YWCA Central Maine provides high-quality, affordable Early Learning and Out-of-School Time programs for children ages 1½–12.

• Preschool & Pre-K (full day)
• Out-of-School Time Programs (before and after school care)
• School Vacation Weeks & No School Day Programs
• Summer Camp

Early Learning (Preschool & Pre-K)

Our Early Learning program features three classrooms designed to meet the developmental needs of children at different stages. Each classroom provides free breakfast, lunch, and snacks daily.

We follow the Creative Curriculum, a research-based, play-centered approach that supports children’s cognitive, social, physical, and emotional development. Through hands-on exploration and intentional teaching, children build essential skills in language, literacy, math, problem-solving, and cooperative learning. Teachers observe and assess developmental progress throughout the year to help each child grow at their own pace.

Transportation for Public Pre-K is available to all Lewiston Public Schools, making it easier for families to access high-quality early learning opportunities and consistent routines.

Out-of-School Time
(Before School, After School & Full-Day Care)

Our Out-of-School Time programs serve children in kindergarten through sixth grade. Bus transportation is provided to and from Lewiston public schools. Families can rely on full-day programming during school vacations, most holidays, professional development and early-release days, and unplanned emergency closures. School-age children enjoy a hearty afternoon snack during after-school hours, and breakfast, lunch, and snacks during full-day care.

Out-of-School Time activities include enrichment clubs, arts and crafts, STEM and cooking projects, gardening, sports, games, and special interest workshops. Every day balances free play with engaging, adult-supported learning experiences that build confidence, independence, and a strong sense of community.

Summer Camp

YWCA Summer Camps offers a different theme each week so children can explore diverse activities that meet the needs and interests of all participating children. Some of our past themes have included: art, animals and outdoor adventure, circus, and performance. YWCA summer camp includes daily swimming and weekly field trips to beaches and lakes, museums, parks, and other activities. Enrichment programming, STEAM activities, and special guests that are related to each week’s theme are provided to engage children’s interests and prevent summer learning loss. Children are provided breakfast, lunch and snacks.

Programming is led by young adult camp counselors who bring diverse skills and experiences to the program. YWCA summer camp is open to all children in first through sixth grade.

Registration for Summer 2026 opens in January 2026!

Food and Nutrition

YWCA Central Maine Food & Nutrition Program provides equal access to fresh, healthy, well-balanced, culturally-appropriate, and delicious breakfast, lunches, and snacks each day, regardless of socioeconomic barriers.

In addition to addressing the immediate, short-term concerns of food insecurity for children and families, YWCA Central Maine’s Food & Nutrition programs also prioritize longer-term outcomes by introducing new foods to expand children’s food preferences.

Produce – We prioritize the use of produce to meet fruit and vegetable components of the children’s daily meals. Canned or frozen options are used very sparingly. Our goal is to use fresh options and explore new exciting ways of preparation and presentation to open up a child’s willingness to explore the possibility that vegetables do taste good.

Family Style Meal Service – Every day when I afterschool children get off the bus; they are welcomed with a spread of nutritional food laid out for them on the table. Children and Teachers sit and enjoy a moment of decompression before starting afterschool programing. The offering of a family style meal creates community among the children and creates time for teachers to get the scoop of how a child’s day is going. As sharing a meal together though out time and cultures is a universal tool in creating connections, we believe that in offering this time and space, we are helping children transition properly, make connections, and engage in the healthy benefits of access to nutrition.

Food Role Models – We believe that we are not just feeding children. We are offering fresh and well-planned meals that excite the children. Each plate is colorful, and the food is attractive in presentation. We believe that each of us who are interacting with children at mealtimes are food role models and our participation, language and attitude about the food are one of the key components in inspiring trust, curiosity and willingness for children to eat healthy food.

Swim Time for All

All Early Learning and Out-of-School Time programs include swim time in the YWCA pool. Children participate in weekly swims that combine structured lessons with unstructured time to build water confidence, safety skills, and joy in the water.

Centering Mission in Everything We Do

YWCA Early Learning and Out-of-School Time programs offer an affirming, inclusive environment where every child is valued. Our teachers are trained in the YWCA mission of eliminating racism and empowering women, and they bring this mission to life daily in their classrooms and activities. We believe that fostering peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all begins early, and we are proud to offer programs that honor each child’s unique talents, interests, and needs.

Partnering With Families

We work hard to provide the best experience for your family. You can expect:

• Direct communication with your child’s teachers through a secure app
• Parent nights and parent-teacher conferences
• Special events and family-centered mission trainings
• Regular newsletters and developmental updates