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Y-Academy @ Monterey Park

Y-Academy Early Learning

2301 North 3rd Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Director
Michaela Bowker
Mon - Fri:
6:30am – 6:00pm
Supporting Children
6 weeks - Age 5
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Michaela Bowker

Monterey Park Center Director

Michaela has over ten years of experience in early learning as a lead teacher and assistant director. She has recently moved to Arizona from Texas where she helped lead a 100+ child center. She is passionate about engaging families into their child’s education and creating innovative spaces for children to thrive.

Michaela has over ten years of experience in early learning as a lead teacher and assistant director. She has recently moved to Arizona from Texas where she helped lead a...

Michaela has over ten years of experience in early learning as a lead teacher and assistant director. She has recently moved to Arizona from Texas where she helped lead a 100+ child center. She is passionate about engaging families into their child’s education and creating innovative spaces for children to thrive.
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Y-Ready

Y-Ready focuses on preparing 3- to 5-year-olds for kindergarten in an academically focused enrichment program. As part of the Y Academy, this part-day option allows early learners to develop key academic, social, and emotional milestones needed for kindergarten. Children le...

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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.

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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

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    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.


  • Age

  • Scholars

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    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 @ Monterey Park YMCA

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What Parents Are Saying

  • “Our child has developed so many new skills thanks to the diverse activities offered at Y-Academy. We couldn’t be happier!”

    – Samira C.

  • “Y-Academy offers a perfect balance of learning and play, and the dedicated staff make sure every child is seen and heard.”

    – Licia G.

  • “We love how the Y-Academy blends academics with creative exploration—our daughter’s confidence has soared!”

    – Alex K.

  • “I feel at ease knowing my child is in a program that values safety, learning, and personal growth. The Y-Academy is a gem!”

    – Aanya H.

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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!
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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...

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Other Nearby Locations

Explore Additional Y-Academy Centers

Downtown Phoenix

350 North 1st Avenue,
Phoenix, Arizona 85003

Mon - Fri:
6:30am – 6:30pm

Supporting Children
Ages 1 - 5

View Location

Chris-Town

5517 North 17th Avenue,
Phoenix, Arizona 85015

Mon - Fri:
6:30am – 6:30pm

Supporting Children
6 Weeks - Age 5

View Location

Arcadia

3811 North 44th Street,
Phoenix, Arizona 85018

Mon - Fri:
6:30am – 6:00pm

Supporting Children
Ages 1 - 5

View Location

Tempe

7070 South Rural Road, Tempe, AZ, USA

Mon - Fri: 6:30am - 6:30pm

Supporting Children

Ages 1 - 5

View Location Get Directions

Scottsdale / Paradise Valley

6869 East Shea Boulevard, Scottsdale, AZ, USA

Mon - Fri: 6:30am – 6:30pm

Supporting Children

Ages 1 - 5

View Location Get Directions

Monterey Park

2301 N 3rd St, Phoenix, AZ, USA

Mon - Fri: 6:30am – 6:00pm

Supporting Children

6 weeks - Age 5

View Location Get Directions

Mesa

1807 S Sunview, Mesa, AZ, USA

Mon - Fri: 6:30am – 6:30pm

Supporting Children

Ages 1 - 5

View Location Get Directions

Maryvale

3825 North 67th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ, USA

Mon - Fri: 6:30am – 6:30pm

Supporting Children

Ages 1 - 5

View Location Get Directions

Tolleson

8950 West Illini Street, Tolleson, AZ, USA

Mon - Fri: 6:30am – 6:00pm

Supporting Children

Ages 1 - 5

View Location Get Directions

Goodyear

2919 North Litchfield Road, Goodyear, AZ, USA

Mon - Fri: 6:30am – 6:30pm

Supporting Children

6 Weeks - Age 5

View Location Get Directions

El Mirage

12450 West Cinnabar Avenue, El Mirage, AZ, USA

Mon - Fri: 6:30am – 6:30pm

Supporting Children

Ages 1 - 5

View Location Get Directions

Downtown Phoenix

350 North 1st Avenue, Phoenix, AZ, USA

Mon - Fri: 6:30am – 6:30pm

Supporting Children

Ages 1 - 5

View Location Get Directions

Chris-Town

5517 North 17th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ, USA

Mon - Fri: 6:30am – 6:30pm

Supporting Children

6 Weeks - Age 5

View Location Get Directions

Chandler / Gilbert Family YMCA

1655 West Frye Road, Chandler, AZ, USA

Mon - Fri: 6:30am – 6:30pm

Supporting Children

6 Weeks - Age 5

View Location Get Directions

Arcadia

3811 North 44th Street, Phoenix, AZ, USA

Mon - Fri: 6:30am – 6:00pm

Supporting Children

Ages 1 - 5

View Location Get Directions
View All Locations

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.
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YMCA Academy