Early Learning Center

Program Purpose & Description

• The YMCA Early Learning Center is a private not-for-profit faith based childcare center that provides affordable high quality child care for children 6 weeks through 5 years of age.
• The Early Learning Center is licensed by the State of Illinois for up to 44 children and managed by a community Board of Directors, some of whom are consumers of the services provided. 
• The Early Learning Center is partnered with the Regional Office of Education #33 to provide educational and learning opportunities for children. It is housed in the same location that the Knox County Day Nursery used to operate, which has provided childcare services in the Galesburg area since 1915.

Early Learning Center Mission

The Knox County YMCA Early Learning Center aligns with the Knox County YMCA mission statement to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. The ELC does this by providing a developmentally appropriate learning environment for the children and the families it serves.

Hours of Operation

The Knox County YMCA Early Learning Center is open 7:00am to 5:30pm Monday through Friday, with the exception of major holidays. Please allow enough time to arrive at the center to get your child ready to leave and signed out before 5:30pm closing time. Children who are picked up after the regular closing time of 5:30pm will be charged a late fee of $5.00 per each five minute interval and is to be paid upon arrival at the center. 

Full-time childcare is available, we do not offer part-time childcare at this time. 

Please contact Rebecca Grappe at 309-342-4315 or rgrappe@knoxymca.org with any questions.