When Marissa returned to work after maternity leave, finding the right child care provider was one of the most important decisions she faced. As both a YMCA team member and a parent, she knew her daughter would be in caring hands—but it was still a big step.

From the very first visit, Marissa felt reassured. The educators listened carefully and worked with her to create a gentle plan to help her daughter adjust to the new environment.

“I shared my concerns about this being her first extended time away from me,” she recalls. “They truly understood.”

That understanding made all the difference. On her daughter’s first day, there were tears at drop-off — a moment every parent can relate to. The supervisor offered calm reassurance and encouraged Marissa to call at any time.

“Within an hour, she phoned to say my daughter had settled in and was doing great,” Marissa recalls. “That small gesture put me completely at ease.”

As the days passed, photos shared through the parent portal showed a happy, curious little girl exploring new activities and forming friendships. Drop-offs became easier, and confidence grew for both mother and child. “Before long, she was running through the door, excited to see her educators and friends,” Marissa says.

What stood out most to Marissa was the connection and care her daughter experienced each day. “Even team members who weren’t in her classroom greeted her by name. They all took the time to make her feel welcome.”

Today, that nurturing environment continues to shape her daughter’s growth.

“They celebrate her milestones with us and have played a key role in her development,” Marissa shares. “She’s expanding her vocabulary, learning new routines, and developing social and self-help skills. It’s laid a strong foundation for her future learning in a safe, nurturing environment.”

For Marissa, the YMCA isn’t just a trusted child care provider—it’s a community that supports her family’s well-being every step of the way.