The YMCA of Southern Arizona annually serves over 55,000 members, nearly 26,000 of whom are under age 18.  We are the largest provider of licensed childcare in Southern Arizona, and serve well over 13,000 young people in our child care, youth sports, aquatics and youth camp programs.  Moreover, YMCA likely serves more children and working families than any other local nonprofit provider.

Full Service Childcare & Preschool
The YMCA has programs available for pre-school school-aged children to play, learn and grow! We offer 3 full service preschool programs at our Mulcahy/City (1 to 5 years), Holsclaw Child Care Center (6 weeks to 5 years) and at the Ott Family YMCA (3 to 5 years) locations. Both full day and partial days are available at each location.

Child Watch
Our Child Watch program allows parents the opportunity to leave their children in the hands of our experienced Child Watch staff members while they use the YMCA’s facilities.  The Lighthouse, Lohse, Northwest and Ott locations provide this option as another way to build a healthier community in body, mind and spirit!

YMCA Fun Factory
The YMCA Fun Factory is an after school enrichment program that focuses on making friends, building relationships, staying active and exercising leadership skills. We provide safe, secure and stimulating environments where children will experience success and develop a positive sense of self worth.  

Fun Factory provides every child with the opportunity to choose from a variety of well-planned enrichment activities matched to their developmental needs and interests. Our goal is to make these times affordable, memorable, rewarding and fun for each child in a safe and caring environment.

The program is offered at several school sites throughout Tucson, and specific times and locations can be found by visiting the Ott, Mulcahy, Lohse or Lighthouse Child Care pages.

Summer Day Camp
In addition to full day care offered on days when schools are closed, the YMCA offers children of all ages the experience of a lifetime at Summer Day Camp!  Whether it’s through swimming or games, singing or field trips, counselors at YMCA Day Camps lead kids in developing good values and creating relationships that can last a lifetime. Each of our licensed child care sites, throughout Tucson, hold day camps during the summer months to give kids a fun way to enjoy the season. Parents can relax knowing that they've found a safe and positive environment for their children.

For the truly adventurous we offer Resident Camps at the Triangle Y Ranch in the Coronado National Forest.

Financial Assistance
Fee assistance is available for some families (based on income) through the Department of Economic Security Child Care Division (DES). The YMCA Financial Assistance Program also offers aid dependant on financial need and available resources.