This image shows a joyful moment featuring three young children who are closely huddled together, smiling directly at the camera. The child

Ross Farnsworth Family YMCA

Y-Academy Early Learning

1807 South Sunview
Mesa, AZ 85206

Director
Heidi Plumlee

Mon - Fri:
6:30am – 6:30pm

Supporting Children
Ages 1 - 5

Heidi Plumlee

Mesa Center Director

With over 20 years of experience in early childhood education, Heidi has grown from a know-it-all teenage assistant teacher to lead teacher, assistant director, and now director (and yes, still claims to know-it-all). Early learning holds a special place in her heart—it’s where she discovered that working with children wasn’t just a job, but a true calling. As a director, her goal is to create the kind of program she always wished for as a child and as an employee—one where children, families, and staff feel welcomed, supported, and inspired to grow and make lifelong memories. Also, fun fact: an owl once told her it takes three licks to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop. She’s still not convinced.

With over 20 years of experience in early childhood education, Heidi has grown from a know-it-all teenage assistant teacher to lead teacher, assistant director, and now director (and yes, still...

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.

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...

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.

Ross Farnsworth Family YMCA

Y-Academy Early Learning

Heidi Plumlee

Mesa Center Director

You Deserve Peace of Mind About Your Early Education Provider