Olympic Peninsula YMCA

Early Learning Center at 7th Haven

An adult woman reading a book with pre-school children.

At the Y, our goal is to ensure that children enter kindergarten ready to learn, grow, and thrive. We recognize that high-quality early education is one of the best ways to ensure your child's future success. The 7th Haven Early Learning Center will provide state-licensed childcare for children ages 2.5-5 years old. The center will provide a safe and friendly environment that fosters a child's cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development. 

YMCA membership is not required in order to participate in this program.

Registration is now open for 2025/2026 school year!

To start the registration process for your child, ages 2.5-5 years, in our Licensed Child Care program at 7th Haven, please click the button.

START REGISTRATION    PROGRAM FAQ    PROGRAM BROCHURE

Information

Our Philosophy - YMCA Early Learning Center

At the YMCA Early Learning Center, we believe children learn best through play, exploration, and strong relationships. Our program is built on the idea that every moment in a child’s day is a chance to learn and grow, not just during lessons, but during meals, outdoor play, daily routines, and at home.

OUR VALUES

At the Early Learning Center, we follow the YMCA’s four core values: Respect, Responsibility, Honesty, and Caring.

Respect: We treat every child and family with kindness and understanding. We teach children to value themselves, others, and the world around them.

  • Children learn to listen, share, and play cooperatively.
  • Our classrooms reflect diverse cultures, languages, and experiences.
  • We create a space where all children belong by making sure they feel respected, seen, and valued.

Responsibility: We help children take responsibility by encouraging pride, ownership, and care for their actions and environment.

  • We give children age-appropriate choices and opportunities to help.
  • We build skills for independence, problem solving, and decision making.
  • We help children take responsibility for each other by showing empathy, kindness, and working together as a community.

Honesty: We build a learning environment where children are safe to share their thoughts, ideas, and feelings.

  • Teachers model honesty, active listening, and open communication.
  • Children learn that it is okay to make mistakes and to talk about their experiences.
  • We nurture creativity by encouraging children to express themselves in real and meaningful ways, showcasing their work around the room.

Caring: We lead with warmth and compassion in every part of the day. We help children understand and care about others' feelings.

  • Strong teacher-child relationships are at the center of our program.
  • Children learn to show empathy and invite others into their play.
  • We teach children to care about themselves and others by promoting curiosity in their learning and in their relationships. 

 

OUR GOALS FOR CHILDREN

  • Nurture curiosity and imagination
  • Support independence and confidence
  • Develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Foster empathy, respect, and kindness
  • Celebrate each child’s strengths and unique identity

HOW WE WORK WITH FAMILIES

We believe children learn better when families and teachers work together. We welcome parent input, share regular updates, and invite families into the classroom to be part of the learning journey.

At the YMCA Early Learning Center, we build a strong foundation for lifelong learning by celebrating each child for who they are and how they grow.

LOCATION

Early Learning Center at 7th Haven
1351 7th Street, Suite Y
Port Townsend, WA 98368
360-477-0907

HOURS OF OPERATION

Monday - Friday  
6:30 A.M. - 6:00 P.M.

AGES

2.5 - 5 years old

*Must have started potty training.

CONTACT

Sarah Scagliotti
Program Executive, Youth Development
360-390-4155

Financial Support

The Olympic Peninsula YMCA is a nonprofit organization committed to making our programs accessible, and we are proud to offer financial assistance to families in need. Assistance is made possible through our annual fundraising campaign and community support, and is based on household need and available funds.

If you are seeking financial assistance for Licensed YMCA Childcare, you must first apply for the Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) program. See "About Subsidy" tab below. If denied, or if additional support is needed, you may apply for a YMCA scholarship by completing an application at your local branch or online.

Additional Information

Program Details

  • The Early Learning Center at 7th Haven is in partnership with OlyCap and operated by the Olympic Peninsula YMCA of Jefferson County.
  • We follow the school district’s inclement weather policy: if local schools are closed, our center will also be closed. In the event of a two-hour delay, the Early Learning Center will open at 10:00 AM.
  • You will be invited to download Brightwheel which is our all-in-one app for attendance, parent communication, and daily updates. Families use it to check children in/out and stay connected with staff throughout the day.
  • Our philosophy is grounded in the YMCA’s four core values - Honesty, Caring, Respect, and Responsibility.
     

About the Curriculum

We use Teaching Strategies® Creative Curriculum - a research-based program that supports whole-child development through hands-on, play-based learning. It promotes growth in social-emotional, cognitive, physical, and language skills, while helping children build a strong foundation for school readiness through exploration, discovery, and engaging activities.

About Subsidy

This program is eligible for DCYF subsidy starting September 2025.

To apply for subsidy, apply for the Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) program through DCYF at 1-844-626-8687, or for eligible military families, the MCCYN subsidy program at 1-800-424-2246.