Early Learning, Child Care & CampsPart-Time Child Care
Quality Care on a Flexible Schedule
The Y’s Play and Learn program provides safe, quality part-time child care for children ages 6 weeks through 6 years — available to YMCA members and the general public. Whether you need a few hours while you exercise, meet an appointment, attend school, or work part-time, Play and Learn gives your child a nurturing place to grow while you take care of what matters. Licensed by the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services, our program is staffed by caring, qualified educators who make every child feel welcome and safe. Registration is required; spots fill quickly, so we encourage families to register early.
Play and Learn Locations
Play and Learn is currently offered at two YMCA of the Fox Cities locations. Each offers a warm, play-based environment where children explore, socialize, and thrive. Contact the location closest to you to learn more or get started.
Apple Creek YMCA
Play and Learn at the Apple Creek YMCA offers part-time, hourly child care for children ages 6 weeks–6 years. Care is available for a maximum of 5 hours per day.
- September–May
- Monday–Thursday 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
- Friday 8:00 AM–Noon
- June–August
- Monday–Thursday 9:00 AM–4:30 PM
- Friday Closed
For more information, contact Cindy Reinhold at 920.702.2308 or gro.seiticxofacmy@dlohnierc.
Appleton YMCA
The Appleton YMCA Play and Learn Center offers AM, PM, and full-day options, Monday–Friday 7:30 AM–5:30 PM.
AM sessions run 7:30 AM–12:30 PM; PM sessions run 12:30–5:30 PM.
Use the registration form to add your child to the waitlist — when a spot is available, our team will contact you by email.
For more information, contact Allison Liegel at 920.560.0425 or gro.seiticxofacmy@legeila.
Why Families Choose Play and Learn
Play and Learn is more than child care — it’s a place where children build confidence, make friends, and discover the joy of learning. Here’s what every family can expect.
Licensed & Safe
Play and Learn is licensed by the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services, so families can trust their child is in a safe, regulated environment.
Flexible Hours
With hourly, AM, PM, and full-day options, Play and Learn fits the schedules of working families, students, and parents who need reliable part-time care.
Play-Based Learning
Children don’t just wait — they explore, create, and grow through age-appropriate activities rooted in the Y’s core values.
Open to All
Play and Learn is open to both Y members and the general public, making quality part-time care accessible to every family in the Fox Cities.
Need Full-Time Care?
If your family needs more than part-time coverage, the Y offers full-time licensed child care for children ages 6 weeks through 6 years at four locations across the Fox Cities. Our full-time centers follow the same play-based, values-driven curriculum and are staffed by the same caring team you’ll find across all Y child care programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Play and Learn serves children ages 6 weeks through 6 years. Registration is required for all participants.
Play and Learn is currently offered at the Apple Creek YMCA and the Appleton YMCA. Contact each location for current availability and hours.
No — Play and Learn is open to both Y members and the general public. Y members may receive discounted rates.
Apple Creek YMCA offers hourly care with seasonal hours (see location details above). The Appleton YMCA offers AM (7:30–12:30), PM (12:30–5:30), and full-day options Monday–Friday 7:30 AM–5:30 PM.
At the Apple Creek YMCA, care is limited to a maximum of 5 hours per day. Contact the Appleton YMCA for daily limits at that location.
Fill out the registration form on this page. The Appleton YMCA uses a waitlist system — when a spot opens, a team member will contact you by email. Questions? Contact your preferred location directly using the information above.
