations

SIGN UP FOR SESSIONS BELOW TO TAKE OUR MONTHLY ENGLISH COURSES

Online Pronunciation and Conversation    

Join the 9:00-10:00 am English language class online to improve your speaking, listening, pronunciation, and conversation skills in Zoom meetings with a live instructor and classmates.   

Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Class Times: M/Tu/We/Th/Fr 09:00 am – 10:00 am
Price: $200 for 4 week session

Reading, Writing, and Grammar

This reading and writing course is created to better meet your learning needs. In this class, our experienced teachers will work with you to help improve your grammar, reading, and writing through online classes and coursework. Instructors meet with students four days a week to introduce a grammar concept, and lead practice activities.

Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Class Times: M/Tu/We/Th 10:30am- 12:00pm
Price: $350 for 4 week session.

Bookclub

Join this advanced level book club to read and discuss popular short stories and English literature with other High Intermediate and Advanced Level students.  This group meets once a week and is led by an experienced instructor.   

Levels: High Intermediate, Advanced
Class Times: Thursdays, 3:00-4:30pm
Price:  $70 for 4 week session

Online Intensive English as a Second Language  

This class is a combination of the conversation class and grammar class. Classes will include live zoom classes from 9:00-12:00 and approximately 1 hour each day of individual study on our online platforms. Conversation class will run 9:00am-10:15am and Grammar class will run 10:30am-12:00pm

Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Class Times: M/Th/Fri 9:00am- 12:00pm (includes a 15 minute break between classes), Tu/We 9-10:15am
Price:  $550 for 4 week session. Includes cost of EText and My English Lab access.

NEW! Online Advanced Option (Morning)

Join this advanced level class to improve your advanced language skills. In this class, our experienced teachers will work with you to help improve specialized language skills. Instructors will lead you through four days of online work, and assign you coursework to practice improving your skills.

Levels: Advanced
Class Times: Mo/Tu/We/Th, 10:30am-12:00pm
Courses Available: Academic English, TOEFL training, Business English
Price:  $425 for 4 week session. Includes cost of online materials.

NEW! Online Advanced Option (Afternoon)

Join this advanced level class to improve your advanced language skills. In this class, our experienced teachers will work with you to help improve specialized language skills. Instructors will lead you through five days of online work, and assign you coursework to practice improving your skills.

Levels: Advanced
Class Times: Mo/Tu/We/Th/Fr, 1:00pm-2:30pm
Courses Available: Academic English, TOEFL training, Business English
Price:  $425 for 4 week session. Includes cost of online materials.

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. Fill in your information and select your branch: “Education and Training.”
   4. After the online account is created, click “Find Programs/Register On-Line”
   5. In the “Branch” drop-down, select Education and Training.
   6. 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.
   7. 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 Access”
   2. Verify your email and contact information
   3. Follow instructions to create a password
   4. After the online  account is created, click “Find Programs/Register On-Line” 
   5. In the “Branch” drop-down, select Education and Training.
   6. 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. 
   7. 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.