Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
This image shows a young girl sitting at a table in a brightly lit classroom environment. She has a cheerful smile, dark hair

Chandler / Gilbert Family YMCA

Y-Academy Early Learning

1655 West Frye Road
Chandler, AZ 85224
Director
Alyssa O'Hara
Mon - Fri:
6:30am – 6:30pm
Supporting Children
6 Weeks - Age 5
This image features a woman standing in a bright and colorful classroom setting, presumably designed for young children. She has long red hair

Alyssa O'Hara

Associate Executive Director

Alyssa, with a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, has dedicated 14 years to education, beginning her career in South Korea as an English Language teacher. Her passion for early childhood development shines as she supports young learners through their milestones, celebrating each step in their growth. A mother of two, Alyssa blends her professional expertise with the invaluable insights of parenthood, bringing a compassionate and nurturing approach to her work with children and families.

Alyssa, with a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, has dedicated 14 years to education, beginning her career in South Korea as an English Language teacher. Her passion for early childhood...

Alyssa, with a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, has dedicated 14 years to education, beginning her career in South Korea as an English Language teacher. Her passion for early childhood development shines as she supports young learners through their milestones, celebrating each step in their growth. A mother of two, Alyssa blends her professional expertise with the invaluable insights of parenthood, bringing a compassionate and nurturing approach to her work with children and families.

Navilda Dias

Assistant Director

Navilda joined the YMCA as a Lead Teacher with 16 years of experience teaching in India and a Masters of Arts in Education. She quickly was promoted to Assistant Director at the Chandler YMCA and serves as a mentor teacher in a statewide professional development cohort. Navilda’s commitment to each teacher and student at the center is evident in her hands-on approach to coaching.

Navilda joined the YMCA as a Lead Teacher with 16 years of experience teaching in India and a Masters of Arts in Education. She quickly was promoted to Assistant Director...

Navilda joined the YMCA as a Lead Teacher with 16 years of experience teaching in India and a Masters of Arts in Education. She quickly was promoted to Assistant Director at the Chandler YMCA and serves as a mentor teacher in a statewide professional development cohort. Navilda’s commitment to each teacher and student at the center is evident in her hands-on approach to coaching.
The image displays a graphic design composed of two distinct shades of purple on either side, separated by a curved white line that runs

You Deserve Peace of Mind About Your Early Education Provider

How Your Child Will Be Supported

NURTURING ENVIRONMENT

At our learning centers, we create a warm and welcoming atmosphere where every child feels valued and safe. Our nurturing environment is designed to support your child’s emotional, social, and physical development.

HIGHLY QUALIFIED TEACHERS

Our team of certified teachers brings expertise, passion, and dedication to early childhood education. We understand the pivotal role educators play in shaping young minds.

HOLISTIC CURRICULUM

Our intentional curriculum is thoughtfully designed to promote comprehensive development, balancing structured learning with creative exploration.

  • NURTURING ENVIRONMENT

    At our learning centers, we create a warm and welcoming atmosphere where every child feels valued and safe. Our nurturing environment is designed to support your child’s emotional, social, and physical development.

  • HIGHLY QUALIFIED TEACHERS

    Our team of certified teachers brings expertise, passion, and dedication to early childhood education. We understand the pivotal role educators play in shaping young minds.

  • HOLISTIC CURRICULUM

    Our intentional curriculum is thoughtfully designed to promote comprehensive development, balancing structured learning with creative exploration.

Swipe

Curriculum for Well-Rounded Development at Every Age

Award-Winning Creative Curriculum

  • Observers

    This image captures a group of young children engaged in play in what looks like a classroom or daycare setting. There are two children

    6
    Weeks +

    In our Observers class, each child follows their own eating and sleeping schedule. We cater to each child’s needs while providing stimulating interactions that foster emotional and physical growth. The Observers program is designed to make each little one feel safe, secure, and loved.

  • Discoverers

    This image shows a young child engaging in a coloring activity. The child, who is wearing a white t-shirt, is focused

    1
    Age

    In our Discoverers class, your child will enjoy a structured day that prioritizes learning through play done under the tender guidance and nurturing of our caregivers, who provide a solid foundation for a love of learning.

  • Explorers

    This image captures a young child engaged in coloring at a wooden table. The child, with light brown hair, is holding a

    2
    Age

    The Explorers classroom offers structured activities that provide frequent opportunities for language development and meaning-making. Curriculum units cover familiar subject area at an accessible level, introducing your Explorer to early concepts in language, math, science, and the arts.

  • Innovators

    This image shows a young girl concentrating on drawing on a blue easel. She has dark hair tied up in a cute bun

    3
    Age

    The Preschool program emphasizes learning through play and introduces more advanced classroom structures and routines. Circle time, themed learning centers, and skill-based work jobs contribute to students’ social and emotional growth, cognitive skills, and motor development.

  • Scholars

    This image depicts an engaging classroom scene where children are playing educational games with the guidance of adults. On the left, a boy

    4-5
    Age

    Students in this program build a social foundation of knowledge and depart with the confidence and capabilities necessary for a successful transition to kindergarten. Students expand their relational and self-advocacy skills through structured play, group activities, and new opportunities for presentations, music, and art.

