326 16th Ave SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
United States
Conveniently located on the University of Minnesota Campus, the YMCA Early Childhood Learning Center offers full-day care and education for infants, toddler, preschool and pre-kindergarten. On-site amenities include: bright, colorful classrooms, indoor enrichment room, interactive boards for preschoolers, outdoor playground for all ages and more!
Pricing information
Every family deserves quality care to thrive. We offer competitive tuition rates and registration fees. Need-based scholarships are available. Contact us at (612) 268-4390 to schedule a visit and discuss weekly tuition rates.
Meet the Director

Kate Shelley-Williams
Early Childhood Learning Center Program Director
Kate joined the YMCA in 2013 working in the Kids Stuff program. She graduated from St. Catherine University in 2018 with her Bachelor's Degree in Communication Studies. After college, she began working as the Assistant Childcare Director for the YMCA Early Childhood Learning Center at the Eagan and Lakeville locations.
Kate currently lives in East St. Paul with her husband, Maurice, and two daughters; Brooke (4) and Jordynne (1). She enjoys being outdoors and spending time with her family.
Her favorite thing about the ECLC at the University of Minnesota has been watching the relationships grow between the children and staff. She also loves watching children from all backgrounds learn, grow, and play together.
Curriculum & Philosophy
We use the Creative Curriculum® to develop age-appropriate experiences that foster joyful learning. For each child, we address individual needs, build skills for success and incorporate STEM activities. Pairing our curriculum with the YMCA Healthy Kids Initiative, we also provide exposure to healthy eating, nutrition and physical activity for children and their families.
On-site amenities
- Bright, colorful classrooms
- Indoor enrichment room
- Interactive boards for preschoolers
- Outdoor playground for all ages
Enrichment programs
Learning at the YMCA Early Childhood Learning Center gives your child multiple opportunities to interact with children and staff that strengthens their confidence and social interactions for kindergarten.
- Kids’ Fitness
- Language–Spanish and American Sign
- Music and Movement
- Farm to YMCA with gardening and cooking activities
- Yoga
- Environmental Education
Policies
Providing a safe, secure and predictable environment is a top priority for every YMCA Early Childhood Learning Center. For more information about our policies go to:
Parent Referral Program
If you love your Early Childhood Learning experience, spread the word and get rewarded!
It’s easy to make a referral. Pass on the referred parent’s name, along with some basic information about the family to your program director.
- Complete the parent referral form and give it to your program director.
- After the new family has enrolled at any of our Early Childhood Learning Center locations and stayed for at least four weeks, you’ll receive a week’s free tuition for your oldest child.
- You can refer as many families as you’d like to earn more. Every time a child is enrolled as a result of your recommendation, you’ll get a week’s free tuition.
Request a tour
Discuss weekly tuition rates, meet our staff and see our facility in person with a guided tour from our Program Director. Request a tour and we’ll reach out to you shortly to find a time to visit.