Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) of Kankakee

The Kankakee Area YMCA's School Age Childcare program is here for those who need before and after school care for school-aged children in our area. Working with the Kankakee County schools, we have developed a program to serve many children! This year, we are offering our before and after school childcare on-site at Kennedy Middle School & King Middle School to serve Kankakee School District 111, Liberty, Shabbona and Levasseur to serve Bourbonnais School District 53, Bradley East and Bradley West to serve Bradley School District 61, Bonfield Elementary School to serve Herscher School District 2 and St. George to serve St. George School District 258.

The Kankakee Y offers full-time childcare at our childcare center located at 1025 N Washington. Infant through preschool care between 6:30am-6:00pm Monday through Friday. Programming is taught by qualified staff who prioritize the growth of each child using Nationally recognized curriculum.

Members can take advantage of our free drop in babysitting while working out. We have morning, afternoon and weekend hours for infants through elementary age.

The PNC Grow Up Great Preschool provides an enriching, nurturing environment that fosters learning and social development for the most important preschool years. PNC's High Scope Curriculum embraces a hands-on learning approach using people, objects, events and ideas in the areas of art, science, social-emotional development, language, literacy, math, movement, and music. CCR&R funding is accepted and financial assistance is available for those that qualify. For more information, visit: https://k3ymca.org/preschool

The Kankakee Area YMCA offers a great preschool option for children ages 3-5. Children 5 years old may be enrolled in either Preschool Camp or Camp Discover; the Camp Director may decide whether the child is ready for a full day in Camp Discover. Preschool camp field trips may differ from field trips for Camp Discover and are subject to change. Parent chaperones are welcome and encouraged to participate on field trip days with our Preschool Campers.

Facilities include 19 Spinning Bikes, State of the Art Aerobic Studio- Aerobic/ Fitness Classes, Cardiovascular Equipment, Free Weights, State of the Art Cybex Selectorized Strength Equipment, 2 Indoor Pools (includes Therapy Pool), Gymnasium, Indoor Running/ Walking Track, 3 Racquetball/ Handball Courts, Indoor Play Center-Y Kid Zone, 2 Dry Saunas, 2 Steam Rooms, Family Locker Room, Multipurpose Room, Child Watch-Babysitting While You Workout, Climbing Wall, Free Weight and Cardio Equipment, Programs include: Active Older Adults, Adult and Youth Sports, Aquatics, Child Care- Preschool & School Age, Summer Day Camp, Health & Fitness (Zumba, Pilates, Cycling, Step, Personal Training), Leadership Training, Living and Learning Series, Special Events, YMCA International, CPR/AED & First Aid Classes, Free Personal Training (Included in Membership), After School Program at School Sites, Facility Rentals & Birthday Parties.

Camp Discover is our base camp for children ages 5 - 12 to experience a well-rounded, fun time at camp without any additional fees. Each week will have a new theme, from sports and pirates to LEGOs and movies. Our campers will take part in activities throughout the week that are related to the theme, along with other camp activities like swimming, lunch, and games.

Wellness programs include: Aerobic classes, Cardiovascular equipment, Strength training, Aquatic lessons, Exercise classes, Active older adults, and Special events/socials.

Classes offered for ages 6 months - adults. Parent/Child Swim Lessons for children from 6 - 36 months. Preschool Swim Lessons for children from 3 - 5 years. Youth Swim Lessons for children from 6 - 12 years. Classes are offered for teens and adults, ranging from beginner classes to advanced. The YMCA Swim Lessons Program develops water skills and confidence. Learning to swim provides valuable aquatic survival skills to community members and helps to promote positive values. During all swim lessons, participants and instructors find opportunities to learn and demonstrate the YMCA core values (caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and faith). The Stingrays Swim Team is a competitive swim team offering high quality coaching and technique instruction for all ages and abilities. Free open swim is available for adults and families who are YMCA members.

The Kankakee Y has been the leader in offering youth sports for decades. Traditional sports programs for children include basketball, soccer, T-ball, coach pitch baseball, volleyball, dance and tumbling. Adult sports offered are basketball, volleyball and Pickleball. Flag football will be offered soon!

The YMCA is now offering workforce development training for teens. YMCA Y.E.S. (Youth Employment Skills) is open to all teens between the ages of 14-19. Teens will be given the opportunity to learn needed job skills including interviewing, resume writing, etiquette and more! Registration is available now at the Welcome Center.