A Caring, Welcoming Environment

Snapshots of Life at the Y-Academy @ Chandler/Gilbert Family YMCA

This image shows a young boy focused on playing with building blocks at a table. He is wearing a black T-shirt with colorful
This image captures a heartwarming moment between two people, likely in a classroom setting. An older girl with curly hair and
The image shows a child holding a large purple magnifying glass up to their face. The focus is on the child's eye
The image features a young boy with short brown hair and bright blue eyes looking towards the camera with a slight smile. He is
This image shows a young girl with her head down, focused on reading a large book. She has long dark hair tied back
The image features a child holding up a large, blue educational toy called a "Science Viewer." The viewer is labelled with the

What Parents Are Saying

  • “My daughter has thrived in Y-Academy! She looks forward to going every day and loves the hands-on activities that keep her engaged.”

    – Tiffany M.

  • “The staff at Y-Academy are incredible. They truly care about the well-being and development of every child.”

    – Maria M.

  • “We’re so grateful for the Y-Academy’s supportive environment, where our son is learning and having fun in a safe space.”

    – Destiny J.

  • “Y-Academy has been a game-changer for our family. It provides a structured and enriching program that our kids love.”

    – Jenna C.

This image shows a young child with blond hair and blue eyes, smiling and looking to the side while holding an orange magnifying
Steps background image

Enroll Today in Three Easy Steps

How the Process Works

1 Step

BOOK A TOUR

Schedule a visit to explore our classrooms and meet our teachers.

2 Step

REGISTER TO SECURE YOUR SPOT

Complete your registration to ensure a place in our program.

3 Step

WATCH YOUR CHILD GROW!

Observe as your child thrives in our nurturing environment.

Schedule A Tour Today!
The image shows two young boys engaged in playing with a collection of colorful Lego bricks. The boy on the left is wearing a

Finding the Right Early Learning Program Can Be Difficult

We Are Here to Help

Choosing the right preschool or day care is a really important decision. You deserve peace of mind that your child is getting the nurturing environment they deserve. At our child care centers, we create a warm and welcoming atmosphere where every child feels valued and safe...

Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

More About Y-Academy

Our Y is committed to supporting families and children in the area; the Early Learning Center provides a nurturing environment where children feel safe and supported while learning, growing, making friends and preparing for the world of kindergarten and beyond. Our core values, caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and safety, are implemented daily in everything we do. The Y is committed to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. We have educated, well-trained employees committed to our cause.

Yes! Schedule a tour today!

Tuition Rates – Each Section:

Due 2 times a month on the 1st & 15th

  • Infants (6 wks – 12 m)
    • Member Rate: $657.50
    • Non-Member: $712.50
  • Preschool 1 yr
    • Member Rate: $527.50
    • Non-Member: $577.50
  • Preschool 2 yr
    • Member Rate: $487.50
    • Non-Member: $537.50
  • Preschool 3 yr
    • Member Rate: $472.50
    • Non-Member: $522.50
  • Pre-k 4-5 yrs
    • Member Rate: $455.00
    • Non-Member: $505.00

  • 6:30 am – 9:00 am: Early Risers Program
    • 6:30 am: Free choice
    • 7:30 am: Breakfast
    • 8:00 am: Gym
    • 9:00 am: Circle (Books, songs, music, and movement)
  • 10:00 am: Snack
  • 10:30 am: Small group
  • 10:45 am: Gym (Group games, gross motor skills)
  • 11:30 am: Lunch pep/wash hands
  • 11:45 am: Lunch
  • 12:30 pm: Nap
  • 2:00 pm: Quiet activities
  • 2:45 pm: Gym
  • 3:30 pm: Snack
  • 3:45 pm: Circle (Books, songs, music, and movement)
  • 4:00 pm: Free choice
  • 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm: Evening Starts Program

  • To enroll, please visit our Early Learning Center in person with the documents listed below.
    • Emergency card
    • Medication form (if applicable)
    • Immunization
    • Best of care form

  • What child safety measures are in place?
    • Weapons are prohibited
    • Staff are certified in the following: First Aid, CPR, Blood Borne Pathogens, Child Abuse Prevention, and are required to take 18 hours of professional development training every year. They also undergo a nationwide criminal background check, and Arizona state background check.
    • All of our staff are mandated reporters by law. If any form of child abuse or neglect is suspected, by law our staff are required to report it verbally to Dept of Child Safety (888-SOS-CHILD) immediately. The staff who reports the incident must also submit a written report to CPS within 72 hours. We are fortunate to employ mature and caring staff, anxious to make your family’s experience as fun, educational, safe, and memorable as possible.

  • The Y is firmly committed to access for all, regardless of family financial situations. The amount of financial assistance awarded each year is dependent on the amount of fundraising and donations received each year.
  • Scholarship form must be fully completed with all information included. Allow a minimum of three weeks for processing. All fees apply as normal until the application has been reviewed and approved. All scholarships are subject to availability of funds.
  • While we are committed to serving everyone, participants are expected to pay a fee based on their financial ability. Anyone is eligible to apply for Financial Assistance and awards are based on a sliding scale that considers household size and income. You may download the application located on our website valleyymca.org/join-the-y/financial-assistance/ and include required documentation and return to the Y.
This image features a series of colorful, stylized silhouettes of human hands raised in various positions. The hands appear in
YMCA Academy